Ariel Gordon Jewelry specializes in creating timeless, versatile pieces crafted from fine metals and conflict-free stones. While not focused on a single gemstone, the brand’s commitment to personalized jewelry, including birthstone necklaces and rings, positions it as a contemporary source for meaningful gemstone adornment. This article explores the origins of Ariel Gordon Jewelry, its production methods, the sourcing of its stones, and the policies surrounding custom orders and repairs, with a particular focus on the availability of birthstone options.
The Genesis of Ariel Gordon Jewelry
Ariel Gordon Maffei founded Ariel Gordon Jewelry in 2009, initially as a creative outlet from a demanding career in public relations. Recognizing a desire for jewelry that could be worn consistently and become cherished heirlooms, Maffei pursued formal training in metalwork and stone-setting at the Revere Academy in San Francisco. This dedication to craftsmanship laid the foundation for a brand centered on quality and enduring design. The jewelry is now hand-fabricated by a team of skilled metalsmiths in the jewelry district of Los Angeles, ensuring a living wage and upholding high standards of production.
Sourcing and Materials
Ariel Gordon Jewelry distinguishes itself through its commitment to using 100% solid 14 karat gold, avoiding plated or dipped materials. The brand prioritizes ethically sourced stones, specifically stating that diamonds are VS1 quality unless otherwise specified. Ariel Gordon Maffei personally selects all stones, attending multiple trade shows annually and traveling internationally to discover unique and high-quality materials. The majority of semi-precious stones are sourced from cutting centers in India and Hong Kong. This direct involvement in the sourcing process allows for careful quality control and ensures the stones meet the brand’s standards. The brand also offers a curated collection of vintage pieces, sourced from local estates, Hollywood costume departments, and flea markets, adding a unique historical dimension to its offerings.
Customization and Birthstone Options
Ariel Gordon Jewelry offers custom design services, including engagement rings and one-of-a-kind pieces, subject to the designer’s schedule. Requests for custom work can be submitted through a concierge portal. The brand specifically highlights the creation of “conflict-free birthstone necklaces,” indicating a readily available option for incorporating birthstones into personalized jewelry. While the specific range of birthstones offered isn’t detailed, the availability of custom orders suggests a willingness to work with a variety of gemstones to fulfill client requests. The Heritage by Ariel Gordon collection also features pieces incorporating colorful stones such as coral, turquoise, pearls, diamonds, and cameos, demonstrating a broad aesthetic range.
Repair and Return Policies
Ariel Gordon Jewelry places a strong emphasis on the longevity of its pieces. Jewelry purchased within the last year is eligible for a complimentary one-time repair for any breakage caused by a manufacturer defect. Repairs due to normal wear and tear can also be completed within the first year, though the customer is responsible for return shipping costs. Repairs needed after one year, or those deemed to result from misuse, will incur a charge, typically around $25 plus $15 for shipping each way. The brand reserves the right to assess repair fees based on professional discretion.
The standard return policy allows for returns within 45 days of purchase, with a $20 processing fee. However, several categories are ineligible for return or exchange, including all engraved, birthstone, custom, or personalized pieces. This restriction underscores the bespoke nature of these items and the associated costs of materials and labor. The return policy for Heritage by Ariel Gordon pieces is more restrictive, allowing only 5 days for returns with a $25 restocking fee. Packages originating from Hawaii or Alaska incur additional shipping surcharges. International orders are final sale and are not eligible for returns or repairs.
Purchasing and Payment Options
Ariel Gordon Jewelry accepts a wide range of payment methods, including major credit and debit cards, store credits, gift cards purchased directly from the website, Affirm (a buy-now-pay-later service), PayPal, Amazon Pay, and Apple Pay. The website employs strong fraud filters due to the high value of the jewelry, and external gift cards are not accepted. Gift card refunds are applied back to the original gift card number. Sales tax is applied to orders as required by law.
Addressing Lost or Damaged Packages
The brand acknowledges the potential for issues during shipping. If a package is marked as delivered but not received, customers are advised to contact [email protected] immediately. However, Ariel Gordon Jewelry does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen packages that show successful delivery to the order address. If a package arrives damaged or tampered with, customers are instructed to retain all packaging materials and photograph the damage for claim purposes. The brand will file a claim with UPS, which can take 4-8 weeks to process, and refunds or remakes will be issued only after the claim is resolved.
Care Instructions
While not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, the brand recommends consulting Jewelry Care Instructions to maintain the condition of Ariel Gordon Jewelry. This suggests an understanding of the delicate nature of jewelry and the importance of proper care to ensure its longevity.
Conclusion
Ariel Gordon Jewelry represents a contemporary approach to fine jewelry, blending handcrafted quality with ethical sourcing and personalized design. The brand’s commitment to using 14 karat gold and conflict-free stones, coupled with its custom design services and birthstone options, appeals to customers seeking meaningful and enduring pieces. While the provided sources do not offer a comprehensive overview of every gemstone available, the emphasis on customization and the inclusion of birthstone necklaces within the brand’s offerings indicate a willingness to work with a variety of gemstones to create unique and cherished jewelry. The detailed repair and return policies, while sometimes restrictive, reflect the brand’s dedication to quality and the bespoke nature of many of its pieces.