Frequently Asked Questions
At SHEL Fine Jewelry, we believe in transparency, quality, and care—from the moment you place your order to the lifelong journey of wearing our pieces. Below you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about orders, our materials, and jewelry care.
Shipping & Returns
When will I receive my order?
Most of our pieces are made to order. Please allow 4–6 weeks for production and shipping. If the item is in stock, it will ship within 3–5 business days. Custom or engraved pieces may require 6–8 weeks. For urgent delivery requests, please email us—we will do our best to accommodate.
What is your exchange and return policy?
Due to the handmade-to-order nature of our jewelry, we do not offer returns. Custom and personalized pieces are final sale.
*However, for Ready to Wear "in stock" items, we do offer exchanges or store credit within 7 days of delivery, as long as the piece is unworn and returned in original condition. Please contact us within 3 business days of receiving your order to request a return or exchange.
Do I need to sign for my order?
Yes, we require a signature upon delivery for all fine jewelry shipments to ensure your package arrives securely.
Do you ship internationally?
We do! International orders are shipped via trusted carriers. Duties and taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Please refer to our Shipping Tab on the Website for details.
I live in Southern California, or near one of your trunk shows or events. Can I pick up my jewelry?
In some cases, yes. If you are attending one of our SHEL trunk shows or reside near a scheduled event, local pick-up may be arranged.
Can I use my discount code on all jewelry?
Promotional codes cannot be applied to custom pieces, trunk show exclusives, or collaboration designs unless otherwise stated. Only one discount may be used per order.
Jewelry
What if I don’t know my ring size?
We recommend ordering a reusable ring sizer online (Amazon offers many great options) or downloading a printable sizing guide to keep on hand. Finger size can fluctuate with temperature and time of day, so it's best to measure more than once. For the most accurate fit, we always suggest visiting a local jeweler for professional sizing.
Can you resize my ring after I receive it?
Yes—SHEL offers one complimentary resizing per ring within the first 60 days of receipt. Additional resizing will incur a fee. Some styles (especially eternity bands or uniquely set stones) may not be resizable. Resizing outside of SHEL will void your warranty.
Do your pieces have a warranty?
Yes. We offer a one-year warranty for structural integrity on all jewelry purchased directly from SHEL. Please note: natural wear-and-tear, stones, and third-party repairs are not covered.
Do you provide repairs?
We do. Reach out to us and we’ll provide guidance, shipping instructions, and quotes as needed. Do not have your piece repaired locally, as this will void the warranty.
Do you provide appraisals?
We’re happy to provide a retail value statement upon request. For official appraisals for insurance purposes, we recommend working with a certified gemologist in your area.
Products & Materials
Are all of your pieces made with 14k solid gold?
Yes. All SHEL jewelry is crafted from solid 14k gold unless noted otherwise. Select upgrades to 18k or platinum are available upon request. With the exception of a few semi-hollow chains, all pieces are solid and made to last.
Why would I buy 14k gold versus 18k gold? What’s the difference?
At SHEL, we often recommend 14k gold—whether yellow, rose, or white—for pieces you’ll wear every day. This includes engagement rings, wedding stackers, and signature bands. With its slightly lower gold content, 14k gold is more durable than 18k, making it better suited for daily wear. It resists scratching and helps prongs and settings stay secure over time. 18k gold, by contrast, has a higher gold content and a richer, more luminous hue—especially in yellow gold. While undeniably beautiful, it’s also softer, which makes it more prone to denting or prong movement if worn daily. That’s why we love it for special occasion pieces—those you wear on weekends, date nights, or special occasions.
We’re happy to create pieces in 18k or even 22k upon request. Ultimately, it’s about your lifestyle, your style, and the energy you want your piece to carry.
How do I care for my gold jewelry?
We recommend gently cleaning your gold pieces with a soft polishing cloth and storing them in a dry, enclosed place. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, chlorinated water, and excessive friction.
Where do your gemstones and diamonds come from?
We work with a small, trusted group of global suppliers who meet our standards for ethics, transparency, and craftsmanship. Our stones are sourced anywhere from Arizona to Australia and Sri Lanka—always prioritizing design-quality material.
Are there other ethical diamond sourcing options?
Absolutely. In addition to working with conflict-free and antique diamonds, SHEL is happy to source diamonds from regions like Canada, where we can offer full transparency from the mine to your hand. These Canadian diamonds come with a clear chain of custody, so you know exactly where your diamond originated and that it was mined under strict ethical standards.
We can also source diamonds verified by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), which offers a Diamond Origin Report to confirm a diamond’s country of origin. While GIA certification is a trusted way to verify origin, it does not offer the same full mine-to-market traceability as Canadian sourcing. It’s one more option for those who value additional certification.
Of course, these options may come at a premium, but they allow you to wear your jewelry with even greater peace of mind, knowing your choice aligns with your values. As always, we’re here to help you find the perfect stone for your style and conscience.
Do you work with lab-grown diamonds?
We do. Our lab-created diamonds are grown using the CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method—a sustainable, energy-efficient process that yields exceptionally clear diamonds with minimal inclusions.
What else should I know about jewelry care?
Fine jewelry is meant to be worn and loved—but also respected. We recommend removing your pieces during heavy activity, showering, or while sleeping to preserve their integrity. Annual cleanings and inspections are also a good idea for long-term wear.
Still have questions? We're happy to help! Please email us at hello@shelfinejewelry.com and we will get back to you within 24 hours.