FAQ
What makes The Diamond Bar different from other jewelry stores?
At The Diamond Bar, we believe exceptional jewelry deserves an exceptional experience. From the moment you walk through our doors, you'll receive personalized service, honest guidance, and a relaxed, pressure-free environment where your questions are always welcome. We take pride in educating our clients so they can make confident, informed decisions, and we're passionate about bringing your vision to life through our custom design process, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your style and story. Combined with outstanding customer service, expert craftsmanship, and support long after your purchase, we're committed to making every visit as memorable as the jewelry you leave with.
Is The Diamond Bar locally owned?
Yes, We are a small business located in Town & Country, MO and we service clients all over the world.
How long has The Diamond Bar been in business?
We have been in business officially since May 2019. However, our owner Chris has been in the jewelry industry for over 22 years.
Where is The Diamond Bar located?
13360 Clayton Road, Suite 103 Town & Country, MO 63131
What are your store hours?
Tuesday - Friday 10AM-6PM and Saturdays 10AM-4PM. We are closed Sundays and Mondays.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Appointments are not required, and you're always welcome to stop in during business hours. However, if you already know what you're looking for, we recommend scheduling an appointment so we can curate a personalized selection of diamonds or gemstones based on your preferences, style, and budget. This allows us to have everything prepared before you arrive, making your visit more efficient and tailored to exactly what you're looking for.
Can I walk in?
Absolutely! Walk-ins are always welcome during our regular business hours, and no appointment is required. If you're browsing, shopping for a gift, or simply have questions, we're happy to help. If you're planning to design a custom piece or already know what you're looking for, scheduling an appointment allows us to prepare a personalized selection of diamonds or gemstones in advance, making your visit even more efficient and tailored to your needs.
Is parking available?
Yes, we have free parking available right in front of our showroom.
Is your showroom wheelchair accessible?
Yes, our showroom is wheel chair accessible.
Do you offer beverages during appointments?
Yes! We offer a self-serve selection of pre-prepared beverages, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, for our guests to enjoy during their visit. To ensure a comfortable and responsible environment for everyone, guests are limited to two alcoholic beverages per visit, and any alcoholic beverages must be finished or discarded before leaving our showroom.
Why do you only sell natural diamonds and gemstones and not lab-grown?
At The Diamond Bar, we have chosen to specialize exclusively in natural diamonds and gemstones. While synthetic diamonds have a place in today's market, we believe consumers should clearly understand the difference between a naturally formed
stones and one that is manufactured in a factory.
Our philosophy is simple: an engagement
ring should represent something as rare and enduring as the commitment
it symbolizes. Because natural diamonds are finite and cannot be
manufactured, we believe they remain the superior choice for celebrating life's most meaningful moments.
We also believe buyers deserve
transparency. Synthetic diamond prices have declined significantly as
production has increased, and we encourage every client to understand
the long-term market differences before making a purchase. Many
consumers have been given unrealistic expectations regarding their
long-term value.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your priorities. If your focus is maximizing size for your budget, a synthetic diamond may
appeal to you. If you value rarity, natural origin, ability to upgrade and owning a stone created by nature, a natural diamond is the clear
choice.
Lab-grown diamond production has increased dramatically in recent years, causing wholesale prices to decline significantly (current wholesale value is around $50-$100 per carat for most shapes and sizes) as manufacturing has become more efficient. Because they can be
produced in unlimited quantities, their resale value has generally not kept pace with natural diamonds, which remain a finite natural resource. While some retailers continue to sell lab-grown diamonds at substantial markups, others have begun using them as promotional items or heavily
discounting them, reflecting the rapidly changing market
Where can I buy natural diamonds in St. Louis?
If you are looking for natural diamonds in St. Louis, The Diamond Bar specializes in hand-selected natural diamonds chosen for their beauty, rarity, and individuality. Unlike mass-produced jewelry retailers, we take the time to educate our clients about diamond quality, cut, color, clarity, and how each diamond performs in a finished piece.
At The Diamond Bar, we believe choosing a diamond is more than comparing numbers on a certificate. A diamond should have personality, brilliance, and meaning behind it. Whether you are searching for a natural diamond engagement ring in St. Louis, a diamond upgrade, or a custom jewelry piece, our team helps you find a diamond that fits your story and your vision.
Who makes custom engagement rings in St. Louis?
The Diamond Bar is a trusted St. Louis custom jeweler specializing in one-of-a-kind engagement rings. Our team works directly with clients to design unique engagement rings that reflect their personal style, relationship, and budget.
Owner and jeweler Chris Phillips brings over two decades of jewelry design experience and has created thousands of custom pieces. From selecting the perfect natural diamond or gemstone to designing the final setting, we guide you through every step of the custom jewelry process.
Whether you want a classic solitaire engagement ring, a modern design, or something completely original, The Diamond Bar creates engagement rings that are meant to become lifelong heirlooms.
What is the best jewelry store in St. Louis?
The best jewelry store in St. Louis is one that takes the time to understand you, educates you, and creates jewelry with lasting meaning. At The Diamond Bar, we believe fine jewelry should be a personalized experience — not a rushed transaction.
Our modern luxury showroom was designed to feel different from a traditional jewelry store. We specialize in custom jewelry design, natural diamonds, rare gemstones, engagement rings, jewelry redesign, and handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces.
Our clients choose The Diamond Bar because they want a jeweler who listens, teaches, and creates something truly unique.
Where can I redesign heirloom jewelry?
The Diamond Bar specializes in heirloom jewelry redesign in St. Louis, helping clients transform sentimental jewelry into modern pieces they will actually wear and love.
Many heirloom pieces contain beautiful diamonds and gemstones but may have outdated designs or styles that no longer fit your personality. Instead of letting those treasures sit unused, we can redesign them into custom rings, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets while preserving the memories attached to them.
We believe the most meaningful jewelry often has a history. Our goal is to honor the past while creating something new for the future.
How long does it take to make a custom engagement ring?Most
custom engagement rings at The Diamond Bar take approximately 2–6 weeks from the initial design consultation to completion.
The timeline depends on several factors, including the complexity of the design, gemstone availability, CAD design approvals, and the level of craftsmanship required.
Our custom process includes:
- Initial design consultation
- Diamond or gemstone selection
- Design development
- CAD rendering approval
- Full Production of your ring
- Final inspection and finishing
Because your engagement ring is a once-in-a-lifetime piece, we focus on creating something exceptional rather than rushing the process.
Is custom jewelry more expensive?
Custom jewelry is not always more expensive than purchasing a finished piece. The cost depends on the materials selected, including the diamond or gemstone, metal choice, design complexity, and craftsmanship.
One advantage of custom jewelry is that you have control over your investment. Instead of paying for a mass-produced design, you can focus your budget on the features that matter most to you.
At The Diamond Bar, we work with clients at different budgets to create meaningful, high-quality jewelry that feels personal and timeless.
How much does a custom engagement ring cost?
The cost of a custom engagement ring in St. Louis varies depending on the diamond or gemstone, precious metal, design details, and craftsmanship involved.
A custom engagement ring can range from several thousand dollars to significantly higher depending on the rarity and quality of the materials chosen.
At The Diamond Bar, we believe the focus should not simply be on price — it should be on creating the right balance of beauty, quality, and value. Our team helps you understand where your investment matters most so you can confidently create a ring that represents your relationship.
Should I buy a natural diamond?
Choosing a natural diamond is a personal decision based on what matters most to you. Many clients choose natural diamonds because they value rarity, tradition, and the fact that each stone was created naturally over billions of years.
A natural diamond engagement ring represents something that is both timeless and unique — much like the relationship it celebrates.
At The Diamond Bar, we specialize in natural diamonds because we believe fine jewelry should feel rare, meaningful, and designed to last generations.
What engagement ring style is most timeless?
The most timeless engagement ring style is the classic solitaire. A solitaire engagement ring places the focus entirely on the beauty of the center diamond, creating a design that remains elegant through every generation.
Other timeless styles include:
- Three-stone engagement rings
- Halo engagement rings
- Hidden halo designs
- Classic pavé settings
- Bezel engagement rings
While trends come and go, the most meaningful engagement ring is one that reflects your personal style and will continue to feel special decades from now.
What is the best diamond shape for sparkle?
The diamond shape known for maximum sparkle is typically the round brilliant diamond because it is specifically engineered to maximize light return, brilliance, and fire.
However, many other diamond shapes can create incredible sparkle, including:
- Oval diamonds
- Cushion cut diamonds
- Radiant cut diamonds
- Pear-shaped diamonds
- Marquise diamonds
The best diamond shape depends on your personal style, hand shape, and the overall design of the ring. At The Diamond Bar, we help clients choose diamonds based on beauty and performance — not just popularity.
Which gemstone is best for everyday wear?
The best gemstone for everyday wear depends on your lifestyle, but diamonds and sapphires are among the most durable choices because of their excellent hardness.
Diamonds rank a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while sapphires rank a 9, making them excellent options for engagement rings and jewelry worn daily.
Other beautiful gemstones, such as spinels, rubies, and colored gemstones, can also be worn daily with proper care. At The Diamond Bar, we help clients choose gemstones based on beauty, durability, and how they will be worn.
Can old jewelry be turned into something new?
Yes. Transforming old jewelry into something new is one of the most meaningful services we offer at The Diamond Bar.
Your old jewelry may contain diamonds, gemstones, or memories that deserve a second life. We can redesign outdated rings, inherited jewelry, and unworn pieces into modern custom designs.
Whether you want to create a new engagement ring, anniversary piece, necklace, or bracelet, we can help preserve the sentimental value while creating something that fits your current style.
How often should I clean my engagement ring?
We recommend having your engagement ring professionally cleaned and inspected at least every 6 months.
Regular inspections allow a jeweler to check:
- Loose diamonds or gemstones
- Worn prongs
- Metal condition
- Overall security of your setting
At The Diamond Bar, keeping your jewelry beautiful and secure is part of our commitment to our clients long after the purchase.
Is white gold or platinum better?
Both white gold and platinum are beautiful choices, but they have different characteristics.
Platinum is naturally white, durable, and ideal for clients who prefer a heavier precious metal. White gold is a popular choice because it offers a beautiful appearance and is actually more durable than platinum. White gold is available with different price points depending on metal purity but does come with yearly maintenance called rhodium dips to maintain its bright shiny white appearance.
The best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, design preferences, and how you want your jewelry to age over time.
At The Diamond Bar, we help you choose the metal that best complements your diamond, gemstone, and personal style.
How often should I have my jewelry inspected?
Fine jewelry should be professionally inspected about every 6 months, especially pieces worn daily such as engagement rings and wedding bands.
Regular inspections help identify potential issues before they become costly problems. A jeweler can check prongs, settings, clasps, and overall condition to ensure your jewelry remains secure.
At The Diamond Bar, we believe jewelry care is an important part of protecting your investment for generations.
Can damaged jewelry be repaired?
Yes. The Diamond Bar offers professional jewelry repair services to restore damaged, worn, or broken jewelry.
Common repairs include:
- Ring resizing
- Broken chain repair
- Loose gemstone tightening
- Prong repair
- Gold restoration
- Heirloom jewelry restoration
Fine jewelry should be designed to last generations, and expert repair can often bring cherished pieces back to life.
How do I know if my diamond is certified?
A certified diamond comes with a grading report from an independent gemological laboratory that evaluates characteristics such as cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Common diamond grading laboratories include GIA and other respected gemological organizations.
At The Diamond Bar, we help clients understand diamond certifications and explain what those grades actually mean when selecting a diamond.
A certificate is important, but understanding the diamond's beauty and performance is equally important.
Can I finance an engagement ring?
Yes. The Diamond Bar offers financing options to help clients purchase meaningful jewelry while staying within a comfortable budget.
An engagement ring is an important investment, and financing can allow you to choose the right diamond and design without compromising on quality.
Our team can help you explore available options during your consultation.
What jewelry trends are popular this year?
Current jewelry trends are focused on individuality, personalization, and pieces that tell a story.
Some popular trends include:
- Unique custom engagement rings
- Colored gemstone jewelry
- East-west diamond settings
- Statement earrings
- Modern yellow gold designs
- Vintage-inspired details
- Personalized heirloom redesigns
- One-of-a-kind gemstone pieces
At The Diamond Bar, we believe the best jewelry trend is choosing pieces that reflect your personality. Timeless design combined with personal meaning will always remain in style.