How Billing Works for Caratwise Custom Ring Design

Free software. Transparent manufacturing invoices. Billed directly to your business, outside Shopify.

Caratwise is a complete custom engagement ring solution: a real-time 3D design and pricing platform, connected to our own manufacturing and fulfillment operation. Your customers design their ring on your Shopify store, and we craft the finished piece and ship it to you for delivery.

Our technology integrates seamlessly with your Shopify store. Our billing, however, runs separately from the Shopify App Store checkout and the Shopify Billing API. That is by design. The Caratwise software itself carries no setup fee and no subscription fee, so there is no app charge to bill through Shopify. What we invoice is the cost of the physical jewelry we make for you: real diamonds, precious metals, and skilled manufacturing.

This page explains exactly how that works, for merchant partners, our support team, and platform reviewers alike.

Why We Charge Outside the Shopify Billing API

The Shopify Billing API is built for software charges: subscriptions, usage fees, and one-time app purchases. Caratwise charges are something different. They pay for physical goods we manufacture, which is why they are handled through direct business-to-business invoicing.

Material volatility and full customization

Every Caratwise order is one of a kind. Your customer selects a specific natural or lab-grown diamond, a metal type and karat, a setting style, and a ring size, all in real time. Diamond availability and precious metal prices move daily, so the true cost of each ring is only known at the moment the order is placed. It cannot be expressed as a fixed or recurring app fee.

We are the manufacturer, not just the software

Caratwise is a unit of H.K. Designs, an established fine jewelry manufacturer. When an order comes through your store, we receive the design specifications, source the stones and metal, and handle CAD, setting, quality checks, and finishing in-house. We then ship the finished piece to you for final delivery to your customer. Our invoice reflects that physical production and fulfillment, not access to software.

Secure, standard practice for fine jewelry

Fine jewelry orders are high in value and governed by custom manufacturing terms between our two businesses. Direct B2B invoicing is the established standard for this kind of trade relationship. It gives both parties an itemized, auditable record of every order, clear payment terms, and secure, traceable payment channels.

How Invoicing and Payments Work

Every invoice is tied to a single customer order, so you always know exactly what you are paying for.

Your customer checks out on Shopify. They complete their purchase on your store as usual. You collect the retail payment through your own Shopify checkout, at the retail price you set.
We calculate the exact cost of that order. Our system prices the specific diamond, metal, setting, and manufacturing work selected, using the rates in effect when the order was placed.
We send you a direct invoice. The invoice is itemized and issued according to the payment terms in your merchant agreement, such as an upfront deposit or Net payment days.
You pay securely, outside Shopify. Pay by card through a secure Stripe invoice link, or by corporate bank transfer. Your payment status is visible in your Caratwise dashboard at all times.

Production begins once the order is confirmed under your agreed terms, and you can follow its progress from design to shipment in the same dashboard.

What This Means for Your Shopify Bill

You will never see Caratwise manufacturing or fulfillment charges on your monthly Shopify bill. Installing and using the Caratwise app adds no app charges to your Shopify account.

All financial records for our services live in two places:

Your Caratwise dashboard: every order, its invoice, the amount due, and its payment status.
Invoice emails: each invoice is sent to your designated billing contact, with a secure payment link and our bank transfer details.

Your Shopify bill continues to cover only your Shopify plan and any other apps you use. This keeps your software costs and your cost of goods cleanly separated for bookkeeping and reconciliation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I receiving a separate invoice for these orders instead of seeing it on Shopify?

Because you are paying for physical jewelry, not software. Shopify’s billing system is designed for app subscriptions and usage fees, and the Caratwise app has none. Each invoice covers the diamonds, precious metal, and manufacturing for one specific customer order, priced at the moment that order was placed. Billing it directly gives you an itemized record per order and keeps your cost of goods separate from your software costs.

What payment methods do you accept for manufacturing costs?

We accept two secure methods:

Credit or debit card, via the Stripe payment link included in every invoice email.
Direct corporate bank transfer, using the account details printed on the invoice.

We never ask for card or bank details through your Shopify store or by email reply.

How are payment terms determined?

Payment terms are set in your merchant agreement during onboarding. Depending on your order volume and account history, terms may include an upfront deposit, payment on order confirmation, or Net payment days. Your terms appear on every invoice. To review or change them, contact your Caratwise account manager.

Is there any fee for using the Caratwise app itself?

No. There is no setup fee and no subscription fee. You only pay for the jewelry we manufacture for your orders.

Can I see my full billing history?

Yes. Your Caratwise dashboard shows every invoice, its line items, and its payment status, and you can download copies for your records.

Questions About an Invoice?

Our team is here to help with any invoice, payment, or terms question. Email info@caratwise.com with your store name and invoice number, and we will respond within one business day.

Platform reviewers and auditors may request sample invoices and our merchant agreement template at the same address.