Policies

OUR CUSTOMERS

We invite you to make an appointment to experience the beauty and serenity of the atelier. We believe that jewelry is not just metal and gemstones but a symbol of our deepest felt emotions. We create our jewelry with great care, and it is our goal to meet and then exceed the expectations of our customers.

ORDERING OPTIONS

You may order online, by phone, or in person. Visits to the atelier are by appointment only.

SHIPPING & HANDLING

Domestic:
Complimentary shipping within the United States.

International:
International flat rate $50.00. Clients are responsible for any applicable duties, tariffs or taxes.

DELIVERY

Your shipment will require a signature upon delivery. Orders are generally shipped within 2 to 4 weeks. Special commissions may take longer. We will give you an approximate date of delivery specific to your order. Please advise us of your preferred delivery date if your item is for an event or a gift. We will do our best to accommodate rush deliveries.

EXCHANGE POLICY

All custom orders and special commissions are final. There are no cash refunds or exchange credits on custom work. We allow exchanges on stock items within 10 days of purchase for merchandise credit only. Please call or email us with your return information, and we will give you a return authorization number to write on your package. We cannot accept any returns without a return authorization number. Also, let us know if you would like a new item or jewelry credit in exchange. We advise you to insure your return; we cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected returns.

APPRAISAL & CERTIFICATION SERVICES

All diamonds and gemstones sold by Donna Distefano can be certified for authenticity by an independent laboratory. For clients who enjoy the peace of mind that certification provides, Distefano is able to arrange this service through the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gem Trade Association. You are welcome to bring in your personal jewelry for evaluation as well. We can provide you with documentation stating the current retail value of your jewelry wardrobe.

Jewelry Care

TAKING CARE OF YOUR JEWELRY

Donna Distefano creates each piece of jewelry with the highest standards in design, materials, and craftsmanship. Each piece of jewelry is crafted to last for a lifetime and to be passed down for generations. Simple basic jewelry care must be maintained to ensure that your jewelry may become an heirloom.

It is important to have your jewelry cleaned and serviced on a regular basis to keep it in excellent condition. We invite you to come back to the atelier for a complimentary examination of your jewelry to determine if it needs repair.

JEWELRY CARE GUIDELINES

  1. Store each piece of jewelry in either a jewelry case or in the case provided by Donna Distefano. Keep each piece separated from the others. Hard stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can scratch gold or softer stones, such as emeralds, pearls, and opals.

  2. Remove your jewelry when you are working out, but do not drop your jewelry in your purse. This can scratch the gemstones and gold. Do not wrap jewelry in a tissue; chances are great that you will throw that tissue away. Donna Distefano will be happy to provide an extra jewelry case to keep in your purse.

  3. Avoid storing your jewelry near a heating vent or in direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade some colored gemstones.

  4. Remove your jewelry when doing household chores or gardening. Cleaning products can cause gold to disintegrate and discolor.

  5. Remove your jewelry before swimming. Chlorine can damage many gemstones and can erode and discolor precious metals. Saltwater, after a period of time, can also damage many gemstones.

  6. Wait until you've finished applying your makeup, hair product, and perfume before you put on your jewelry. Cosmetics can cause damage to pearls, making them lose their luster.

  7. Remove your jewelry before taking a shower. Soap can create a film on gemstones, making them appear dull.

  8. Please do not remove your jewelry over a sink or any open drain. Earrings and rings can easily fall down the drain.

  9. Examine your jewelry periodically to make sure the settings are snug and the clasps and connections are secured. Prong settings are vulnerable if they are hit against a hard surface or if snagged on clothing. Donna Distefano will be happy to check the prongs and the clasps and connections, and will repair these for you if necessary.

  10. When you finish wearing a pearl necklace or any other piece that is composed of individual stones or beads strung together, lay it flat to prevent the silk thread from stretching.

  11. Have your pearls restrung no less than every five years, or more if you wear them frequently. The silk thread can wear out, and you can lose pearls if the thread should break.

  12. Use a jewelry cleaner designed for silver. You can reduce tarnishing by sealing silver jewelry tightly in a plastic bag. Don't do this with pearls.

  13. Clean your jewelry regularly. The best way is to use a cleaner made especially for jewelry. We are happy to provide or recommend jewelry care products.