>> GENERAL QUESTIONS
>> PRECIOUS METAL
>> CARE AND CLEANING
>> REPAIRS
>> RETURNS
>> OUR GUARANTEE

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: I lost one of my earrings. Can I buy just one?
A: Yes, you can buy just one earring. Just bring the one you have to your Ed Levin retailer, and they will send it in with a request for a mate.

Q: Can I track my package?
A: Your order will ship directly from our workshop in Upstate NY. If you would like to track your package please email our Customer Service Department, for your tracking number.

Q: Can I buy directly from Ed Levin Jewelry?
A: Ed Levin offers select designs for you to purchase on our Selected Designs page. For the full line please visit one of our Online Retailers or find an Ed Levin retailer on our store locator.

Q: Can I send jewelry directly to you for repair?
A: If you need a repair, replacement or price please go to your nearest Ed Levin retailer or visit one of our online retailers. They can handle everything for you. We consider them our "Jewelry Experts."

Q: Do you do custom work, ie; Can you set my stone in your design?
In order to insure our customers of the highest quality, we use only our own materials in our designs.

Q: Can you mail me a catalog?
A: Just send your name and address and we will be happy to send you a catalog.

Q: If a store does not have the design I am looking for, can they order it for me?
A: Your Ed Levin retailer can order any design that they may not have in stock.

Q: How do I find an Ed Levin retailer near me?
A: Just click on our store finder, enter the requested information, and you will see the Ed Levin retailers closest to you.

back to top

PRECIOUS METAL

SS/14K or Gold Over Option
Our SS/14K quality mark denotes an Ed Levin precious metal laminate first fabricated at Ed's request over 25 years ago. A 14K sheet is bonded to a sterling sheet, then rolled or formed into flat sheet, wire or tube. With the exception of bracelet stock, this special metal is more than 25% 14K by weight. And it has served our customers exceedingly well for over a quarter century. Our laminate should not be confused with vermeil or gold-filled.

Vermeil is a thin electroplating, measured in microns, each only 4 millionths of an inch thick and virtually unmeasurable as a percentage of the metal's weight. Gold-filled is a process by which a layer of at least 10k gold has been mechanically bonded to a base metal.

Laminating (our SS/14k) and electroplating (vermeil) have nothing in common as to process, wear, quality, cost.

Precious metals have always been valued partially because they resist oxidation. However, when they are alloyed to alter their color and strength, they can be affected by oxides to darken their surface. The result is sometimes desirable for a subtle antiquing patina or strong contrast on the bright reflective metal.

Historically, jewelers have always used a variety of methods to darken precious alloys. Although the term 'oxidation' is universally used for this process, jewelers use sulphides and other chemicals to achieve aesthetic 'coloring'.

Since only the surface of metal is altered, the oxidation is subject to wear, depending on many factors. Although surfaces can always be re-oxidized, you should recognize the pros and cons of oxidation. For instance chemicals, time and lifestyle can damage or remove oxidation.

Note: Gold is far more resistant to oxidations then sterling, and so its darkened color is far more difficult to maintain, ecspecially if it is not in recessed areas. There is a minimal charge to reoxidize a piece of jewelry.

CARE AND CLEANING

Cleaning Jewlery
Most sterling and gold jewelry can be cleaned with a soft cotton rag or a polishing cloth. When more aggressive cleaning may be necessary, ecspecially with textured jewelry, we've found that heating the piece by dipping it in hot tap water, and then scrubbing with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, baking soda or a non-abrasive silver polish will remove most tarnish and dirt.

Jewelry with pearls or soft stones (carnelian, lapis, malachite, opal, onyx) requires special care. Use only the softest cloth and wipe gently, and never use harsh cleaning solutions or chemicals.

To prevent damage and reduce the need for cleaning, keep all jewelry, (ecspecially pearls and soft stones) away from household cleaners and hair care products. Chlorine bleach found in hot tubs and swimming pools can be ecspecially harmful and will immediately tarnish most sterling and damage soft stones.

REPAIRS

Earring Mates
We can mate most earrings, even some of the oldest of designs, with the exception of designs requiring materials we no longer have on hand. Handcrafted jewelry will have some variation from piece to piece, so we highly recommended that you bring to your local retailer the original earring for us to use as a match for the pieces we are creating. We will reshape and polish the original to match its new mate.

Earwires
Bent or broken earwires can be avoided with proper care. We use a special alloy metal on our Classic Hoop earrings and work-harden the earring so that it springs to the side when opened. If the earring (not the earwire, the entire earring), is always gently opened in the direction that it springs, it will give a lifetime of joy. Included with you purchase of our Classic Hoop earrings we will include a simple instruction card on the care and function of these earrings.

Victorian Pattern Designs
Our Victorian bracelets and rings are made using an antique rolling mill and turn-of-the-century patterns acquired by Mr. Levin himself some 40 years ago. With these tools and our skilled craftmanship, we've created 'authentic' Victorian jewelry. These patterns have spanned three centuries...and lots of happy wearers.

Cuff Bracelets
Cracks or breaks from metal-stress is caused by repeated opening and closing of cuffs, and are nearly impossible to repair. This problem can be prevented by understanding how to properly put on a cuff. You should slip the cuff over the side of the wrist, rather then the top, starting at the soft spot about two inches from the wrist, and 'roll' it on. Also, be sure the purchase the correct size, squeezing a cuff on the wrist for a better 'fit' will stress the cuff and cause it to break. Most of our cuffs are available in small, medium and large. Our stock size is medium, which is appropriate for most wirsts from 6 1/2" to 7 1/2".

back to top