Purchasing - Guarantee & Returns

All items in our collections are guaranteed as stated including the condition and period of manufacture or creation. We sell no reproduction jewelry whatsoever.^♦ We strive to have each client delighted with every purchase and do our utmost to achieve that end.

If for any reason whatsoever you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, notify us of your intention to return the item within three (3) days of receipt. You may contact us by email or by telephone. We ask that you ship back to us within another two (2) days after we receive notification from you.

Giving this as a gift and need just a little longer? Just contact us at the time of purchase and we will do our utmost to accommodate your needs.

Modified or Altered Items

Modified, damaged or altered items cannot be accepted for return. However, if The Three Graces undertakes any alteration of the jewelry on your behalf (ring sizing for example), refunds may be possible but are taken on a case by case basis and are usually for a store credit good indefinitely. You may wish to consult with us prior to the alteration.

What Comes with Your Purchase

Every purchase comes with an invoice from us clearly stating the pertinent facts about the item(s) purchased and may include materials, metals, metal fineness (karat, sterling, etc.), stones, weights, colors, sizes, dates and country of origin if known. All that we know about an item is stated in its detailed description. Each item also comes with a copy of that description if valued under $3000. This is also your certificate of authenticity and clearly states this on the invoice.

Appraisals

An appraisal is provided courtesy of The Three Graces for purchases of over $3000 in value for any one item. While an invoice is most cases is sufficient for insurance coverage, this is added proof for your insurance company.

^♦How Do We know an Item is Antique or Vintage?

Many naturally want assurance that an item is of the age and specifications The Three Grace's states in our descriptions. In the same way an antique furniture specialist evaluates and dates a piece of furniture, jewelry is just the same. Perhaps you have seen an Antique’s Road Show episode where an expert deconstructs everything about it? The wood, joints, materials, construction and overall design was assessed and the appraiser was able to date the object.

The same is true of jewelry. It is all about evaluating the many relevant facts of the piece of jewelry and then putting them together in context within the history of jewelry. Facts that lead to dating and authenticating may include the techniques employed in the metal-smithing and construction, what materials that are used, what gems and gem cuts are employed, they types of settings for the stones, the aesthetics and overall design and also condition and wear.

All of these factors are then placed into a framework within the history of antique jewelry. Like pieces of a puzzle, each fact should be consistent with precedence in the past, other known examples whether in museums and books and also accepted norms.

Thus we date a piece of jewelry. Sounds complex? It is a vast subject so much is written to help. You may wish to consult our list of reference books to continue your education. Books are one of the best ways to learn about antique jewelry – even the pictures along with captions are a great resource.

In addition, the owner, Ms. Stockhammer has spent years of study, reading books, attending seminars and lectures, networking with other experts, and of course buying and selling jewelry to hone her expertise in the field. It is a continual process of discovery and education. Every offering from The Three Graces is purchased by the owner and vetted thoroughly. If needed, other experts in the relevant area of expertise may be consulted.