FAQ

What warranties do you offer?

David Pierson stands behind his products. If you feel that your piece has a manufacturer defect, contact us. You can send a photo of the issue, but that isn’t necessary. We’ll either ask you to bring the piece to our shop or send it in for an evaluation.If we determine that the repair is needed due to manufacturer defect, it will be repaired free of charge. Our lifetime warranty does not include every day wear and tear or abuse/neglect. We also cannot cover any David Pierson pieces that have been worked on by another jeweler.

Do you offer appraisals or insurance?

We offer appraisals for insurance purposes free of charge for pieces purchased from David Pierson Designs. We will consider appraisals of jewelry items not purchased from us for $95. We do not offer insurance programs, but happily recommend contacting your home insurance representative for a jewelry rider.

What is your return/exchange policy?

David Pierson Designs believes you will love your purchase. If, however, you are not 100% happy, we will gladly extend you full credit or offer an equal value exchange on items returned after 30 days.

Returned items must be in original condition. To request a credit or exchange, please contact us by email or by phone. Please note that refund/store credit will be issued for value of merchandise only, excluding shipping. Store credit is valid for 3 years once issued.

All custom orders are nonrefundable, but please ask- David Pierson wants happy customers. David will make every effort to work with you.

Can I visit your shop?

Absolutely! We operate by appointment only. If you would like to come into the shop to discuss a custom design or try on rings in stock, please contact us to schedule.

How do I get my partner’s ring size without them knowing?

Start by asking your significant other’s friends and family to casually bring up the topic. There is something especially exciting about involving friends and family in the event. If possible, try to take a ring you have seen him/her wear occasionally to a local jewelry store and ask them to check the size. Because each of our fingers is a different size, note which finger and hand on which it will be worn. If you still are out of luck, don’t fret! We offer free sizing with each purchase, even after the delivery.

How should I get my finger sized?

You can come by our show room to get sized or ask any local jewelry store to check your ring. When you get sized, be sure to consider the type of ring you intend to purchase. There are types of sizers- thin, wide or comfort fit (rounded on the inside) to get a more accurate size for the ring type. Again, please don’t let this concern you. We will size to fit your purchase for free.

What is the difference between comfort fit and regular bands?

Most gents prefer the “Comfort Fit”band because it is rounded on the inside, making it easier to slide on and off. Sizes for Comfort Fit tends to run large, so if you are a 10 in a regular fit, you may be closer to a 9.5 or 9.75 in Comfort Fit.

I just got my ring, but it doesn't fit! What do I do?

This is a typical situation for ring purchases. David Pierson offers one complimentary ring resizing. Any size issues after that- you pay the shipping. Sizing up more than one size means adding metal and can incur additional charges. Platinum is an exceptional metal and may also incur additional fees. Please, contact us. It will take up to two weeks to complete the sizing repair. If circumstances to not allow for a 2 week turn-around, please let us know that in your correspondence. David Pierson aims to please!

What do the letters k, c, and ctw mean in your descriptions?

Karat (k or kt) is the unit used to measure the purity of gold. Carat (c or ct) is used to measure the weight of diamonds and gemstones.CTW indicates total carat weight for multiple gems and diamonds in a piece.

What is the difference among 10k, 14k, 18k and 24k gold?

Gold quality is determined by the amount of alloy it contains. 24kt is 100% gold and very soft, not ideal for daily wear. Its bright yellow color is very distinct from other karat weights. 18kt is 75% gold and still very bright yellow when compared to 14kt which contains 58.5% gold. 14kt gold is more golden in tone, but is the ideal purity for daily wear. 10kt gold is the least amount of gold to be considered actually “gold.” It is 41.7% gold and 58.3% alloy. Even though 10kt is durable, it has a pale-yellow color and can trigger allergic reactions. David Pierson uses 10kt gold sparingly and mostly by request.

Can you explain the different colors of metal?

WHITE –Gold, Platinum, Sterling Silver
GOLD:14kt white gold contains 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% alloys, usually silver, zinc or nickel. 14kt white gold is naturally an off white in color, so David Pierson will rhodium plate most pieces to get a bright white color. 14k white gold is a very strong and durable metal; preferred for its wear-ability.Because 18kt has more gold, it is going to be slightly softer than 14kt. It will also have more of a yellow tint, making you notice sooner when the rhodium coating begins to wear off.

PLATINUM is dense, heavy and very soft. Its weight sets the higher prices for this metal. It is preferred for its hypoallergenic properties and is often used in medical implants. Unfortunately, platinum is easily scratched, so requires periodic polishing.

Sterling Silver:Of the white metals, silver is the most cost effective. Sterling silver is soft and not usually trusted to hold diamonds or other expensive gems. Thickness determines durability of sterling silver and thinner bands are usually subject to bending. Sterling silver also requiresmaintenance due to tarnish over time. You can slow the tarnish process by keeping silver dry and away from chemicals such as make up, hand cream and sun screen.Fortunately, tarnish only affects the surface, so sterling silver can be polished to reveal its bright white and shiny surface with ease.

ROSE – Predominantly found in 14kt weight gold, it is also referred to as pink or red gold. Its rosy color can vary depending on the amount of copper alloy.18kt rose gold has a very rich color. Because it has more gold in it, not more copper, it is usually a brownish red.

NOTE: Copper is with alloys is popular for healing properties and color. Although David Pierson can make copper pieces, these are always custom orders.

YELLOW - 14kt, 18kt, and 24kt are all yellow gold. Of the three, 14kt is the most popular metal for every day wear.18kt yellow gold is a very beautiful color as it is very rich and more yellow than 14kt yellow gold. We recommend 18kt yellow gold if you are going for a more saturated color for your piece.

What can I do with old jewelry?

Were you left your dad’s cufflinks? Your grandfather’s service medal? Did your MeeMaw tuck away some silver coins? And what about that tiny old watch your mom wore only on formal occasions? Well, let’s think of a way for you to enjoy them on a daily basis! David Pierson can turn sentimental to sensational! Any old, unused jewelry can be transformed into a one-of-a-kind, wearable piece. Gems, diamonds and heirlooms can be designed to enjoy again. David Pierson can often incorporate the gold from your precious antiquesor offer credit to count toward your new piece.

What is rhodium plating?

Rhodium is a member of the platinum group. Commonly, rhodium plating is necessary to achieve a bright white finish on white gold. White gold’s true color is slightly yellow. Since white gold is never a perfect bright white, white gold gets plated with a thin coat of rhodium.

Why is my silver jewelry changing colors?

This is very common for silver jewelry and it is called tarnishing. The good news is that tarnish only occurs on the surface and can be polished away. If you want your white metal jewelry to not tarnish, opt for white gold or platinum- neither of these metals will tarnish.

Why does my skin turn black where my jewelry touches?

This is caused by makeup or other cosmetics on the skin. Since cosmetics contain compounds harder than gold, tiny particles of the metal will rub off onto the skin. Tiny metal particles appear to be black regardless of the type.

How should I clean my jewelry?

There are many good jewelry cleaners for sale, so it’s your choice. However, during cleaning is usually when a good jeweler can find weaknesses in prongs, chips in stones, or other issues that could affect the security of your precious stones. You should consider having your fine jewelry cleaned bi-annually. David Pierson will clean your jewelry, at your request, while you wait. For silver,a polishing cloth, available upon request with purchase,is an easy, fast method for shining up your treasures.

I think I have a loose stone, what should I do?

Stop wearing the piece. Finding a lost stone isn’t always possible. David Pierson is happy to tighten prongs and settings to secure your stones. Just call and make an appointment for your jewelry to be inspected. You’ll get a free cleaning as well. If you need a replacement, David Pierson can closely match any remaining gems in size, shape and color.

Do you gift wrap and provide gift receipts?

Yes. We are delighted to help you honor your friends and family. Just let us know at the time of the purchase!

Will you set a diamond or gemstone I purchase elsewhere?

David Pierson would be delighted to reset your heirloom stone or set that cruise line purchase. However, we will need to verify the ownership of any lose stones. Have your receipt and/or purchase agreement available and make an appointment to visit our shop.

What are the 4 C’s of diamonds?

Carat, Clarity, Color and Cut.

Carat measures the weight of diamonds and gemstones.

Clarity is based on how many inclusions are inside the diamond. Inclusions can include minute crystals, growth patterns, tiny enclosed fractures, etc. Clarity is measured on a scale from IF (internally flawless) to I2 (included 2). The clearest diamonds are the rarer diamonds and higher in price per carat.

Color refers to exactly that - color of a diamond. Most diamonds have a yellowish tint. The scale starts at D (colorless) and goes all the way down to Z (noticeable color). Most diamonds we see in the market are in the D-I range. According to GIA, naturally colored diamonds (the Hope diamond is blue) outside the normal color range are called fancy-color diamonds. The rarest color, according to GIA, is red. Brown diamonds are the most commonly found and most are used for industrial purposes. Black diamonds are very rare, but red is considered the rarest of all the fancy-colored diamonds.

The cut of a diamond is often confused with the shape. Cut can mean the difference to a lifeless stone and a dancing gem. While color and clarity are acts of nature, the cut is an act of a true artist! A gem cutter considers the proportions, symmetry and angles unique to each stone and uses these to create a sparkling jewel to be treasured.

Is there such thing as a synthetic diamond?

Yes! And don’t be too quick to judge. A synthetic diamond is grown in a lab in a matter of months or years, and the natural diamond is formed deep inside the earth over the course of millions of years.

Why should I get a synthetic diamond or gemstone over a natural one?

The number one reason is cost. Synthetic diamonds are significantly less expensive than their natural counterparts. People who are sensitive to mining industry issues and conflicts may have strong moral reasons for choosing synthetic diamonds. It is important to note that David Pierson’s diamond sources are careful to have only a positive impact on the mining industry and we have every faith that we can provide you with a natural diamond to suit your budget.

Are there natural substitutes for diamonds?

David Pierson can offer you a variety of options. However, we strongly urge you to allow us to search for a genuine diamond in your price range. We have worked with our diamond dealers for over 40 years and are confident you can walk away with that perfect stone. If you purchase through us, we will work with you in the future to upgrade your diamond with a trade in.

We can offer moissanite, a naturally occurring stone that is similar in hardness. It is more brilliant than a diamond. Another good substitute is white topaz, but it scratches more easily than a diamond and isn’t as brilliant. A frequently requested diamond substitute is the white sapphire which competes well with a diamond’s durability and hardness, but also lacks the brilliance.

Contact David Pierson to find the best diamond for your budget.

Is a stone that has been heat treated still considered real?

Natural gems of all types, formed over millions of years, are a source of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of nature. Heating stones enhances the color. This does not change the fact that the gem was naturally created nor does it always reduce value. Take Paraiba tourmalines for example; these can be heat treated and still worth $1000's per carat.

Do you do custom work?

It is what David Pierson is known for -Yes! We encourage you to contact us with all of your creative ideas. As a skilled metal smith and jewelry designer, David Pierson is anxious to work with you to make that piece unique to you.

How does the custom design process work?

The process usually starts with a stone or heirloom and the desire to keep it close. Perusing Pintrest, magazines or on-line sites is a great way to determine what you like. Knowing what you must have and what you cannot tolerate is and important step to realizing your unique design. Contact David Pierson and let’s talk through your project. We use the lost wax process to create your piece, so you’ll have a model to approve, edit, and refine before committing the design to metal. The modeling process requires a 20% non refundable deposit toward the final cost. David Pierson can order a variety of stones for a 5 day inspection before being purchased or returned. As soon as you are completely satisfied, David Pierson will provide a price quote. If the price is agreeable, we ask for a 50% deposit. This begins the production of your custom piece. You’ll be consulted and sent photographs throughout the manufacturing process. Depending on the step of the process, you can tweak the design without cost. Most pieces are completed in 4 to 6 weeks. Once you have inspected the finished product and are completely satisfied, the balance is due.

How long does it take to make a custom design?

The turnaround time is determined by the job. The more intricate and complex the design, the more time is needed for a high quality product. Most custom designs average 4 to 6 weeks from your go ahead. Material availability or requested changes can extend the timeline.

Can I use old diamonds or colored stones?

Of course! Those are the most precious! David Pierson will inspect your stones prior to beginning work to guard against disappointment. David Pierson does NOT work with diamonds or colored stones purchased from other venders. All of our suppliers are vetted and trusted sources and we only work with stones purchased from those vendors.

Can I use my own gold for a custom job?

David Pierson in happy to give you a credit for your gold. Using old jewelry for custom design isn’t always the best idea due to impurities and the melting process makes it weaker. The same is not true of stones.

What are the custom design terms?

-Custom orders come with one complimentary sizing. You just pay for return shipping.
- a 20% non refundable deposit is due prior to the production of a model, this is credited toward the final cost.
-A 50% deposit is necessary at the time of the approval of design
-All custom orders are nonrefundable.
-Once the order is completed, the entire balance is due.
-A free sizing will be done within 1 year of the purchase

Can I customize a piece I found on your website?

We will gladly customize one of our pieces to fit your style. David Pierson does not copy the work of other designers. It is illegal to copy another artist’s work. However, if you see patterns or motifs that you would like to capture in your custom design, we can meet your expectations.

Can I ask my local jeweler to copy a ring from your website?

No. David Pierson owns the rights to all of our designs.

What is the difference among South Sea, Tahitian, and freshwater pearls?

Freshwater pearls used to be considered inferior to saltwater pearls, but that is no longer true. Freshwater pearls are usually cultured, as are saltwater pearls, but generally not found as round in shape. They are usually more durable than saltwater pearls. Freshwater pearls are the only ones with naturally occurring colors of pink and lavender as well as white and shades of cream. Saltwater pearls are usually shades of white, but can be naturally hued in blue, silver and gold.

The most desired shape for all pearls is round. Some other shapes are oval, drop and  baroque. Baroque means irregular shaped such as coin, rice, blister, cross, stick and twin.

Luster is a very important determination of quality in pearls. A thicker nacre increases the luster of the pearl. Poorer quality pearls have thin nacre and a dull chalky appearance while higher quality pearls have a mirror-like finish.

Tahitian pearls are produced in French Polynesia and are mostly dark in color, ranging from black to green to gray. (Black is not a naturally occurring color in freshwater or saltwater pearls.) The beautiful nacre of the Tahitian pearl often gives them the coloring of peacock feathers.

The South Sea pearls are the largest (15mm as compared to 13mm) and have a thicker nacre than Tahitian pearls. They are naturally pastel in hue and color ranging from soft white to champagne to pink. South Sea pearls are the most naturally occurring golden pearl. There is the greatest variety of shapes are found in South Sea pearls which lend them to unique design.