FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Reference Links
About Dana Walden Jewelry
- Meet your designers
- Dana & Rad's journey into fine jewelry design
- Our commitment to ethical design & responsibly mined diamonds
- Glossary of Fine Jewelry Terms
All About Diamonds
Fabrication, Repairs, Shipping, Returns, etc.
Cleaning, Maintenance & Warranty
- How to care for your micro-pavé jewelry
- How to clean and care for your engagement ring
- Lifetime Warranty
Questions & Answers
Q - Where is your jewelry made?
A - All of our jewelry is handmade by artisans, from start to finish, in our NYC workshop, located in midtown Manhattan. The only exception is when Dana feels like getting his hands dirty and he makes a few pieces himself in his Brooklyn workshop!
Q - How are your gemstones and metals sourced?
All of our diamonds and gems are personally sourced and vetted by Rad herself. Over the years, we've cultivated an expansive network of suppliers that specialize in high quality gems and responsible sourcing. All of our diamonds are certified conflict free via the Kimberley Process. If you would like us to go a step further with regard to traceability, we can also custom source a Canadian diamond for you, upon request. You can also consider lab-created diamonds.
We use eco-gold and eco-platinum from melted down, already existing supplies to the furthest extent possible. By using recycled metal we help to decrease the global demand for newly mined gold and the social/environmental destruction that comes with it. Our goal is to create a meaningful, well-designed, and traceable piece that you can truly feel good about wearing every single day.
All of our diamonds are certified conflict free via the Kimberley Process. If you would like us to go a step further with regard to traceability, we can also custom source a Canadian diamond for you, upon request. Again, lab diamonds are another option for a gem that is guaranteed ethical. See more on diamonds in our Diamond FAQs.
Q - What's the difference between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond?
Mostly "where they're formed" (in the earth vs. in a lab pipe) and "the price." One thing to know: lab-growns are not fake; this is a common misconception. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds, but there are some other core distinctions you should be aware of. Read more on lab diamonds vs. natural diamonds.
To see all of our Diamond FAQs, click here.
Q - What are the 4 Cs?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created this globally-recognized grading system to determine a gem's quality and define its value on the market. Appraisals of diamonds and diamond jewelry will always factor in these four metrics:
- Color
- Clarity
- Cut
- Carat (or carats/ carat weight)
It helps to work with a professional when navigating the journey of finding the perfect diamond for you. Rad has been sourcing diamonds and gemstones for almost 20 years, and sources gems daily for DW clients. Rad’s trained eye visually breaks down the 4Cs in real time to bring you choices that are exceptional contenders within your budget. Read more.
PLUS, see all of our Diamond FAQs here.
Q - What is micro-pavé?
Rings with small diamond accents in the halo or band of your engagement ring are known as micro-pavé. Micro-pavé designs are very delicate because we're essentially manipulating very small bits of metal around tiny diamonds. We've worked for years to perfect our ratio of stone-to-metal, creating rings that are seamless and delicate, yet strong and secure. That said, our micro-pavé diamond rings are still more delicate than rings without micro-pavé accent diamonds. Read more.
Q - What metals do you offer?
A - Our general offering is eco-friendly (recycled) 14k or 18k rose, yellow, or white gold, and Platinum. We’re happy to evaluate requests for 20k, 22k, and 24k gold.
Please note that our rose (or blush) and yellow gold options are carefully blended by Dana himself and they are designed to have neutral undertones that ensure they wear well on ALL SKIN TONES. Read more about rose gold.
Q - What's the difference between platinum and white gold?
Platinum is prized for its rarity, durability, and high density, which makes it a very popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands. Platinum has the added bonus of being a naturally white metal, which means that there is no need for plating or special maintenance. It’s a bit higher in price, but if you’re looking for a white metal and your budget allows for it, we highly recommend platinum.
White gold is created by mixing gold (which is naturally yellow) with other white metals, creating an alloy that is whiter but not quite white. In order to achieve white gold’s signature high-chrome finish, the industry standard is to plate this sallow alloy with rhodium, which is in the platinum family of metals. From time to time, re-plating is needed on white gold pieces. White gold is an excellent option that looks just like platinum when plated, but requires a bit more maintenance. It also represents a lower price point than platinum. Read more.
Q - What is your turnaround time for engagement rings?
A - Our ready to ship engagement rings can be shipped out (or picked up at our NYC studio) within 2-3 business days. If you need a ready-to-ship ring to be resized, we’ll need about 7 days to do that work. Our special order engagement rings require 3-6 weeks for fabrication, as they are custom made to order. Read more.
Q - Do you make custom jewelry?
A - Yes, this premium service is perfect for couples who desire a truly bespoke experience. You will be part of the process every step of the way, including viewing a master model of your ring before we create your actual ring. Enjoy complimentary diamond sourcing as part of this process. Read more.
Q - Can I tweak an existing design and/or customize my ring?
A - Absolutely! Dana Walden Jewelry offers many ways to customize your jewelry while staying within your budget. Make your pieces truly meaningful by adding an engraving, selecting a brushed or polished finish, or even adding a 'secret gemstone' to the inside of your ring. Ask us for details and ideas and we can come up with a design that perfectly captures your story.
We are also open to making modifications to our existing designs to make rings perfect for you. We can source a range of gemstones to place into any of our settings. Send us an email at sales@danawaldenbridal.com to share your idea(s) and we will confirm whether or not we can accommodate, while keeping the structural integrity of the piece in mind.
Q - I need my ring expedited. Can a ring be ready and/or delivered sooner than standard?
A - We offer rush services for most of our designs at a fee. Send us an email at sales@danawaldenbridal.com with the ring you’re interested in, as well as your deadline, and we’ll send you an estimate. Know that we will try our very best to make your deadline if it is possible to do so.
Q - Can you personalize rings?
A - Dana Walden Jewelry offers many ways to customize your jewelry while staying within your budget. Make your pieces truly meaningful by adding an engraving, selecting a brushed or polished finish, or even adding a 'secret gemstone' to the inside shank of your ring. Ask us for details and ideas and we can come up with a design that perfectly captures your story. Know that our gold and rose gold alloys are proprietary and designed to look good on all skin tones. Dana’s special alloys paired with Rad’s expert gemstone sourcing and DW’s artful setting designs ensure each piece is quite personal.
We are open to tweaking any of our existing designs to make them perfect for you. Changes to existing settings and designs can be made for a nominal fee to make each piece personal to you. Email Dana and Rad to let them know your needs sales@danawaldenbridal.com (or set up a call/ appointment to meet in person or virtually)! They will reply promptly with an estimate.
Q - Can I upgrade conflict-free or lab diamonds and other gemstones in Special Order designs?
A - You sure can! Just talk us through your hopes and dreams, and we will tap our resources to make it happen. Email us with an inquiry sales@danawaldenbridal.com
Q - Can I buy a loose gemstone from you?
A - We only sell finished rings. That said, we have an impressive library of gemstones with a specialty in unique, ethical sapphires and are happy to show any of that inventory in person if you book an appointment in our NYC studio, or remotely via high-quality video. We’d be happy to talk you through the gems in our collection to create the perfect custom piece for you! Send inquiries by email to sales@danawaldenbridal.com
Q - Are your sapphires treated?
A - Fact is, most sapphires on the market are heat treated. If you prefer a premium, rare untreated/ unheated stone, we’ll happily source that for you via our specialized network of reliable dealers. Send inquiries by email to sales@danawaldenbridal.com
Q - Can you reset my heirloom or independently sourced diamonds into a DW setting?
A - Sure! There is a vetting process which involves Dana and Rad seeing your gem in person and approving it for re-setting. In general, your diamond must be 0.50ct or above, though we will sometimes make exceptions depending on the exact carat size and condition of your stone. Send us an email at sales@danawaldenbridal.com with your diamond specs and the setting you’d like, and we will follow up with a rough price quote and next steps. Read more.
Q - Other than diamonds and sapphires, what other gemstones do you work with?
A - In our long careers, we’ve worked with just about every gem under the sun. Our current catalog includes emerald, aquamarine, ruby, aquamarine, spinel, pearl, and tourmaline designs. We also work with Tanzanite and Alexandrite. We have excellent resources for moissanites and lab diamonds, which are have no mining impact, if you are concerned with the origins of your stone.
Q - How do I find out my ring size?
A - Use our printable sizer or request a plastic ring sizer in the Notes for your order. You can also email us to request a plastic ring sizer to be sent to you sales@danawaldenbridal.com OR have us measure you when you come in for your in-studio appointment.
Q - Can I reserve a ring or other piece of jewelry (place a hold on an item)?
A - This is a popular question! While we do not have an official hold policy we are caring professionals and are happy to handle this on a case-by-case basis, often placing a 24 hour hold on some pieces while clients finalize financing and other details. When you partner with us to create a meaningful piece of fine jewelry, you’re part of the DW family and will be treated as such. Email us at sales@danawaldenbridal.com with details and we will try our very best to come up with a solution that works for everyone.
Q - Do you offer financing?
A - We offer financing on all available inventory through Affirm. When you meet with Dana & Rad they're happy to advise further on financing options.
Q - Do you offer payment plans?
A- If you have special circumstances regarding financing, please discuss those with us transparently and we can come up with a solution that works for everyone. Book an appointment to talk to us, or email sales@danawaldenbridal.com
Like we said, you’re part of the DW family now and we want to make sure the ring of your dreams is within your reach!
Q - Do you do appraisals?
A - We outsource our appraisals to a reliable third party since we believe it’s a conflict of interest to appraise our own work. A GIA graduate gemologist performs your appraisal and provides a certificate of appraisal.
Some fine print for you: Rings $5K or more come with complimentary appraisals. All other rings can be appraised for a $150 fee. Appraisals render an “Estimated Retail Value” based on professional evaluation by a third-party gemological laboratory.
Q - How do you ship your pieces?
A - Ground shipping via FedEx is complimentary on every purchase over $100 USD. 2nd Day and overnight delivery is available at a cost/ by request. Signatures are required for all DW deliveries and all packages are fully insured.
Q - Do you ship internationally?
A - Yes! International shipping prices vary and the recipient is responsible for all taxes and duties. We’ll make sure you’re clear on what all these charges are before we ship.
Q - Do you offer Saturday delivery?
A - If needed, yes. Happy to evaluate based on client needs/ case-by-case basis.
Q - Can you help me keep the ring delivery a surprise?
A - Of course we can! We will never post a ring as “Sold!” on social media platforms until after proposals are complete. During the production and delivery process, we communicate only with the purchaser via contact information provided. Our shipping box is a standard, inconspicuous FedEx shipping box that comes from “Dana Walden.” Which is a great segue into the next question…
Q - Can I pick up the ring at the studio?
A - Absolutely! If you’d prefer to pick up your finished piece in the studio just let us know and we can schedule a pick up time. Email us at sales@danawaldenbridal.com to book a pick up time.
Q - What are your ring box/ packaging options?
A - We have a signature white ring box with gold embellishments and clasp. All rings are proposal ready in this beautiful box.
Q - What’s the best way to find out the status of my order?
A - A tracking number is sent by email when your piece is shipped. If you have other questions before or after shipping, your best bet is emailing us at sales@danawaldenbridal.com
Q - Do you re-size, clean and/or repair jewelry?
A - We re-size, clean, polish, and repair Dana Walden pieces only. You can drop off or ship your piece for servicing, but first email us at sales@danawaldenbridal.com to formally coordinate the effort.
Read more about FREE Annual Cleanings and Professional Cleanings.
Q - Can I clean my engagement ring at home? Should I?
A - Nothing beats a professional cleaning, and we’re always happy to do that for you in-person or by mail. Just reach out via email to coordinate sales@danawaldenbridal.com
Read more about FREE Annual Cleanings and Professional Cleanings.
That said, for “sticky situations” between professional cleanings, we recommend using a few drops of dishwashing liquid in some warm (not hot or boiling) water, and a very soft baby toothbrush to gently clean your jewelry at home. Read more and watch a how-to video.
Q - What’s the best way to store my fine jewelry?
A - Our recommendation is to store your jewelry inside your DW ring box, then place that ring box into another larger jewelry box or a bedroom drawer. It’s always surprising when we learn that folks “store” their engagement and wedding rings in bathroom medicine cabinets, or anyplace in the bath. Our #1 tip: Don’t do that :) Try to keep jewelry out of the bathroom. Ideally, jewelry is the last thing you put on after you get ready, so as to avoid exposure of your fine jewelry pieces to soaps and lotions during application.
Q- Can items be returned?
A- We have a 7-Day Return Policy that is conditional. Please read our full Return Policy and Repairs Policy to learn all the details, including which items CANNOT be returned.