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Questions, Answered
Everything we get asked before someone buys their first antique piece.
The Pieces
Are the pieces genuinely antique?
Yes. Every piece is examined in person before it is listed, and the era, metal, stone weights and condition are described as accurately as we can determine them. Where a piece has been repaired, altered or re-set, we say so in the listing.
Antique jewelry carries its history. Small signs of a long life are expected — they are not defects.
What is the difference between antique, vintage and estate?
Antique means roughly 100 years old or more. Vintage generally means 20 to 100 years old. Estate simply means previously owned — it says nothing about age, so an estate piece can be from last year or from 1890.
We wrote a longer guide to this in the Journal.
Is every piece really one of a kind?
Yes. Everything we sell is sourced individually, so there is only ever one of each. When a piece sells, it is gone — we cannot reorder it.
This is why the Vault list exists: members see new arrivals before they are public.
Do pieces come with certification?
Where a stone has independent certification, the report is named in the listing and travels with the piece. Not every antique stone is certified — many predate modern grading entirely — and we never imply certification a piece does not have.
If you would like a piece independently appraised before or after purchase, tell us and we will help arrange it.
Sizing & Fit
Can a ring be resized?
Usually by one to two sizes. Some antique rings cannot be resized safely — eternity settings, engraved bands and fragile shanks are the common reasons — and we will tell you honestly which category a piece falls into.
Resizing is quoted per piece and typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
How do I find my ring size?
The most reliable way is to have it measured by any jeweler, free and in a few minutes. If you are buying as a gift and cannot ask, send us a ring the recipient already wears and we will measure from that, or choose a piece we can size after delivery.
Fingers change size with heat, cold and time of day. Measure at the end of the day, at room temperature.
Shipping
How much is shipping?
Shipping within the United States is complimentary, fully insured, and sent signature-required.
International shipping is available on request. Duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the recipient.
When will my order ship?
Within 1 to 3 business days, unless the piece is being resized, cleaned or inspected first — in which case we tell you the timeline before we begin.
You will receive tracking as soon as the parcel is handed over.
Returns
Can I return a piece?
Yes, within 14 days of delivery, provided it comes back unworn and in its original condition and packaging.
Contact us before sending anything back so we can arrange insured return shipping. Uninsured returns travel at your own risk.
Is anything final sale?
Yes — resized pieces, engraved pieces and bespoke commissions are final sale, because they have been altered specifically for you and cannot be returned to their original state.
We will always confirm this with you in writing before any alteration begins.
Bespoke & Sourcing
How does a bespoke commission work?
We start with a conversation about what you want and what it is for. From there we source stones, then produce CAD drawings and 3D models for your approval before anything is made.
Nothing goes into production until you have approved the design.
Can you find a specific piece for me?
That is what sourcing is. Tell us the era, stone, cut and budget you are hunting, and we search our network for it.
A sourcing fee begins the engagement and is credited toward your final piece. The current fee is listed on the Sourcing page.
Care
How should I care for an antique piece?
Take it off before swimming, showering, cleaning, and the gym. Keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners unless we have told you a specific piece can take one — many antique stones and closed-back settings cannot.
Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Have settings checked once a year by a jeweler; century-old prongs deserve the attention.
Still have a question?
Ask us directly. Every message reaches a real person, usually Sasha.