Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
THE ROCKHOUND STUDIO PHILOSOPHY
What does "Freeform Custom Cab" mean? We believe in "Honesty Over Perfection." We do not force a stone into a cookie-cutter, symmetrical shape just to fit a standard jewelry setting. When a stone goes onto our custom-built lapidary rig, we grind away the damage, follow the natural fractures, and let the stone dictate its own shape. Every piece we cut is a 100% unique, one-of-a-kind freeform.
Do you sell rough rock, bulk slabs, or standard calibrated ovals? No. We are a custom lapidary studio, not a commodity rock supplier. We only sell finished, hand-cut freeform cabochons, select finished jewelry, and our custom cutting services.
Are your product photos filtered or edited? Never. We shoot our stones in natural light to show their true character. Natural stones have pits, asymmetrical edges, and varying surface textures. We don't hide these with Photoshop or fill them with resin unless explicitly stated in the listing. What you see is exactly the honest stone you get.
"POLISH YOUR MEMORIES" & CUSTOM MAIL-IN SERVICE
How does the "Polish Your Memories" service work? If you have a sentimental stone—like a river rock from a family trip, a stone found with a lost pet, or a cabochon that got chipped and needs repair—we can cut it. You fill out our Contact form with the story of your stone, mail it to our Spokane studio, and we will evaluate, cut, and polish it into a custom freeform piece that you can carry forever.
Is there a risk my sentimental stone could break? Yes. This is what we call "The Risk of the Wheel." Grinding and cutting natural stone is a violent process. Even the most solid-looking rock can have hidden internal fractures that cause it to chip or shatter when it hits the high-speed wheel. While we treat every sentimental memory with the utmost respect and care, we cannot guarantee a stone will survive the cutting process, and Rockhound Studio is not liable for stones that break on the machine.
How much does a custom cut or repair cost? Our base rate for evaluating, repairing, or custom-cutting a mail-in sentimental stone starts at $150.
SHIPPING & RETURNS
What is your return policy? Because our business model is strictly focused on unique, one-of-a-kind freeform cabochons and personalized lapidary work, all sales are final. We do not accept returns on custom-cut pieces, finished free forms, or completed "Polish Your Memories" services.
How long does shipping take? For pre-cut inventory, we package and ship within 2-3 business days. For custom "Polish Your Memories" mail-in orders, turnaround times vary depending on the stone and our current workbench queue. We will provide an estimated timeline when we evaluate your raw stone.