Frequently Asked Questions
Lead Times:
If you are purchasing a piece from our current inventory, most orders will ship out within 24-48 hours after payment has been received.
For ring sizing, please allow one week turnaround.
For custom orders, please allow 4-12 weeks depending on the design. If you have a special occasion or holiday deadline, please contact us to discuss and we will do our best to expedite your order. Please note: since the pandemic began, we sometimes encounter outages that are beyond our control and we will keep client's apprised of any such delays.
Custom Orders:
We love custom designs! We believe that a custom piece should allow the client, designer, and jeweler to co-create a piece that truly speaks to you! We invite you to browse our Custom Projects page and if anything strikes your fancy, please contact us with the name of the seal you desire, and together we will create the perfect piece of heirloom jewelry for you!
Please note that loose seals are not available unset.
All custom orders require a minimum of 50% deposit to begin production as each piece is being created expressly for you. Please read our Return Policy (below) on custom orders.
Return Policy:
In-Stock Inventory
We understand that purchasing fine jewelry online is taking a leap of faith and while we try to photograph each piece as clearly and accurately as possible, sometimes a piece simply doesn't work out. And even though we're pretty sure you will love your new piece, we offer a 3-day unconditional No Questions Asked return policy to give you peace of mind in your purchase.
If you need to return an item, please contact us by the end of the third (3rd) day after receipt of your item and we will be happy to issue you a full refund of your purchase price upon return of your item, as long as it is undamaged in any way. Items must be returned in their original unworn condition, with all original packaging and information cards. Items must not have been sized nor altered in any way.
Please note that all shipping charges are non-refundable and return items must be posted within 3 business days of informing us of your intention to return (so within six days from receipt of item).
We will provide a return insured shipping label to you via email after you contact us to initiate the return process, and you will receive detailed packing instructions for return shipping, to ensure that your return is packaged properly and safely as per our insurance company's guidelines. You must use our shipping labels and packing protocol so that your return is covered by our shipping insurance.
Custom Orders, Sizing, and Layaways are non-refundable
However, in the event that your custom piece is not what you agreed to as per your order invoice, or if there are any issues with your piece, we will make every effort to make things right for you. Please contact us to discuss options.
Cancelling a custom order before work has begun will result in a 20% non-refundable fee (from the total cost) to cover all work done during the design period.
Shipping:
We use both Fedex and UPS, offering Next Day or Two-Day service, with all shipments fully insured. You will receive a tracking number when your package ships, and all shipments require an adult signature. Please note that our insurance policy restricts shipping to certain countries. Please contact us if you are unsure about shipping to your country.
Taxes and Duties:If you are shipping within the State of California, sales tax will be added to your final invoice.
If you are located outside the United States, you may be responsible for paying local taxes and/or duty fees. These fees are separate from your sales price and are your responsibility.
Sizing:
We would be happy to size your ring for you! Please let us know what size you require when checking out, or contact us before you make your purchase. Sizing fees depend on the type of ring, with most rings being $100 for sizing, and Moon rings being $150 due to the extra labor required in sizing open-top ring.
Packaging:
All Seal & Scribe pieces come in our custom suede-lined presentation boxes or suede pouches, with matching outer box and a hand-tied gold ribbon, suitable for gifting. You will also receive a card with Care Instructions and additional information about your piece. If you require gift wrapping, please let us know via email and we will be happy to provide complimentary gift wrapping for you.
Layaway Plans:
We are happy to offer a traditional 90-Day interest-free layaway plan of 4 equal payments for all in-stock inventory items. You may choose to add tax and shipping to the final payment, or include them across all 4 payments. Please contact us to initiate a layaway.
Sample Payment Schedule:
Day 1 - 25% non-refundable deposit
Day 30 - 25% payment due
Day 60 - 25% payment due
Day 90 - 25% payment due
Payments must be made every 30 days, as per your invoiced payment schedule, and we must receive them on or before the day they are due. Layaways are non-refundable. Canceling your sale before final payments have been made will result in forfeiting all funds paid to date.
We also offer special custom layaway options, tailored to each client's needs, and depending on the price of the piece being commissioned. We will try to work with you to ensure you can have the piece of your dreams, and with a payment schedule that works for you!
Jewelry Care:
Most of our pieces contain an antique seal of either glass, hard stone or semi-precious gems that are over 200 years old, set into 14k or 18k gold. Please feel free to wear your Seal & Scribe jewelry daily with the following sensible precautions:
- We recommend not wearing during strenuous activities where it might be subject to breakage or loss (gardening, sports, swimming, etc.).
- To clean, simply wipe gently with a very slightly damp soft cotton or flannel cloth - or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol - and gently dry with soft cloth or swab (No ultrasound cleaners).
- To remove grime, you may soak your piece in warm water and dish-washing liquid. We prefer Simple Green or Dawn diluted 1:3 with lukewarm water. Soak for 10 minutes and then gently brush the piece with a very soft baby toothbrush or a paintbrush, rinse in lukewarm water, and dry gently with soft flannel cloth.
- Do not use boiling water or ultrasound cleaners as they may cause cracking or damage to your antique seal.
- Enjoy your new heirloom!
Privacy & Security:
Your personal information and your privacy are of utmost importance to us. Any and all information shared in the purchase process is kept confidential. We do not share nor sell our mailing list.