FAQ Accordion

SHIPPING

• We ship orders Wednesday through Friday excluding major holidays. Orders placed over the weekend will be processed the following week. In-stock items will take 2-5 days to ship from the date the order is placed. Items that are back-ordered, custom made, made to order pieces from our 1909 collection, or antique rings that require resizing will have a longer wait time. Please check the details section on the product page or contact us directly if you need an order by a certain date. We will send you a notification when your order has shipped.
  
  

  How much is shipping? What carrier do you use?

  We offer free standard shipping within the continental US on orders over $300.

  
  Available domestic shipping methods within the USA:
  
  Standard Shipping — $15 (2-7 business days in transit via UPS Ground)
  Second Day Shipping — $30 (2 business days in transit via UPS 2-Day Air; please note that it takes us one full business day to process and pack your order prior to shipping)
  
  Orders may not be shipped to P.O. Boxes or AFO/FPO addresses. Please contact us if you'd like your order shipped to a P.O. Box or AFO/FPO address and we will do our best to accommodate your request!
  
  International Shipments
  
  For all international orders, please select $45 International Shipping (UPS International Mail). The time in transit is 5-14 business days. Please be advised that payment of any duties or import taxes is the responsibility of the recipient and these fees are collected at the time of delivery.
  
  Other important information regarding your international order:
  
  1. Duties and taxes are determined by the customs agency of your home country. Charges are not always incurred, however, duties or taxes are assessed based on the value of your order and the taxable threshold for the destination country. We are not able to determine these fees as they differ in each country. Payment of any duties or import taxes is the responsibility of the recipient, these fees are collected at the time of delivery.
  
  2. In-stock items will take 2-5 days to ship from the date the order is placed. Items that are back-ordered, custom made, made to order pieces from our 1909 collection, or antique rings that require resizing will have a longer wait time. Please check the details section on the product page or contact us directly.
  
  3. All orders shipped internationally are final sale.
  
  4. Due to customs regulations, gift wrapping is not available for international orders.
  
  

  • It's been four weeks and there's no sign of my jewelry. HELP!

    If your package is lost in transit, we will do all we can to assist you to recover it. We ask our carrier to require a signature for all orders of $500 or more. We cannot be held responsible for packages once proof of delivery is generated, so please be sure to choose a delivery address that you know to be secure.
    
    

PACKAGING

• I got my package, but where's my receipt?

  We don't print a receipt for every order — that wastes tons of paper. Your emailed receipt is more environmentally friendly and harder to misplace.
  
  

• This jewelry will be a gift. Can you help?

  Of course! We offer gorgeous custom gift-wrapping for an additional $5 — choose this option at checkout. If you wish, you can also request a gift receipt to be included with your order. If you’re ordering an engagement ring to your home for a surprise proposal, we can use generic, unmarked packaging that doesn’t have any identifying “ERICA WEINER” labels — email us and we’ll make it so.
  
  

• I want to propose to my lady. Can I buy a special engagement ring box for this?

  You won’t need to. Our gold-embossed velvet and leatherette box is classy and substantial with a hinged top that opens dramatically to reveal the engagement ring within.
  
  

RETURNS / EXCHANGES

• What’s your return/exchange policy?

  Antiques and jewelry from our handmade EW Originals line can be returned (unworn) within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Made-to-order pieces, including rings created in your size, special orders and Secret Message Acrostic pieces, are FINAL SALE - no refunds, no exchanges. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is also FINAL SALE. If you have any questions about your specific item's return policies, please email us before purchasing.  
  
  Shipping costs are non-refundable, and all costs for return shipment are the responsibility of the customer. Returns are not accepted after 10 days from receipt at your shipping address. Please note that due to customs and duty fees, items shipped to addresses outside of the United States are non-returnable. 
  
  To return an item, please email us within 10 days of receipt to obtain permission to begin the return process. Then please ship it via insured, registered US Mail or insured UPS within 3 business days to the address below:
  
  Erica Weiner LLC
  Attn: Returns/exchanges
  1425 SW 20th Avenue, Suite 203
  Portland, OR 97201
  
  Upon receipt of the shipment, we will email you confirmation that the refund or credit has been issued.
  
  

• How do I mail back a return?

  Email us first to determine that your piece is, in fact, returnable. Once you get the go-ahead, use a padded envelope, box, Tyvek Fedex envelope, or a combination of these. Don’t put loose jewelry in a paper envelope: it will almost certainly tear through the paper, get lost in the mail system, and then we’re all screwed. Mail the package to us via USPS Registered Mail or insured UPS to:
  
  Erica Weiner LLC 
  ATTN: Returns/exchanges
  1425 SW 20th Ave, Suite 203
  Portland, OR 97201
  
  Please enclose a printed copy of your emailed receipt or a record of purchase that includes your order number.
  
  

REPAIRS

• We offer free repairs on non-antique (EWJ collection) jewelry purchased within one year of the purchase date.
  
  Antique jewelry is sold in as-is condition, that said, we make a point to disclose any minor flaws or potential problems with wearability in each of our product descriptions. We have our antique jewels inspected, cleaned, and repaired (if required) before making them available for purchase. In the unlikely event that your newly purchased antique is damaged, please email us. Repairs are assessed on a case-by-case basis, we will review the damage and possible cause with our jeweler, and contact you with an estimate for the repair.
   

• What if a stone becomes loose or falls out of my ring?

  All of our rings are checked by our expert jeweler. He tightens settings and resets loose stones before we sell a piece to you, so you shouldn’t have any problems. However, if you find a stone missing on your new ring, please email us or bring it back to one of our stores. We will review the damage and possible cause with our jeweler, and contact you with an estimate for the repair.
  
  

• But this isn't fair!  Isn't a diamond "forever"?

  Our antique jewelry is sold in "as is" condition. Jewelry, like all material, is susceptible to damage and requires thoughtful wear. We recommend removing all jewelry, especially rings, in situations when abnormal contact is expected. To prolong their life, remove jewels before swimming, showering, exercising and sleeping.
  
  

• What’s up with re-sizing?

  Check the “details” tab on your product’s page - most antique rings can be resized unless we say otherwise. This can usually be done multiple times over the course of a lifetime, but we charge $90 each time our expert jeweler does the job. You can choose to get your ring sized by a jeweler in your area, but be sure to find someone who is experienced in antique restoration. Go here if you need help figuring out your ring size, or try this website.
  
  

• Can you help me repair / re-size my grandmother’s ring?

  Sorry, we can only do alterations on  jewelry that has been sold by us.
  
  

CUSTOM WORK / TREASURE HUNTING

• Can you make a custom-designed engagement ring for me?

  Sorry, we don’t do that kind of work. Not even for our best friends. But check out our 1909 line of fine jewelry — we can modify many of the designs with colored stones of your choice or swap in rose gold for white gold, for example. Also, our Secret Message Acrostic Ring can be personalized with colored gems that spell a word or or sentiment. Use our interactive design tool to customize your own here.
  
  

• I saw the PERFECT ANTIQUE RING on your website / on pinterest / elsewhere on the internet but it’s sold! Can you help me find a similar one?

  Yes, we’ll certainly try. Email us with your budget, pictures, etc. to start a conversation.
  
  

• Can you put my great-grandmother’s diamond into a different setting?

  You are so lucky to have an heirloom in the family!  But we don’t currently do this kind of work.
  
  

ABOUT THE ANTIQUES

• Where do you find all this stuff?

  Lindsay and Erica spend a lot of time traveling the world to find antique pieces from all different time periods. Trusted dealers, small towns outside of London, and rural New England antique centers are our favorite places to find treasures. We also have an extensive network of antique pickers that we regularly meet with to buy new stock. Yes, it’s really fun.
  
  

• How long does re-sizing take?

  Re-sizing takes 3 weeks. You will receive notification once your ring has been sized and shipped. See the shipping information above for when you should expect to receive your ring after it has been sent off to you.
  
  

• How do you know so much about antique jewelry?

  Lindsay and Erica are fascinated with the history of wearable objects and the cultural contexts of jewels. This is informed in part by our undergraduate educations, which were in Anthropology and Art History. Over the years, we have handled extraordinary amounts of antique jewelry, befriended some of the world’s experts on it, and finally acquired a traditional gemological education so we can confidently assess gemstones and diamonds. We can pretty accurately identify the age of a piece by studying its hallmarks, construction techniques, historical design and materials. We are obsessed with researching and sharing the history of each jewel with you.
  
  

• Are all your antique jewels listed on your website?

  There are lots, lots more that we haven’t put online. See them all in our NYC shops, or follow us on Instagram to get a first look at new and exclusive acquisitions.
  
  

• What about “the four c’s” of the antique diamonds?  Isn’t that really important information?

  We will always give you the carat weight, because you should know how BIG your stone is. Cut? That’s important too, because it usually can help put your stone into a historical timeline. Color? We’ll tell you if your diamond is tinted. Clarity is something we don’t get too obsessive about on stones smaller than half a carat. We would never sell you a ring with a diamond that’s horribly cloudy, chipped, or cracked. We love a clear stone, but especially with the REALLY old ones, we consider flaws to be charming. For diamonds larger than half a carat, we provide a diamond certificate and appraisal from European Gemological Laboratory.
  
  

• Do you do engraving?

  Yes! Please email us for styles and pricing.
  
  

• I bought an antique piece from you a few months / years ago and no longer want it / the engagement is off.  i understand your return policy won't allow me to bring it back or exchange it, but will you buy it back at a discounted rate?

  Ouch! Sorry, no.
  
  

ABOUT THE EWJEWELRY COLLECTION

• Do you make this stuff?

  Yes! Erica started designing our affordable, beloved line of irreverent jewelry almost eleven years ago out of her apartment's kitchen. She doesn't make every piece herself anymore — a core group of talented, wonderful ladies do it all in a sunny, bright Brooklyn studio.
  
  

• Is it vintage or what?

  We use vintage chain, charms, and findings whenever we can. When the huge costume jewelry factories in New England moved their production overseas in the late 20th century, the surplus jewelry parts were put into storage. We regularly visit these warehouses to find weird, gorgeous stuff. We also work with the NYC MTA, for example, to buy vintage subway tokens, and we use traditional jewelry techniques (casting, soldering, electroplating) to create our vintage-inspired styles.
  
  

• Wait, I thought you guys only sold fancy antiques.

  Designed to be wearable and fun, the EWJewelry line was incubated in the crafts markets of the mid 2000’s, when the concept  “handmade in Brooklyn” was hot stuff. We were among the first vendors / tastemakers at the now-iconic Artists and Fleas and Brooklyn Flea. We still live in Brooklyn, and we think it’s as important as ever to hand-make everything here. Although we’ve evolved into the antique jewelry world, we still love pop culture, we still follow fashion trends, and we are thrilled to still make jewelry (with a twist) that’s within the reach of almost all budgets.
  
  

• why did my jewelry turn green/gray?

  Brass jewelry may acquire a dark, antique-y patina with repeated wear. While we love the way this looks, you may not. To restore a brand-new shiny luster, use a commercial brass cleaner, like “JAX”, which is available at many jewelry stores and online. Jewelry polishing cloths work well too, but don’t use them on gold- or silver-plated finishes, as it can abrade the thin layer of plating right off. Another old-fashioned trick to clean brass is to smear it with ketchup, wait a few minutes, and then rinse it off. There’s something about the acid and sugar that de-tarnishes the metal. Good luck!
  
  

• the surface of my silver/gold plated jewelry is fading/chipping. can you re-plate it for me?

  Our electroplaters are accustomed to producing very LARGE batches of gold- and silver plated items. We can’t ask them to re-plate a single piece, but we want your jewels to remain shiny and beautiful for as long as possible. We are therefore really happy to replace your faded or chipped items with brand-spanking new ones, free of charge (up to one year from the date of purchase). In some instances — the Letterpress Necklace, for example — the replacement item might be slightly different than your original jewel, but we assure you it will be just as lovingly designed and made as the previous one.
  
  

ABOUT "1909"

• What does “1909” mean?

  We chose this name for our fine jewelry line because Erica’s paternal grandmother was born that year in a tenement apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Known for her storytelling and her jewelry, she was an extremely stylish, tough, and funny lady.
  
  

• are these antiques? reproductions of antiques?

  They are modified re-creations of some of our favorite antique pieces that have come and gone through our shop. When we find a piece of jewelry that we can’t part with, we note our favorite aspects of it to use as a starting point. We add or take away or an element of the design that we think would work better for everyday wear, or we just make a stylistic change to update the look. If you are thinking about investing in one of our 1909 pieces and want to know more about it, ask us.
  
  

• what if a stone falls out of the setting?

  Don’t panic! Contact Lindsay and she'll help you get it repaired.
  
  

• are these "blood diamonds"?

  A huge part of our company’s mission is to do the right thing for the earth and the people living on it. So we make sure to use recycled stones whenever we can. We like the way old-cut diamonds look better than new ones, so we search NYC’s diamond district for gems that date from the 1920’s and before. Although there’s no way of knowing any diamond’s exact history, we feel confident working with recycled diamonds, as this prevents us from investing in the current and future labor and mining practices that give “blood diamonds” their name.
  
  

• Can I customize my 1909 piece?

  In some cases, yes! The Atomic Ring for example, looks great in platinum with a bigger diamond. We can custom-make most 1909 jewels with the metal of your choice (white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum) and many (but not all) of our designs can accommodate different stones (black diamonds, turquoise, sapphires, rubies, and more). Email Lindsay with your request and we can give you a quote which will include a small but reasonable customization fee.
  
  

PAYMENTS

• Can I have a discount on this antique ring pleeeeeease?

  Nope. Our prices are fair and in line with the current market, and therefore they’re non-negotiable.
  
  

• Do they ever go on sale?

  No.
  
  

• Do you offer a layaway plan?

  We do! Our layaway policy is as follows: we take a 50% deposit down on any piece of jewelry retailing for $500 or more. The balance must be paid within 60 days of your initial payment. When you commit to do this, the purchase is FINAL SALE. We’ll keep the jewel in our safe for you until the balance is paid in full. If you haven’t paid your balance within the 60 day window, you forfeit your deposit and we will return the jewelry to our sales floor.