Berlinger Jewelry FAQs

For additional questions or assistance, contact us at hello@berlingerjewelry.com.

Visits & Appointments

Where are you located, and how can I visit?

Our studio & showroom are located in downtown Los Angeles, in the historic Jewelry District of DTLA. Visits are by appointment only to ensure personalized attention. You can easily schedule an in-person or virtual appointment here. Our showroom is open M-F from 11am-5pm PST. We are not open on the weekends as our building is a historic landmark and closes for the weekend.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Book an appointment to visit our Downtown Los Angeles showroom or schedule a virtual consultation here. Virtual appointment hours are M-F from 11am-5pm PST. We look forward to connecting with you!

Can I try on rings virtually?

Yes! Email us a photo of your hand, and we’ll digitally visualize the ring on your finger. We also offer silver replicas for select styles ($125, credited towards your final order). We can also facetime you with the jewelry to show you what it looks like on hand. Contact hello@berlingerjewelry.com to get started.

I see you guys pop up in different cities, how often do you pop up and where?

We typically do 3-5 pop ups per year in New York, Boston, Chicago, and Dallas. If we are able to accommodate other cities we add them to our itinerary. Our pop ups have appointment slots every 15-30 minutes and we recommend booking an appointment in advance as spots fill up quickly. We announce the booking calendar on our social media platforms around 1 month prior to the event. Pop ups typically occur on a Saturday, sometimes both Saturday and Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome, though there may be a wait as we do prioritize appointments first. We bring our entire collection to try on to the events – you are able to place orders at the pop-up events as well, though we still make the rings to order (they will still ship to you once complete in the normal production window), unless one of a kind. Keep an eye out on the appointment calendar here to book an appointment at our next pop up event: here.

Placing an Order & Shipment

How do I place an order?

All of our jewelry can be ordered directly on our website. For any made to order ring (think diamond mosaic, wedding band, or fine jewelry) we create the piece to order for you, meaning we’ll begin making your jewelry in the selected size & metal color once your order is placed. Typical production timing is 4-5 weeks from the time of order for made to order jewelry. For One of a Kind rings, these rings are already made since they have one of a kind diamonds or gemstones in them – it takes us about 3-5 days to process your order (resizing if needed & appraisal) before shipment. Once your ring is complete, we get in touch with you before shipping to coordinate delivery beforehand – we will never ship a piece without getting approval via. Email or phone from you first.

How long does it take for me to receive my order?

Our turnaround time for made to order rings is 3-5 weeks before shipment. The production timeline and estimated shipping dates are located on individual product pages. For one of a kind rings, because they are already made, turnaround time is 3-5 days before shipment. Custom rings, because they are made to order, take 4-6 weeks depending on the nature of your ring.

Can I expedite my order to receive it sooner than the date on the product page?

We may be able to offer expedited production on some orders. Please contact us at 213-266-8919 or at hello@berlingerjewelry.com with the date you need your ring by and we will do our best to accommodate. There is no additional fee. 

How are your rings shipped, is it secure?

We’re proud to offer free domestic insured shipping. We ship FedEx priority, 2-day (for orders under $10,000 USD) and Fedex overnight for orders over $10,000 USD. We use private jewelry insurance for our shipments for added security. A signature from an adult (18+) will be required upon delivery. We will ALWAYS email you before your piece ships to confirm your shipping details, so expect to hear from us once your piece is complete before shipping. You will be able to change the shipping address if needed before we send out the package, even if your shipping address on the order is different. If we are shipping to a different state it may impact the sales tax we need to collect. We can also ship to a local Fedex facility for pickup with photo ID if you will not be able to sign or would like even more discreet delivery.

What comes in my shipment? Is it discreet packaging?

All of our shipments come in an unmarked white Fedex express box (it does not say Berlinger or have any branded elements on the outer carton to keep the shipment discreet). Inside of the outer box, you will find your jewelry in a nice velvet ring or fine jewelry box, and any included paperwork (appraisals and diamond certificates), as well as a care card.

Can I Purchase Multiple Items to Determine Which I Like the Best, and Return the Others?

Because our rings are handmade to order, we do not offer comparison purchasing. Comparison purchasing is purchasing multiple products with the intent of keeping one and returning the remainder. If you need any assistance deciding between any of our jewelry pieces, please do not hesitate to contact us. For our diamond mosaic rings and bands, we do sell silver replicas of the settings without any stones in them for home try on. These are $125 and this gets discounted from your final order. 

Can I order my ring in a size that is not listed?

Yes! All of our rings can be made in any half and quarter sizes. If you don't see your size listed, please email hello@berlingerjewelry.com, and we’ll gladly assist by sending you an invoice noting your custom size request. Any size can be accommodated. 

Payments

Are your prices flexible?

We offer excellent value by providing our handmade, thoughtfully designed jewelry at the lowest possible price, generally lower than many traditional jewelry retailers offer for standard jewelry (this is because we only sell directly to customers and have no wholesale accounts). As a result, we cannot offer additional discounts or negotiated prices.

Do you offer any yearly sales?

Because we try to price our jewelry as low and fairly as possible year round, we do not offer yearly sales on our core collection jewelry.

What is Affirm?

Affirm is a financing partner that allows Berlinger customers to choose a payment plan that’s right for them. Through Affirm, you can choose from multiple monthly repayment plans with starting rates as low as 0% APR for well qualified buyers. Offer is subject to soft credit check and approval. Checking out using Affirm will allow you to place an order, pay over time, without any delay in production or shipment. Affirm can be used for custom pieces as well at checkout.

How Do I Finance Using Affirm?

At time of online checkout, you can select Affirm as your payment method. Affirm financing cannot be applied to the order after it has been placed. Affirm will ask for you to create an Affirm account and provide a few personal details. Affirm will then let you know immediately if you have been approved for a loan.

Where is Affirm Available?

Affirm Financing is available to our US customers only

Can I put a deposit down to hold a one of a kind ring or gemstone?

Because our OOAK rings and gems are so unique and rare, payment in full is required to secure the stone for your ring. 

Customization & Custom Rings

I saw a ring on social media that I cannot find on the website – how can I order it?

Often, we create one of a kind rings using uniquely shaped diamonds or sapphires, or completely custom rings. In some cases, we are able to re-create a similar ring to our OOAK  or custom collection – there may be slight variation in ctw, color, or price. Contact us at hello@berlingerjewelry.com with an image of the ring you are trying to re-create and we will get back to you with a quote if it is possible!

Can I get a custom quote?

Certainly! Email michelle@berlingerjewelry.com for custom quotes, which are valid for one month. Please make sure to provide us with ring size, metal color, timeline, materials, shapes, sizes etc. 

Can I see 3D renderings of my custom ring?

Yes! When we create custom jewelry, we will typically provide a 3D CAD rendering for approval before we produce the ring in metal/diamonds. This takes about 3-5 business days after your custom order is placed. 

Can I engrave my ring?

Yes, inside ring engravings (up to 15 characters) cost $75 per ring. Outside engravings are available upon request.

Can I add a birthstone to the inside of my ring?

Yes! We can personalize your ring with any birthstone flush set onto the interior of the band. This is an additional $175. Contact us at hello@berlingerjewelry.com to add this to your order. 

Are custom rings more expensive?

No, custom orders can accommodate various budgets with a minimum of $2,500. Email custom@berlingerrings.com to start designing your dream ring.

I have a family heirloom diamond – are you able to reset it?

The short answer is yes, we do, in some cases. We’ll work with heirloom diamonds or jewelry with known provenance (they must have paperwork like an appraisal or diamond certificate). We can only typically incorporate center stones into our mosaic rings, not smaller diamonds. We can work with smaller diamonds to create other stacking bands etc. WE DO NOT SELL THE SETTINGS ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT CENTER STONES AND SHIP THEM TO YOU TO HAVE SET LOCALLY. We require the stone be sent to us (under 20K a prepaid insured overnight label is provided by us to you and is included in the quoted cost of your re-setting), as we build the setting around your specific center stone and need the stone in house to create the ring.

International Orders

Can I buy from Berlinger if I live outside of the US?

Berlinger is proud to offer our entire collection of jewelry to customers in many countries worldwide, and international orders can easily be placed through our website. In the top right corner of our website, simply select your country to shop in your local currency (in some cases this will happen automatically). 

Why are the prices different when I shop in my local currency?

If you are shopping our products online in your local currency & country, the total cost of the ring will reflect the cost + any duties/VAT taxes which are bundled into the total cost you are seeing. There are no additional tax or shipping charges that get added later on at checkout or during delivery. This provides a more seamless experience for you, and will avoid any customs delays. 

How do you ship internationally & how long does it take?

We ship through DHL International Priority. Shipping takes 3-5 business days, depending on your area. We will contact you prior to shipping and you will be provided a tracking number at the time of shipment. 

What is your return/exchange policy for International Orders?

We accept returns and exchanges for every made-to-order and one-of-a-kind piece in our collection. Custom or customized jewelry is not subject to return or exchange. Jewelry must be returned in unworn/unused condition within 7 days of receipt, and all paperwork (including diamond certificates) must be returned as with the piece. Since our designs are made by hand to order, returns will incur a 15% restocking fee. This fee covers the labor required to refurbish the returned piece. If the returned piece shows clear signs of wear and needs extra cleaning or repair (or is in any other condition that prevents resale) we will charge a higher restocking fee, depending on the amount of repair work that’s required, or void the refund and ship the piece back to you.

If you’d like to exchange your jewelry, we will apply the full amount of your original piece to the purchase of a new piece of equal or greater value. This exchange is only valid within a 7-day window after receipt. The credit is limited to one exchange per piece, and any remainder in value will be applied/saved as a store credit. Pieces must be returned to us as well in unworn/unused condition and are subject to inspection. 

Customers are responsible for shipping the ring back to us for both returns and exchanges. 

What about repairs and re-sizes for international orders?

We typically cannot repair or resize jewelry if shipped outside of the US. We will work with you to help you find a trusted local jeweler in your area who can repair or resize your jewelry. Please contact us at hello@berlingerjewelry.com for assistance with this. If you are outside of the US you are responsible for import fees and customs charges in addition to shipping costs if you would prefer to ship the ring back to us for repair or resize. Please check with your local customs office about any fees that may be associated with shipping us back your piece for repair, as well as its return to you.

About Our Jewelry

How is Berlinger Jewelry different from other retailers?

We offer handcrafted, custom jewelry ethically made in Los Angeles, emphasizing personal service and unique, intricate designs tailored specifically to you. When you buy with Berlinger you are choosing to support a small women-run company! Our designer & founder Michelle hand sources and selects each and every diamond and gemstone that goes into our thoughtfully designed pieces. We also handmake everything here in our studio in LA (our showroom and fabrication studio are literally side by side) so we can create almost anything with extreme attention to detail and control.

 We create jewelry made to be worn every day, for life, and consider the wearability and durability of our pieces as much as their beauty. When choosing a jeweler or designer, we want you to trust that we will create a piece that you will love forever. We will help you take care of that jewelry for the lifetime of the piece within our own ecosystem. 

Can I see more photos & videos than what is available online?

Absolutely! Email hello@berlingerjewelry.com and we’ll happily provide additional visuals as long as we have the ring in stock. 

Can your mosaic engagement rings or bands come in all lab diamonds or all moissanite to lower the price?

Unfortunately, because of the unique shapes & sizes in almost all of our diamond mosaic rings and bands, they cannot be created with lab diamonds or moissanite. Only the center stones in our mosaic engagement rings can have lab created or moissanite center stones – the rest of the diamonds in the piece only come in natural because they are such specific shapes and sizes. 

Lab diamonds and moissanite are new enough to the market that they are typically only created in very popular/common shapes and sizes. We want our jewelry to be accessible to everyone, so if we can replace a diamond or gemstone with a lab-created stone we will custom create this ring for you. If you want more information about a specific piece, feel free to reach out to us at hello@berlingerjewelry.com – typically rings or necklaces with common shapes (like rounds) can be made in lab.

Ring Sizing & Fit

How do I determine my ring size?

Purchase our easy-to-use adjustable ring sizer. For the best accuracy, measure at room temperature and multiple times. For the most accurate measurement, we recommend going into any local jewelry or department store to get sized professionally using a metal sizing tool (metal and plastic have different friction and will feel different on the finger). 

Remember ring size can fluctuate on any given day up to ½ size based on temperature, salt intake etc. The width of the ring will also affect ring size – make sure you are sized with a ring sizer of a similar width to the ring you intend to purchase. 

What if the ring is a surprise?

We understand you might be planning a surprise proposal! Here are some helpful ways to figure out your partner's ring size discreetly:

  • Ask friends or family members who might already know your partner’s ring size.
  • Borrow one of your partner’s existing rings (ideally from the intended finger), measure the inner diameter, or take it to a local jeweler for sizing help.
  • Order a ring that is re-sizable (so any ring that doesn't have diamonds or an engraving pattern going 360 around the ring) in a size 6, which is the average size for women, or a size 10, which is the average size for men and have us size it after your planned proposal. 

Do you offer complimentary resizing?

Yes! We provide one free resizing for life for U.S. customers, excluding eternity or custom-engraved rings. We can also change ring size at any point in the production process of your ring, though this may cause a slight delay in production. Eternity rings or rings with 360 engraving will be subject to a fee if resizing is needed, as it is likely we will need to remake the ring entirely. 

What rings are not resizable?

Any ring that has diamonds or a pattern going 360 around the ring, we are unable to resize. Typically we can stretch eternity rings ¼ size if needed, otherwise we may need to re-make the ring entirely to re-size it which will be subject to a fee. 

Repairs, Warranty, & Insurance

How do I request a repair?

We want to help you take care of your jewelry for life and prefer to do all repairs and resizes on our own jewelry. Complete our repair request form or email us directly at hello@berlingerjewelry.com. 

Clients are responsible for covering shipping costs to and from our studio, but prepaid insured labels are available for purchase through our insured shipping service if desired. We highly recommend insuring your shipment if shipping on your own, as Berlinger is not responsible for any lost/stolen/damaged items during transit that we do not ship through our system.  

How long does a repair take?

Typically 1-3 weeks. Resizes take 3-5 days. 

Do you repair international jewelry?

Typically, no. Contact us directly to discuss your specific situation, as we will help you find a trusted local jeweler to assist you with our jewelry.

What does your warranty cover?

Our lifetime warranty covers re-sizing and basic ring maintenance, including polishing the ring, cleaning, and tightening stones. We do not cover major loss or damage within your warranty – this would be covered by your insurance company. Please note if you take our jewelry to an external jeweler at any point in the lifetime of the piece, your warranty with us is void. 

Does Berlinger include an Insurance Appraisal with purchases?

Any ring valued over $5,000 USD will automatically come with an insurance appraisal in your shipment. Under 5K we can provide an appraisal upon request, which may include an additional fee. All heirloom re-setting will come with an independent 3rd party appraisal as we dont appraise any diamonds we did not ourselves purchase. Lost or misplaced appraisals that need re-printing & shipping are subject to a fee. Please contact us at hello@berlingerjewelry.com to request an appraisal. 

What is the difference between a Warranty & Insurance?

Your warranty will cover maintenance on your ring (re-sizing, polishing, tightening stones, deep cleaning). Insurance covers any types of “major loss or damage” so loss of accent or center stones, major damage to the structure of the ring, total loss, or theft. We always recommend insuring high value jewelry so you are covered in these events, and will provide all necessary paperwork to properly insure your ring, complementary. 

Does Berlinger offer insurance?

Insurance for jewelry is not typically offered by a jeweler or designer – it is done through an insurance company. We recommend insuring with Brite.co as they specialize in jewelry insurance, are low cost, cover more than a traditional insurance company, and contract with us for all repairs. You can also insure your jewelry under any homeowners or renters policy as an addendum.

Returns & Exchanges

What is your return policy?

We accept returns and exchanges for every made-to-order and one-of-a-kind piece in our collection. Custom or customized jewelry is not subject to return or exchange. Jewelry must be returned in unworn/unused condition within 7 days of receipt, and all paperwork (including diamond certificates) must be returned as with the piece. All pieces are subject to inspection upon receipt and refund. After 7 days, all sales are considered final. Custom orders, including deposits and invoices for custom orders or on customized pieces are final sale and non refundable.

Since our designs are made by hand to order, returns will incur a 15% restocking fee. This fee covers the labor required to refurbish the returned piece. If the returned piece shows clear signs of wear and needs extra cleaning or repair (or is in any other condition that prevents resale) we will charge a higher restocking fee, depending on the amount of repair work that’s required, or void the refund and ship the piece back to you. Clients are responsible for shipping all returns or exchanges back to Berlinger. 

Can I cancel my order once it’s been placed?

Order Cancellation: For any made-to order (not custom) jewelry, if you would like to cancel your order, you can do so within 24 hours of your order being placed for a full refund. Because we make all of our rings to order, we do not accept order cancellations after 24 hours of order placement, and the piece will be subject to a 15% restocking fee. 

Can I exchange my ring for another?

If you’d like to exchange your jewelry, we will apply the full amount of your original piece to the purchase of a new piece of equal or greater value. This exchange is only valid within a 7-day window after receipt. The credit is limited to one exchange per piece, and any remainder in value will be applied/saved as a store credit. Pieces must be returned to us as well in unworn/unused condition and are subject to inspection. Clients are responsible for shipping all returns or exchanges back to Berlinger. 

Who covers return shipping for a return or exchange?

Clients. Prepaid insured labels are available for purchase ($165 under $10K, $200 over $10K).

Diamonds & Gemstones

What kind of diamonds do you use?

Primarily natural diamonds (F-G color, VS clarity). Lab-created diamonds/moissanite are available upon request. The lab diamonds we use are D/E color VVS clarity. Our product descriptions will clearly state the diamond type, quality, total carat weight, and cut of each stone we use. 

Are your diamonds & gemstones ethically sourced?

The diamonds and gemstones we source are exclusively from reputable dealers who use ethical sourcing practices. We have personal relationships with these dealers, who all strictly adhere to Kimberly Process guidelines. In addition, our small women-run team is hand selecting each and every material that goes into all jewelry with the utmost care for quality, shape, size, depth, and ethics. 

Do you offer colored gemstones?

Yes! Our curated collection of loose colored gemstones includes sapphires, rubies, emeralds, morganites, aquamarine, and pearl. Each stone is hand-selected for its rarity and quality, perfect for creating a one-of-a-kind engagement ring or custom piece. Stones are selected for their quality, proportions, and durability. 

Can I purchase a loose gemstone?

We offer loose gemstones on our website that we can set into any of our classic settings (Deco Halo & Solitaire). We can also create a one of a kind or custom setting around any loose gemstones. We do not sell just the stone without a setting. 

Does Berlinger provide GIA, IGI, EGL certificates for its diamonds?

Yes. Any diamond over 1.00 ctw. Will come with an independent gemological certification. Many of our finer/larger sapphires and emeralds will also come with an independent gemological certificate. Diamonds smaller than 1.00ctw. Are typically not independently graded and will not automatically come with a certificate, but your provided appraisal will list all of the diamond melee in the ring as well as quality ctw. and value. 

How should I care for delicate stones?

We recommend removing jewelry with opals, pearls, or turquoise during activities involving moisture or chemicals. See our Care Guide for detailed tips.