FAQ

General FAQ

Can you use my own materials?

Gold & Precious Metals: Yes, most of the time. We gladly accept gold and precious metals for custom pieces. However, we won't accept chains or dental gold. We can melt down and incorporate old rings, earrings, or bracelets into new designs, but please note that a 50/50 mix of your gold and new gold is necessary for a successful cast. While this option can save you money, it's essential to understand that trading an old ring for a new one won't be a one-for-one exchange without any cost involved.

Wood: Absolutely, we can work with workable wood, provided you have enough to send us. For the best advice on this matter, please feel free to consult with us individually for each case. Some woods might be unsuitable due to toxicity or lack of flexibility.

Diamonds and Gemstones: Reusing diamonds and gemstones of a certain size is possible. However, it's important to be aware that there is a risk to stones during the resetting process, especially softer ones. As a result, we cannot guarantee the stones as we would with new or our own stones. We also don't accept 3rd party stones for setting, but we're more than willing to reuse stones in older/heirloom jewelry for reworking.

Other Materials: We thrive on challenges and have worked with an array of materials, including sand, sea glass, plastic, and even horsehair. While results are never guaranteed, we love exploring creative possibilities. Don't hesitate to reach out with your ideas, and we'll do our best to bring them to life.

Materials We Won't Work With: Our commitment to ethical practices means we won't work with ivory or other restricted materials. Additionally, we avoid using ethically grey materials like coral. We reserve the right to refuse working with any material that makes us uncomfortable, as we always strive to create with care and responsibility.

Do you repair jewelry that isn't yours?

Yes, we offer repair services for most standard jewelry pieces, and it's a great convenience we provide locally, as all repairs are conducted on-site. However, we reserve the right to refuse repairing any jewelry that we believe cannot be restored to a high standard.

Wooden Rings

For wooden rings created by other makers, we do not offer repair or refinishing services. We cannot guarantee the workmanship of these rings, and attempting repairs could risk damaging the wood irreversibly. Our focus is on preserving the quality and integrity of our own creations and ensuring the best possible service for our valued customers.

Do you have a warranty?

Warranty on Our In-House Made Jewelry:

At Northwood Custom Jewelry we take immense pride in our in-house crafted jewelry, and we're committed to delivering products of exceptional quality. As a testament to our confidence in our work, we provide a warranty that covers our jewelry for a period of 2 years from the date of purchase.

For more detailed information about our warranty policy, please visit our polices page to read more.

Warranty on Jewelry Repairs:

We take pride in our craftsmanship and the quality of our repairs. We stand behind our work and guarantee the repairs we make to a reasonable extent. If any issues arise with the repairs conducted by our team, we will take care of them promptly and efficiently.

Please note that our warranty covers repairs done by us and is valid for three months from the date of repair completion. This warranty does not extend to any pre-existing damage or issues unrelated to the repairs performed by our skilled artisans.

If you encounter any concerns regarding the repairs made to your jewelry, please reach out to our dedicated team. We are here to address your questions and ensure your continued satisfaction with our services.

Can you rush my order?

Your excitement means the world to us, and we truly appreciate your eagerness to have your special piece. We deeply care about creating meaningful jewelry that captures your unique journey.

As a small shop with limited resources, we'll always do our best to accommodate your requests and expedite orders when possible. However, we want to be honest and transparent that rush orders may not always be feasible due to the nature of our craftsmanship and certain styles' specific requirements, like wood inlays that need proper time to cure.

Rest assured, we treat each request with care and consideration. If you have a specific timeframe in mind, please reach out to us directly, and we'll explore all options together. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we'll work closely with you to ensure your experience with us is exceptional.

Do you ship to...?

We're happy to ship our jewelry worldwide. If you don't see your location during checkout, don't worry - simply reach out to us with your mailing address and the jewelry piece you want to purchase. We'll work to find the best shipping options available for you if we can.

Ring Sizing Questions

How do I find the right ring size?

We understand that finding the right ring size, especially for a surprise, is of utmost importance. To ensure the most accurate fit, we recommend visiting a local jeweler to get professionally sized. When you visit the jeweler, make sure to request sizing for a ring in a comparable width and profile to the one you plan to order from us.

If visiting a jeweler isn't possible, there are helpful apps available that can assist you in determining your ring size. However, please be cautious when using strings or other makeshift methods, as they may not yield precise measurements due to stretching or inaccuracies.

If you need discreet advice on finding your partner's ring size, don't hesitate to contact us! Our caring team is here to provide you with clever and creative suggestions, ensuring your surprise remains perfect. Your happiness is our priority, and we'll do everything we can to assist you in this meaningful moment.

Can my ring be resized?

Most of our rings can be resized to fit you perfectly. If a ring is unable to be resized, we will make sure to mention it on the product listing.

Resizing is performed at the cost of materials and labor, with customers responsible for shipping expenses. The pricing can vary based on the extent of resizing needed. To minimize costs, we recommend trying to be as accurate as possible with your sizing when placing an order.

For our wood rings, we offer a 30-day Perfect Fit Guarantee, as resizing these rings often requires additional labor. Within the 30-day window, the resizing cost will be determined by the labor and materials used, or not exceeding 15% of the purchase price (whichever is less). After 30 days, the resizing cost will be based on labor and materials, or not exceeding 35% of the purchase price (whichever is less).

We want your ring to be a perfect fit, and our team will work closely with you to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions or need assistance with resizing, please reach out to us.

Wood Ring Questions

Can wooden rings get wet?

Yes, absolutely! Our wood rings are designed to be enjoyed every day, and you can wear them in water without any worries. Each wood inlay is expertly coated with an acrylic finish, providing protection that allows you to wear your ring during swimming, showering, doing dishes, and most daily activities. The acrylic shield ensures the wood remains safeguarded from water exposure.

Rest assured, our owner, Allan, frequently swims in a chlorine/salt water mix pool while wearing his wood ring without encountering any issues. We take pride in the quality of our craftsmanship and the longevity of our wood rings.

However, if your acrylic finish shows signs of wear or poor condition, we recommend having your ring refinished before wearing it in water again. Don't worry, we offer free refinishing at any time! All you need to cover are the shipping costs.

How durable are wood rings?

Our wooden rings are crafted in the bentwood style, with the wood set in an inlay protected by metal. This combination, along with our acrylic finish, creates a very durable ring that can handle daily wear.

As with all wood items, there are some special care instructions. To maintain your ring's beauty, avoid gouging the wood inlay or creating deep scratches that could cut through the acrylic coating. Additionally, it's best to steer clear of harsh chemicals such as nail polish remover or medicated creams like lotions for psoriasis, as these may soften the acrylic.

If, over time, your ring's acrylic finish needs refreshing, don't worry! We offer free refinishing at any time. Simply reach out to us, and we'll be glad to assist you. All you need to cover are the shipping costs.

With proper care and attention, your wood ring will continue to be a treasured piece, symbolizing the unique bond it represents

Why don't you make rings entirely out of wood anymore?

We made the decision to update our style and business model due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While we loved creating rings entirely out of wood, we noticed that customers were finding it more difficult to wear them daily, especially with frequent handwashing and the use of sanitizers. The exposed edges of the wood were vulnerable to damage, leading to customers either refraining from wearing their rings or needing frequent repairs.

Realizing this situation wasn't ideal for anyone, we sought a solution to maintain our exceptional styles while reducing the care needed to wear our rings. As a result, we transitioned to setting the wood into a more traditional metal ring, offering the same great designs with enhanced durability.

Our decision to incorporate metal settings has allowed our customers to enjoy their wood-accented rings with greater ease and peace of mind. Although we no longer offer all-wood styles, we remain committed to serving those who already own them. We're still happy to work with these customers, providing care and support to ensure their cherished rings stay beautiful and in excellent condition.

Additionally, for those who wish to upgrade to our newer styles, we offer a special discount to make the transition even more enticing. At Northwood, our goal is to create lasting connections with our customers, and we're grateful for the opportunity to continue serving you with passion and dedication.

Can a ring with wood inlay be resized?

Yes, most of our wood rings can be resized to achieve the perfect fit for you. However, it's essential to keep in mind that resizing a wood ring involves removing and replacing the original wood. As a result, there might be variations in grain patterns and color compared to the original ring.

For our wood rings, we offer a 30-day Perfect Fit Guarantee, as resizing these rings often requires additional labor. Within the 30-day window, the resizing cost will be determined by the labor and materials used, or not exceeding 15% of the purchase price (whichever is less). After 30 days, the resizing cost will be based on labor and materials, or not exceeding 30% of the purchase price (whichever is less).

We value the uniqueness of each wood piece and are dedicated to crafting a resized ring that maintains its beauty and craftsmanship. With our 30-day Perfect Fit Guarantee, we'll work closely with you to ensure your resized wood ring is a cherished piece you'll love to wear.

If you have any questions or need assistance with resizing your wood ring, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.