Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between antique, vintage, and estate jewelry?

Antique jewelry is generally over 100 years old — think Georgian through early Art Deco. Vintage covers roughly 20 to 100 years old. "Estate" simply means previously owned, regardless of age — an estate piece could be a Victorian brooch or a barely-worn design from last year. We note the specific era for every antique and vintage piece we carry, so you always know exactly what you're buying.

Are the carat weights and measurements listed for each piece exact?

Stone carat weights are approximate and can vary up to 10% unless a listing states otherwise. Antique stones were cut and set by hand, long before standardized measuring, so small variances are normal and expected rather than a sign of an error.

Are colored gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds treated or enhanced?

Unless a piece is sold with a gemological lab certificate stating otherwise, assume that any ruby, sapphire, or emerald we sell has undergone some standard form of clarity or color enhancement — this is standard practice across the fine jewelry trade, not unique to antique pieces.

What does it mean when a piece is listed as "sold as is"?

Antique and vintage jewelry is handcrafted rather than mass-manufactured, so small signs of age — a bit of surface wear, a tiny imperfection — are part of what makes each piece unique rather than a flaw. We disclose any notable damage beyond normal wear in the item's condition description, and everything is sold as described.

Will you disclose any damage or repairs a piece has had?

Yes. We describe each piece's condition honestly, including any notable damage beyond normal age-related wear, so you can make an informed decision before you buy.

Can I request additional photos or a video walkthrough before I buy?

Absolutely — for a piece you're seriously considering, just reach out and we're happy to send additional angles, close-ups of hallmarks or condition details, or hop on a call to walk through it with you.

What payment methods do you accept for online purchases?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover through our secure checkout, as well as personal checks mailed directly to our store (please allow up to 10 business days for a check to clear before your order ships).

Do you offer layaway or payment plans?

Yes. A 20% deposit holds your piece, with the balance due within 90 days of your original payment date. Layaway purchases can't be combined with other discounts or promotions, and have their own return terms — just ask and we'll walk you through the details.

Is sales tax applied to my order?

Pennsylvania residents pay standard 6% sales tax unless purchasing for resale with a valid resale number. Customers outside Pennsylvania, and international customers, are not charged state sales tax.

Can I place an item on hold while I decide?

For serious buyers considering a significant piece, we're often able to arrange a short hold — reach out to us directly and we'll let you know what's possible for the specific item you have in mind.

Do you offer custom-designed engagement rings?

Yes — you can choose one of our existing custom designs, or collaborate with us from scratch. We start with a complimentary consultation to talk through gemstones, metals, design details, timeline, and budget, and bring reference images if you have them.

How long does a fully custom engagement ring take to design?

Once your design is finalized, we create a wax mold for your review and approval before production begins. From that approval, total production typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, with a 50% deposit due once the design is confirmed.

Can antique engagement rings be resized to fit?

In most cases, yes. Every ring above $500 comes with one complimentary sizing, up to 4 sizes from the original — just let us know your size when you order, or reach out directly. Delicate settings like fine filigree or full eternity bands can make sizing more involved, which we'll always discuss with you upfront.

What's the difference between a genuine antique engagement ring and a vintage-style reproduction?

A genuine antique ring was actually made during the era it represents, down to its hand-cut stones, period-correct metal purity, and hand-fabricated construction. A vintage-style or reproduction ring is a new piece designed to evoke an older look. We're clear about which is which in every listing, so you always know exactly what era — and what value — you're purchasing.

Do your diamond engagement rings come with a grading certificate?

Many of our diamonds are accompanied by grading reports from independent gemological labs. Where a piece doesn't already include one, our certified GIA Graduate Gemologist on staff can evaluate the stone and answer any questions about its quality.

Can I see engagement rings in person before deciding?

Definitely — our Narberth showroom houses a full-service engagement ring salon where you can browse, try pieces on, and get one-on-one guidance from Annette or Elan. We recommend scheduling a private appointment for the most relaxed, unhurried experience.

Do you offer engagement rings across a range of budgets?

Yes — our collection spans a wide range of price points and carat weights, from delicate everyday pieces to statement stones, so there's room to shop comfortably within your budget.

Can a family diamond or heirloom stone be reset into an antique-style setting?

This is exactly the kind of project our custom design process is built for. Bring your stone in for a consultation, and we'll help you find or create a setting that honors both the stone's history and the era-appropriate look you want.

What if I'm not sure of my partner's ring size?

No problem — many of our engagement ring clients start the process without an exact size. We'll talk through sizing at your appointment, and thanks to our complimentary sizing policy, there's flexibility to adjust once you know for certain.

Can you help with insurance appraisal documentation for my engagement ring?

We're glad to provide documentation of your purchase, including item details and price, to support an insurance appraisal or rider on your policy. If you need a formal independent appraisal, we're happy to point you toward next steps.

Is ring sizing included with my purchase?

Rings priced above $500 include one complimentary sizing, up to 4 sizes from the ring's original size. For rings under $500, sizing is available for a flat $25 fee.

How many sizes can a ring be adjusted?

Our complimentary sizing covers up to 4 sizes in either direction from a ring's original size. Larger adjustments may not be possible depending on the setting, and we'll always let you know before doing any work.

What if my ring needs to be resized again after the initial complimentary sizing?

Just reach out to us — we're glad to arrange additional adjustments through our skilled jeweler at a competitive rate.

Can I have my A. Brandt + Son piece resized or repaired by my own jeweler?

You're welcome to, but please know this will void our warranty on that piece, and we won't be able to offer a refund or repair if anything is damaged in the process. We recommend having any sizing or repair work done by our in-house jewelry mechanic, who specializes specifically in antique and vintage pieces.

How should I store and clean my antique jewelry at home?

Antique and vintage pieces are often more delicate than modern jewelry, since many were handmade over a century ago. Store pieces separately to prevent scratching, and bring anything that needs a deeper clean to us — we offer complimentary cleaning and stone-tightening.

What activities should I avoid while wearing antique jewelry?

Remove your jewelry before exercising, showering, swimming, gardening, cleaning, cooking, or sleeping. Antique settings and stones can chip, scuff, or loosen under impact or pressure that modern jewelry might easily withstand.

Do you offer cleaning or stone-tightening services after purchase?

Yes, complimentary — anytime you'd like your piece refreshed, bring it by or reach out to arrange it. We also cover the cost of repairs under normal wear for the first six months after your purchase.

How is my order shipped, and how long does it take?

All online orders ship via UPS 2nd Day Air and require a signature at a physical address, so your package is never left unattended. We aim to ship every order within 48 hours of purchase.

Do you insure packages during shipping?

Yes — shipping and insurance are built into the cost of every transaction, covering your piece in transit.

What is your return policy?

Let us know within 3 business days of receiving your order if you'd like to return it. For a full refund, the item must be received back at our store within 7 days of your original order date. We offer free return shipping on orders over $500 within the U.S.; for orders under $500, please ship it back fully insured with signature required.

Is there a restocking fee on returns?

A 2% restocking fee applies to returns totaling $3,000 or more. If a ring was sized as part of your order, the cost of that sizing is deducted from your refund regardless of order size.

Are returns different if I paid with American Express?

Yes — a 3.25% restocking fee applies to all American Express returns, regardless of the purchase amount, in addition to any other applicable fees.

Can I return a custom-designed or sale item?

Sale items are final and cannot be returned. Custom pieces follow a different process than our ready-to-wear inventory — since production begins once you approve your design and wax mold, we recommend discussing the specifics of your project with us before that stage so there are no surprises.

What happens if my return doesn't arrive within the 7-day window?

If we haven't received your returned item within 7 days of your original order date, we reserve the right to issue a store credit rather than a refund. Reaching out to us promptly after receiving your order helps make sure everything goes smoothly.

Do I need an appointment to visit the showroom?

Walk-ins are always welcome, but we recommend a private appointment — especially for engagement ring shopping — so you get unhurried, one-on-one time with Annette or Elan rather than sharing attention with other visitors.

What are your showroom hours?

We're open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 5pm, and Saturday from 11am to 4pm. We're closed Sunday and Monday.

How do I schedule a private appointment?

Call us at (610) 617-0993 or reach out through our contact form, and we'll set up a time that works for you.

I'm traveling from out of town — how far in advance should I contact you?

As early as you can. We love hosting visitors from outside the area, and reaching out ahead of time lets us make sure the pieces you're most interested in are ready and waiting when you arrive.

Can I see the engagement ring salon during a regular visit, or is that appointment-only?

The engagement ring salon is part of our main Narberth showroom, so walk-in visitors can absolutely browse it. That said, booking a private appointment gets you dedicated, unhurried time with Annette or Elan to really explore the collection.

How do you verify that a piece is genuinely from the era you describe?

Every piece is evaluated against the construction techniques, hallmarks, metal purity, and stone cuts consistent with its claimed era — the same framework we walk through on our Jewelry History page. Decades of hands-on experience across three generations of this business inform every evaluation.

Do you provide documentation of authenticity with my purchase?

We stand behind the accuracy of every listing and condition description, and where a piece includes a gemological lab report or maker's documentation, that's noted and included with your purchase.

What does it mean that A. Brandt + Son has a GIA Graduate Gemologist on staff?

It means diamond quality and authenticity assessments — including inspections on returned diamond ring purchases — are handled by someone with formal gemological training and certification, not just trade experience alone.

Will you disclose a piece's known history or provenance if available?

Yes. When we know a piece's specific history — a documented maker, a notable previous owner, exhibition history — we share it. Many antique pieces, particularly unsigned ones, simply don't carry a fully traceable history, and we're upfront about what is and isn't known rather than guessing.

What is A. Brandt + Son's authenticity guarantee?

Every piece we sell is backed by our authenticity guarantee: what we say about a piece's era, materials, and condition is what you're getting. If you ever have a question or concern about a purchase, we want to hear from you so we can make it right.

Shop Our Timeless Collections of Antique and Vintage Jewelry

From Georgian rarities to Art Deco engagement rings, A. Brandt + Son brings together antique and estate jewelry you will not find anywhere else. Every collection is hand-selected by Annette and Elan Brandt, dated to its era, and offered with the guarantees that have defined the shop since 1988.

Browse online or visit our Narberth salon, and shop with the confidence of working directly with the family.

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