Frequently Asked Questions

What is the return policy?

Engagement Rings, Vintage Wedding Bands, and Finished Jewelry
Any of our in-stock engagement rings, vintage wedding bands, and finished jewelry may be returned for a full refund within 30 days of the customer receiving the item. All jewelry must be returned in the condition in which it was received for the return policy to be honored. Work or adjustments done to an item by anyone other than one of our Jewelers (sizing, setting, polishing, repairs, etc.) will void the return policy. If you wish to return an item, you must contact Leigh Jay Nacht, Inc. prior to sending the item in order to obtain return authorization. Returns must be accompanied by a copy of the original invoice, any GIA reports and Appraisal documents, and a written statement from the buyer of why the item is being returned. Upon receipt and review of the item we will refund the entire purchase price.
Please be sure to fully insure the parcel upon return to prevent loss. Leigh Jay Nacht, Inc. is not responsible for returns that are lost or misplaced by the postal/shipping handler.

Settings
All of our replica settings are made to order for the customer. Production is 2-3 weeks. If a setting is shipped without a center stone, it may be returned under the same policy that is applied to our engagement rings, vintage wedding bands, and finished jewelry. If you are having Leigh Jay Nacht, Inc. set your stone prior to shipping and – upon receipt of the item – elect to return the setting, you will be refunded your full purchase price minus a $150 fee for labor and repairs required to unset the stone and return the stone to you. Settings that have been altered with sizing beads or internal “butterfly” style sizers are subject to an additional 25% restocking fee. All jewelry must be returned in the condition in which it was received for the return policy to be honored. *Please note that if you are having another jeweler set the ring to be sure that the jeweler is very experienced in setting stones to ensure it is properly seated and secure in the ring. All jewelry that is worn on a daily basis should be checked at least every six months to make sure that the setting is sound and that damages from daily wear and tear are fixed promptly.

Replica Wedding Bands
All of our replica wedding bands are made to order for the customer. Production is 2-3 weeks. Wedding bands that are made to allow for resizing may be returned under the same policy that is applied to our engagement rings, vintage wedding bands, and finished jewelry. All jewelry must be returned in the condition in which it was received for the return policy to be honored.
Diamond eternity style wedding bands, bands that have been customized with notches to fit against another ring, and rings that have been altered with sizing beads or internal “butterfly” style sizers are subject to a 25% restocking fee if returned within the 30 day return period.

Replica Engagement Rings made to order
All of our Replica and reproduction settings are available for purchase without center stones or may be ordered as finished rings with diamonds selected for the customer by Leigh Jay Nacht, Inc.’s diamond experts and Graduate Gemologist. For rings made to order, a revised return policy applies:
Rings made to order must be returned within 10 days of receipt for a refund.

Rings made to order returned within 10 days will be returned for the full purchase price minus a $150 fee for labor and repairs required to unset the stone.

All Appraisals and GIA reports must be returned with the ring or the return policy will not be honored.

All jewelry must be returned in the condition in which it was received for the return policy to be honored.

Special Orders
Any modifications made to our Replica settings and bands that alter the design of the original item are final sale and not returnable. This includes (but is not limited to) adding and/or removing engraving, adding and/or removing side stones, altering the original center-stone head, and reshaping /modifying prongs. Special orders must be paid in full prior to work being started.

Layaways
When you place an item on layaway, you have 90 days to consider your choice. If at any time during the layaway period you decide the item is not for you, you may cancel the order and we will refund your payments. Once the item is paid in full and collected by the client, it may not be returned for a full refund within the 30 day exchange period. If, after paying for the item in full and taking it home, you decide to return it we offer an alternative:

We will take the item from you on consignment and, upon resale of the item and provided it is not returned by the new buyer within 30 days, we will reimburse you 85% of your purchase price. Until the item sells, it remains your property and you may collect the item from Leigh Jay Nacht, Inc. upon request.

I just placed an order, when will item ship?

Engagement rings which only need sizing will typically ship within three days. Bands and mountings typically ship within 3-4 weeks, and often earlier. If you have a specific deadline, please note this in the comment section of order form.

How much does shipping cost?

Free dometic shipping via Insured US Post Express Mail and second-day Insured Fed Ex. Please contact us for rates to ship internationally.

Are there any guarantees?

We have a full 100% money back guarantee on all our in-Stock jewelry. The period is 30 days and if begins from the day you receive the ring. This way, you can bring the ring to an outside appraiser for evaluation or just make sure it is the right thing for you. If you decide to return the ring - for whatever reason - we will give you a full refund if it is within the 30 day return period with the ring returned in the condition it was received. If for some reason you are short on time, just call me and I'll make sure you are taken care of. We only want you to keep the ring if you are 100% satisfied.

Like anything worn or used daily - a ring is subject to the normal wear and tear of everyday activities. Some people are very hard on their jewelry, others wear things more gently. Over time, a prong may loosen, the ring could get a dent with a heavy blow, etc. These things are not due to poor workmanship, it's just normal wear and tear. We recommend that people have their jewelry checked every 6 months (or more) or so for security and cleaning. That way, little issues can be easily nipped in the bud. Many jewelry stores will do this for free. If your ring ever needs repair - you may send it back to us and we will do the repairs at minimal charge.

We do advise jewelry insurance and when you get your appraisal (provided on request with your purchase, included in your purchase price) you may use that document for the value - or your receipt.

What is the cost for ring sizing?

First ring size is included in your purchase price.

It is very important that you be certain of the finger size when you order your ring. When you place an order, you may request the size desired at checkout. If, after you submit your order, you change the requested size your order may be delayed and you will be subject to an additonal fee. Subsequent sizings cost $30 - $70 depending on the nature of the sizing and the material of the ring. Please contact us to discuss altering the size of any ring.

Our reproduction rings and most of our vintage items can be sized with no difficulty.

How can I order an item?

*over the internet using the order system on the website.
*via telephone 212-719-2888.
*via email at leigh@AntiqueEngagementRings.com

How secure is the order process?

Credit card information is given over an encrypted secure link directly to the card service processor. Card numbers are never stored on the website.

How private is my personal information?

Mailing list and email addresses are never sold or given out to third parties.

Do you have a retail store?

We have a showroom at:
10 West 47th Street Suite 802
New York, New York 10036

Hours are typically Mon - Thurs 10AM to 5:00 PM and Fridays 10AM to 4:30. Appointments are not required but are helpful. For customers coming to the showroom to view and consider engagement rings and/or wedding bands, you must arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to showroom closing time. Arrangements can be made for either earlier or later visits. At this time, we are not taking Saturday Appointments.

Why do some of your rings have diamonds with GIA reports while others just have appraisals?

The Gemological Institute of America is the global gold standard for accuracy and ethics in diamond grading. Whenever we make a new ring, we use all GIA certified diamonds so our clients can have peace of mind that the stone they are buying is properly represented and priced.

A lab report, however, is not the same as an appraisal. The GIA report does not state the value of the item, just the specifics of its cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. An appraisal for jewelry is a document created by a graduate gemologist and accredited appraiser so the owner of the item may insure the piece for the proper amount.

When we sell vintage rings with the original diamonds, we do not always get a GIA Laboratory report for the diamond and opt for an appraisal review conducted on the item by a GIA certified gemologist for insurance purposes. The reasons for this are:

1. The GIA will not grade a diamond unless it is loose from the setting. On occasion, pulling the diamond will ruin the setting. In such a case, a gemologist can get an estimate grade of the diamond in the setting as well as the weigh calculation ( it can never be 100% exact as the setting can inhibit full grading abilities). This is accurate enough for insurance and pricing.
2. The GIA can take over 2 weeks to grade a stone and the cost to have it done is sometimes costly in proportion to the value of the diamond itself (for instance – if it is a small stone under .50 cts or a heavily included or dark color diamond).
3. If the diamond in the ring is under .18 cts, the GIA will not do a full report.

If a client wants a GIA report done on a diamond – provided that it can be removed from the setting without damaging the ring – we can arrange for the service. It will take 2 – 3 weeks and the cost runs between $50 - $150 extra.

We can ship outside the US via international Fed Ex, with a few restrictions due to a country's import prohibitions (call for more information). Recipients of International shipments will be responsible for any duty and tax at Customs. Leigh Jay Nacht, Inc. has no authority over a country's local customs department and are not liable for rate charges. It is the customer's responsibility for paying local taxes to their local custom's office. Please contact your local customs department for details.

In order to be legally considered an Antique in the United States, a piece of Jewelry must be 100 years old or older. "Estate" is any item that was previously owned. "Vintage" is a descriptive term for types of estate jewelry from a particular era, such as "Art Deco", "Art Nouveau", "Retro Moderne", "Victorian", and "Edwardian".

A ring that I like is out of stock. How can I know when it will be available again?

If you fall in love with a one-of-a-kind Estate ring - when it is sold it not possible to have it again. If the ring you like is a replica and it is out of stock, we can build one to order at any time. The price of the new ring will vary depending on the changing prices of diamonds and the diamond you select, but we will work with you to help fit your budget and aesthetic desires. All of our replicas are made from molds taken of vintage items, and not all sizes and shapes of stones can fit into every ring. Please call us to discuss special requests.

While we can often set different stones into our replica settings and cast in 18k gold, we shy away from custom work as there is a strong possibility that the item will not turn out exactly as the customer hopes and are not returnable.

I love a vintage setting but I'd like a different stone. Can we buy just the setting?

While we sell most of the replica settings without the center stone, the vintage pieces are not for sale without the center stone. When we have a beautiful vintage original, we don't have the heart to break it up.

We carry the basic styles in our showroom and can cast them in Platinum, Palladium, 14k gold and 18k gold. Please call for more information.

When you purchase a ring from our Engagement Ring Section, the ring you are purchasing is the complete item. When you purchase one of our replica settings, the side stones are included in the ring - but not the center stone. We can procure a diamond or other gem to place in the setting, or you may send us your stone for us to set here. You are welcome to have an outside party set your stone, but we prefer to set all our rings so we know it is done correctly. Setting a client's stone is $40.00.

We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Cashier's checks, Wire Transfers, and Cash. Three Month Layaway is available. You may also apply for financing through GE Capital. Please call us to discuss your options.

We purchase all of our new diamonds from sellers who participate in the Kimberly Certification Process - established in 2003 to prevent diamond sales from financing the conflicts in Africa. All of our vintage diamonds are original to their rings and are not associated with modern conflicts.

The best and most effective way to clean your diamond jewelry at home is with an ammonia and water 1:4 ratio solution (or, in a pinch - windex). Soak the ring for about 10-15 minutes (if it is very soiled - even longer), scrub the setting with a soft toothbrush, rinse with tepid water and blot dry. You should have your ring checked and cleaned by a jeweler every six months or so to make sure the prongs are secure and any minor damages can be addressed promptly. Please contact us at anytime if your ring needs repair.

If you have purchased an antique or vintage ring - Congratulations! You have a special piece of one of a kind jewelry. Before we sell a vintage ring, we make sure any repairs that need to be addressed are taken care of prior to sale so the ring is in the best possible shape for wear. Your vintage engagement ring is meant to give you a lifetime of enjoyment - and a little Tender Loving Care will go along way in making this happen. Fine jewelry of any kind - but especially of an older, more delicate piece- should be removed if you are doing heavy chemical cleaning, contact sports, and activites where your hands are likely to get abraded or knocked more so than usual. If you are very active, a platinum ring will endure your lifestyle better than a gold one - which can wear faster over time. Delicate filigree pieces from the Art Deco and Edwardian period that have survived over 80 years are a credit to fine manufacture and careful, thoughtful wear. Enjoy your vintage ring - and remember that it is a work of art!

Platinum, Gold, and diamond estate rings can be cleaned in the same manner as the replica rings. Have them checked every few months for security.

All of our jewelry is made in our workshop in New York City. We are very proud of our quality and work closely with our bench jewelers to make sure each piece meets our high standards.

We are a sole retailer and we are only in New York City. Our pieces are not available anywhere else. Each piece of Leigh Jay Nacht, Inc. jewelry is a representation of our company as a whole. We want your ring to be a beautiful treasure that will make you smile every day.