Huffords Jewelry
Frequently Asked Questions
Three generations of answering questions just like these. Browse by category or reach out directly and we will be happy to help.
General
Where is Huffords Jewelry located?
We are located at 10413 Clayton Road in Frontenac, Missouri 63131. We are on the Clayton Road corridor, easily accessible from Ladue, Town and Country, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, and the broader St. Louis area.
What are your store hours?
We are open Tuesday through Friday from 10AM to 5PM and Saturday from 10AM to 3PM. We are closed Sunday and Monday. We recommend calling ahead or booking an appointment to ensure someone is available to give you their full attention.
How long has Huffords been in business?
Huffords Jewelry has served the St. Louis area since 1948. What began under the name Seldon Cooper became Huffords Jewelry under the ownership of the Hufford family, and today Duff and Dan Hufford continue the tradition as the second and third generation. Over 75 years of continuous family ownership on Clayton Road is something we are very proud of.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are always welcome. That said, for engagement ring consultations, custom design projects, appraisals, or estate evaluations, we strongly recommend booking an appointment so our team can dedicate uninterrupted time to you. You can book online or call us at (314) 993-1444.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, financing options are available on jewelry and other purchases. Please visit our financing page or ask a team member in store for current terms and eligibility details.
Do you buy jewelry or gold?
We do. Huffords offers appraisal and estate services and can evaluate jewelry, loose diamonds, and gold you are looking to sell or trade. Bring your pieces in during store hours or book an appointment for a more thorough evaluation.
Engagement and Diamonds
How far in advance should I start shopping for an engagement ring?
We recommend starting at least six to eight weeks before your proposal date, and three to four months out if you are planning a fully custom design. This gives us time to source the right diamond, finalize the setting, and ensure every detail is exactly right before you get down on one knee.
What is the Huffords Signature Collection?
The Huffords Signature Collection is our proprietary line of engagement ring designs. Each ring in the collection combines classic, elevated silhouettes with exceptional craftsmanship, and is available with your choice of diamond shape, carat weight, and metal. These rings are designed to be timeless, not trendy, and built to become heirlooms.
Do you carry natural and lab grown diamonds?
We carry natural loose diamonds across every shape and budget for engagement rings and custom projects. We also carry finished lab grown diamond jewelry for those who prefer that option. We are happy to walk you through the differences in origin, rarity, and long-term value so you can make the choice that is right for you.
What diamond shapes do you carry?
We carry all major diamond shapes including round, oval, cushion, emerald, princess, pear, radiant, marquise, asscher, and heart. Our team can help you search our inventory for the right stone or source a specific shape and carat weight on your behalf.
How do I choose the right engagement ring setting?
The right setting depends on her lifestyle, personal style, and the diamond shape you choose. Solitaires are timeless and versatile. Halo settings add sparkle and visual presence. Three-stone rings carry symbolic meaning. Vintage and antique-inspired settings are trending strongly right now, especially with oval and pear-shaped diamonds. Our team will help you narrow it down in person.
What is the average cost of an engagement ring at Huffords?
Our engagement ring inventory spans a wide range of price points to suit different budgets and priorities. The best way to get an accurate picture is to come in for a consultation. We will show you options across your budget without pressure and help you understand exactly what you are getting for your investment.
Custom Design
Can I bring in my own stones for a custom piece?
Absolutely. We work with client-supplied stones regularly, whether that is a diamond from a previous piece, a family heirloom stone, or a gemstone you have sourced yourself. Bring it in during store hours or book an appointment so we can evaluate the stone and discuss the best setting options.
How does the custom design process work?
It starts with a conversation. We sit down with you, learn about what you have in mind, look at inspiration images if you have them, and talk through stone options, metal choices, and setting styles. From there we provide a design concept and pricing. Once approved, our bench jewelers build the piece to your exact specifications. Most custom projects are completed in four to eight weeks depending on complexity.
Can you redesign or rework an heirloom piece?
Yes, heirloom redesign is one of our most meaningful services. We can take an inherited piece, a ring that no longer fits your style, or a collection of stones from multiple pieces and transform them into something you will actually wear and cherish. The original stones and metal can often be incorporated into the new design.
How much does custom jewelry design cost?
Custom design pricing varies based on metal type, stone selection, and design complexity. We provide a detailed quote before any work begins so there are no surprises. Book a consultation and we will walk you through realistic pricing for what you have in mind.
Do you do remounting and redesign for existing rings?
Yes. Remounting is one of the most common custom requests we receive. If you have a stone you love in a setting that no longer suits you, or a ring that has been damaged beyond repair, we can move the stone into a brand new setting of your choosing. This is a great option for updating an engagement ring or repurposing inherited jewelry.
Services and Repairs
What repair services do you offer?
We offer a full range of jewelry and watch repair services including ring resizing, tip and prong repair, rhodium plating, pearl and bead restringing, jewelry engraving, cleaning and inspection, heirloom restoration, and full watch overhaul services. If you are unsure whether we can help with something specific, call us or bring the piece in and we will take a look.
How long do repairs typically take?
Turnaround time depends on the type of repair. Simple repairs like ring resizing or prong retipping can often be completed in a few days. More involved work such as heirloom restoration or watch overhaul services may take two to four weeks. We will give you an estimated timeframe when you bring the piece in.
Do you offer jewelry cleaning and inspection?
Yes. We offer professional cleaning and inspection services to keep your fine jewelry looking its best and to catch any potential issues such as loose stones or worn prongs before they become bigger problems. We recommend bringing your pieces in for a cleaning and inspection at least once a year.
Do you do jewelry appraisals?
Yes. We provide jewelry appraisals and insurance estimates for fine jewelry, loose diamonds, and estate pieces. A written appraisal from Huffords is accepted by most insurance providers. Book an appointment so we can set aside adequate time to evaluate your pieces properly.
Do you repair watches?
Yes. We offer watch repair and full watch overhaul services. Whether you need a battery replacement, a band repair, or a complete movement service, bring your timepiece in and we will assess what it needs. We handle both fashion watches and fine timepieces.
Can you engrave jewelry?
Yes. Custom engraving is available on rings, bracelets, pendants, and other pieces. Engraving is a beautiful way to personalize a piece for a gift or a milestone occasion. Ask us about options when you are in store or call ahead to discuss what you have in mind.
Estate Jewelry
What is estate jewelry?
Estate jewelry refers to previously owned fine jewelry, which may include antique, vintage, or more recent pieces. Estate jewelry is valued for its uniqueness, craftsmanship, and the character that comes with age. Each piece in our estate collection has been hand-selected by our team for its quality and condition.
How often does your estate inventory change?
Our estate inventory rotates constantly as new pieces come in and others find new homes. We recommend checking back frequently or signing up for our newsletter to be notified of new estate arrivals. If you are looking for something specific, let us know and we will keep an eye out for you.
Do you buy estate jewelry?
Yes. We offer estate buying and appraisal services. If you have inherited a jewelry collection, are downsizing, or simply have pieces you no longer wear, bring them in for an evaluation. We will assess each piece and give you a fair offer based on current market value.
Are estate pieces in good condition?
Every estate piece we carry has been evaluated by our team before it goes on the floor. We do not sell pieces that are structurally compromised, and many estate items are restored or cleaned in-house before being offered for sale. If a piece has any notable wear or character marks that are part of its history, we will tell you upfront.
Can estate pieces be resized or altered?
In many cases yes. Estate rings can often be resized, and some pieces can be altered or repurposed. The ability to resize or alter depends on the design and construction of the individual piece. Our team will assess the piece and advise you honestly on what is possible before any work is done.
Still have questions?
We are always happy to help.
Stop in, give us a call at (314) 993-1444, or book an appointment and we will take all the time you need.