Gold (Au), a highly sought-after precious and valuable metal, at its purest form is yellow.  It can be alloyed with various metals to achieve many karats and several colors.          
Classic yellow gold is alloyed with copper, silver and zinc.  We offer yellow gold in 14k & 18k and higher upon special request.  14k is the industry’s standard karat at 58.5% pure Gold.  18k is 75% pure gold making it a rich lovely yellow.  14k & 18k Gold in any color is suitable for everyday wear with regular maintenance.

White Gold is alloyed with nickel and zinc, these premium alloys increase the strength of gold a bit more than yellow gold.  It is very hard to completely eliminate the yellow from a metal that naturally occurs in yellow, so white gold naturally has a warm tone.  Also some may have an allergy to the nickel alloys. For these reasons we rhodium dip all our white gold pieces as per industry standard.

Rose gold is alloyed with copper to give it a lovely pinkish ‘rose’ hue.  Available in both 14k &18k, rose gold (AKA pink gold) is a gorgeous contrast with platinum or white gold when pairing 2 tone colors.
Specialty gold colors: Champagne & green gold are available upon request, champagne gold is essentially a mix of white and yellow gold.  Green gold, is not a solid green but just a cooler hue of yellow gold by eliminating the copper alloy and just using silver.

Silver is economically priced and suitable for occasional fashion jewelry.  It is, however, not nearly as durable as gold and not recommended for everyday wear.  If you plan on wearing a piece every day for many years, we highly recommend platinum or white gold.  Some of our thinner designs that you will see in gold will not be offered in silver, simply because it would not last as long for you, and we want you to enjoy your piece for a long time!  Silver can bend, so wear it with caution, and can also tarnish easily and thus is almost always dipped (plated) in rhodium* to stay looking bright and white.  

*Rhodium is a durable coating of metal that over time will need to be refreshed for a nominal fee.  Our silver pieces and white gold pieces come standard with rhodium.  

Platinum is a rare and the most precious of metals with a lustrous silvery-white color that will never need a rhodium coating.  Its composition and durability make it malleable yet strong and will not wear away with constant use. Platinum holds fine gemstones firmly in place for generations with regular maintenance.  This gorgeous luxurious metal will take on a soft patina over time that looks very elegant.
Platinum is cast almost pure at 90% or even 95%, with iridium and palladium (both platinum family elements) as alloys.   And since platinum is incredibly dense, it takes more of it to fill a space thus achieving a satisfying weight, heavier than even 18k.  Platinum is by far the most excellent choice for white precious metal.  

All of our precious casting metals are post-consumer.  Scrap gold & silver that has been assayed and then refined,  in casting shot form.  This is then alloyed in our own shop with special metal mixtures for each color and strength of metal that we cast.  

We offer 2 options for your old scrap jewelry/metal (Silver, Gold, Platinum & Palladium):
Trade in.  This is the easiest and best option, we weigh your metal and pay a more than fair amount per gram according the the daily market value.  This amount is then applied toward your new purchase as a payment.  Because the value of silver is not as great as gold or platinum, it is only worth trading in if you have about an ounce or more.  Coins are also acceptable.

Re-cast.  We are all looking to save a buck and the myth is that jewelers can just melt existing pieces into new ones. However, the reality is; re-casting with already cast metal without refining produces porosity and a compromised molecular structure due to heat stresses and re-aligning of the metals.  We can re-cast with your metal if you desire (granted that you have enough for not only the piece, but also for a feed line and button), but we need to sprue it and cast it separately from other pieces and add a bit of fresh pure metal to help soften it, however we cannot warranty a re-cast piece at all, and the charge usually ends up being more from the fees $95 additional in silver and $295 additional in gold, plus a separate flask fee of $175.  We do not re-cast in platinum or palladium.

It is necessary to send us a photo of the items you’d like us to trade or use. If you happen to have a kitchen or postal scale, weigh the gold and let us know the gram weight before you send it.

We work mainly with natural, genuine gems.  Synthetic gems are only used in our mothers ring line as per industry standard for economic value, and upon request.

We also offer lab grown gems, which are the actual genuine gem material, but grown in a lab with no imperfections.  These are available upon request and are occasionally in our showcase and are clearly labeled as lab grown or Chatham. Diamond simulants are often requested, we recommend Moissanite or white sapphire and try to avoid any use of cubic zirconia which scratches easily.

Note: Raw/rough Gems: Due to their fragile nature and delicate crystal structure, any unpolished/un-faceted gem cannot be warrantied.  As a novelty item, raw/rough gems are not recommended for everyday wear. Wear at your own risk.

Layaway Terms: Now offering short terms: 1/3 down and up to 3 months, no interest. You may call the store at (231) 775.1289, or email Info with the title, link, or product # of the item you'd like to layaway.

Sizing:  You must be measured by a professional jeweler or use one of our complimentary sizing kits. Using online print out charts or string measurements are extremely inaccurate and will lead to paying for a second sizing.

If you are unsure of your size, please let us know right away and we can hold your order until you have been accurately sized. Once we've initially sized the piece at no charge, if it requires a second sizing, it will be subject to a sizing fee per ring, plus shipping.  
For a complimentary sizing kit just email Info your name & mailing address and we will put one in the mail for you today!

To submit a custom request for consideration, have a look at this page and feel free to use the form there.

Want to use your own gems? If you have a particularly valuable heirloom stone that you’d like set in one of our rose rings, we ask that you have the stone appraised before sending it to us along with a copy of the appraisal or other paper with information regarding your stones.  This preventative measure protects both you and our company.  
There is an outside gem risk insurance of $100 to use your gem(s), and the cost goes up as the value of the stones, quantity, and/or complexity goes up. Diamonds larger than 0.50ct carry a minimum $165 surcharge for setting, insurance, etc.

We do not work with diamonds smaller than 0.01ct or lower than an I1 in clarity as well as colored gemstones with lots of internal cleavage, inclusion filling, coating or heat treatment.

Our from-scratch custom work currently starts at $1,000 for silver items, $1,900 for 14k gold, with higher karat metals going up from there.

These are base prices- gemstones & settings add to the price, as well as complicated or intricate patterns, two-tone work, etc.

Whether you choose to use our competitively priced gem sources, your own gems, or a combination, we are the best choice for artistry and experience in custom design.

To the best of our ability, yes. Rough sketches or Photoshop demos are $50 per set (reimbursable once you place an order), pre paid.  The sketches are rough, hand drawn sketches scanned and emailed... or a simplistic demo of existing photos. This cost will come off the final balance of your job, up to $150.

First, you need to have somewhat of an idea of what you would like. Refer to a design that you like, and then give us a few specifics.  Or if you have a sketch or other artwork of your own, go ahead and email it to Info.  **Please note that we will not carve and cast any licensed characters or logos that you do not hold rights to.  Although we can and will model after vintage pieces, we will never copy another currently producing artist’s work.

Once a design and price are agreed upon, we require a 50% non-refundable deposit to begin the work. If stone costs are involved, we may ask for a 75% deposit. This may be paid via called-in credit card, or via Paypal (we can invoice this). Once payment clears, your order will be put in our job queue.  The initial model/demo will take anywhere from 1-5 weeks to carve, and then photos of the wax model will be sent to you.

When you receive photos of your model, you may then approve the work for casting, or request re-work of specific features. One minor alteration is included with custom, anything beyond that will be charged at a rate of $100 hourly for design. From the point that you approve your model, it will be approximately another 1-5 weeks for casting and completion. Most custom work takes 6 weeks on average to complete, and up to 10 weeks for more extensive projects.  If you need something faster, rush jobs are sometimes available for an express rush fee of $250.

SIZING- You must be measured by a professional jeweler or use one of our complimentary sizing kits. Using online print out charts or string measurements are extremely inaccurate and will lead to paying for a second sizing. If you are unsure of your size, please let us know right away and we can hold your order until you have been accurately sized. Once we've sized the piece, if it requires a second sizing, it will be subject to a sizing fee per ring, plus shipping.
Once the job is complete, we again email you photos, this time of your finished piece! Upon payment of your job balance, the item will be shipped to you.

**Please note:

Custom work is non-refundable.  Custom is the most personalized, complicated and detailed service that we offer.  In nearly two decades of business, we have had very few complaints about our work.  Sometimes a slight modification after casting is possible, sometimes not. To ensure that you love what we make you, we go to great lengths to capture your dream for a piece and to bring it to life by crafting it with excellence and utmost care.

Sizing: You must be measured by a professional jeweler or use one of our complimentary sizing kits. Using online print out charts or string measurements are extremely inaccurate and will lead to paying for a second sizing. If you are unsure of your size, please let us know right away and we can hold your order until you have been accurately sized. Once we've sized the piece, if it requires a second sizing, it will be subject to a sizing fee per ring, plus shipping.

If your ring does not fit, finger fluctuation is most likely the issue and we recommend having it serviced with us. Call or email the store, (231) 775.1289 or info, and a shipping solution will be found for your item. Once in the store, we usually have a turnaround time of just a few days until it is back on its merry way to you! If you feel you'd rather have it sized or serviced at a jeweler near you, please know that any work- sizing, prong work, etc- done elsewhere will void the warranty on the piece.

Our Return/Refund Policy: If you aren’t happy, we aren’t happy. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days of purchase. 
Unworn merchandise may be refunded within 14 days from date of receipt and will incur a 5% restocking fee. Custom pieces and merchandise that has been altered (..sized, engraved etc,..) or damaged is not returnable.  An In Store Credit may be issued at our discretion. Merchandise with manufacturing defects will be replaced at no charge. Wexford Jewelers is not responsible for normal wear & tear on merchandise. See warranty for additional information.

We will credit your original method of payment, for a full refund of the purchase price, excluding shipping, handling, or other additional charges or services (sizing etc.).
Custom designed merchandise and engraved items cannot be returned or exchanged.  Any amount purchased with a Wexford Jewelers gift card cannot be refunded and will be applied back to a gift card for future use.

Returns by Mail
Here are the basic steps:
1- If there is damage or defect to an item upon delivery, please call our store immediately (231) 775.1289 for assistance.

2- Please read the information on your original receipt.

3- Pack the item securely. Use the original package, if possible. Enclose the original or a copy of the receipt.

4- If you do not have your original receipt, please provide us with your name, address, phone number, email address, and order number.

5- All return shipping charges must be prepaid. We cannot accept C.O.D. deliveries.

6- For your protection, we recommend that you use FedEx, UPS or Insured Parcel Post for your return. Ship the return package to the address indicated on the packing slip:


   

    Wexford J
    Attn.: Returns
    801 N Mitchell St
    Cadillac, MI  49601


7- Keep the Return Tracking Number from the package you are returning to ensure that the package arrives at the above stated address.

8- You can expect a refund within 30 days of our receiving your returned product. Refund will be credited to the same form of payment used in your original purchase.

*Please Note:
Your packing slip must accompany your return.
All returns are subject to inspection before a refund is processed.
We will credit your original method of payment excluding delivery charges within 3 weeks of receiving your return.
Wexford Jewelers is not responsible for merchandise that it does not receive or that is not returned in accordance with these terms.*
*Custom designed merchandise and engraved items cannot be returned or exchanged. 
Any amount purchased with a Wexford Jewelers gift card cannot be refunded and will be applied back to a gift card for future use. Please see our website FAQ for refunds by mail instructions before mailing anything.

We accept personal checks, money orders, and credit cards over the phone. If you ever feel inclined to visit our store in Northern Michigan, we’d love to meet you and have you to try our pieces on!
If you want to purchase an item using any of the aforementioned payment options above, you may call the store at (231) 775.1289 during normal business hours 9:30am-5:30pm Mon- Fri, 9am-1pm Sat EST, or email us.

Once your payment arrives and processes, we will ship you the item. Obviously, this payment method slows the purchase process down, but we will get your purchase to you just as soon as we possibly can.

Some electrolysis of the metals in the jewelry will occur on the moist, salty surface of the skin. If silver in the jewelry is oxidized on the chloride-rich surface of the skin, light-sensitive silver chloride might be formed. Silver in its fine powder form is actually black. The AgCl will photo reduce to black silver crystals on the skin. Or, you could be getting an oxide or sulfide of one of the metals; many of those are black. Silver tarnishes rather quickly even in the best circumstances, especially in the presence of salt or sulfur compounds.

Those may be in the foods you eat, or your general atmosphere. Things like chips, popcorn, eggs or onions, a coal fire, or some medications can also cause it to happen. Food, environment, personal chemistry and/or products such as lotion, soap and hair products can result in discoloration of metal or your skin. The fats and fatty acids released by our bodies when we perspire can also cause a chemical reaction with the alloys mixed with gold, thus we are more likely to discolor our jewelry and create black marks on the skin beneath jewelry when we wear our jewelry during rigorous activities.

This problem can worsen in seacoast and tropical areas where chlorides combine with perspiration to form a corrosive element which can discolor skin. Smog fumes have also been known to attack the alloys used in the production of jewelry and can rub off on our skin. Frequent cleaning of your jewelry with an appropriate cleaning solution helps to remove perspiration and dirt particles which will reduce the effect. People who perspire easily might consider using an absorbent powder on skin which comes into contact with their jewelry.

Another reason why gold discolors is actual corrosion of the metals that are mixed with gold to make it more durable. Pure gold does not corrode, however the alloys that are commonly mixed with gold such as copper and silver do corrode with exposure to certain chemicals. When this occurs, the result is the formation of very dark compounds which can stain the skin and discolor gold. For this reason, jewelry should be removed when working with any chemicals.  Also some say that anemic people’s skin will turn black with 14k gold contact.

Despite all of this information, some people will simply be more sensitive to the effects of their jewelry being exposed to abrasives and corrosives and their skin will discolor when they wear 14k gold jewelry no matter how careful they are... In most cases, upgrading the alloy content of your gold jewelry from 14k to 18k is a viable solution.  Very few of our clients who wear 18k jewelry ever complain of discoloration or blackening of the skin beneath their rings.

If you like the look of Silver or White gold, then consider Platinum because it does not contain the same alloys as gold and thus is less prone to the effects of abrasives and corrosives.

We also rhodium dip all white gold and silver pieces as per industry standard to help prevent oxidation of gold and tarnishing of silver.  This will eventually wear off and need to be reapplied, you can have it dipped locally or if you prefer our jewelers to, we can re-apply for a nominal fee.

**We have recently implemented the industry standard of rhodium dipping all our silver & white gold pieces, if you have a piece from early 2012 or older chances are it is not plated and if you desire, we would be happy to rhodium for no charge (you may print the email from the original order) and request plating.  This will be done once free of charge. Plating generally lasts 6 months to 2 years before needing to be re-applied.  At that time there will only be a nominal fee to re-apply it.


Q- Silver
There really isn't much you can do about silver tarnishing. It's just the nature of silver. Silver is a metal that reacts to chemicals. Whether it be chemicals in the air, or chemicals touching it- silver reacts!
Here's a list of some common things that silver has a bad reaction with: wool, rubber bands, latex gloves, oils from your hands and fingers, ammonia, chlorinated water, carpet padding, scented lotion, tanning lotion, air pollution, perfumes, hairsprays... Believe it or not, even some foods can make silver tarnish. Sulfur-bearing foods like: Onions, mayonnaise, salad dressing, eggs and salty foods.

Certain combinations of these can be detrimental to your ring, while sometimes just one element will not bother it. The best medicine for preventing silver from tarnishing, believe it or not... is to wear it! Just normal wear and tear and friction of daily life will sometimes be enough to keep your ring's outer surface bright and white!

If it starts to tarnish, what ever you do... please don't use toothpaste to clean it! Toothpaste not only has abrasives in it, but harsh chemicals that are not good for the metal.The best way to store your silver jewelry is in individually sealed poly bags or zip lock bags. Store it with those cute little Silica Gel Packs that come with shoes, and they'll help remove any moisture from the air.

It won't keep your jewelry from tarnishing, but it will delay the process. Cleaning your silver jewelry with warm water & mild soap and drying it with a soft cloth will remove any oily residue and slow the process down as well. The good thing is, it's easy to buff and clean silver. It doesn't take much to polish up a ring with the complimentary Polishing Cloth that came with your purchase. Just a couple of minutes and your silver jewelry will look new again.

**We have recently implemented the industry standard of rhodium dipping all our silver & white gold pieces, if you have a piece from early 2012 or older chances are it is not plated and if you desire, we would be happy to rhodium for no charge. Plating generally lasts 6 months to 2 years before needing to be re-applied.  At that time there will only be a nominal fee to re-apply it.

We ship to every corner of the world as FedEx & USPS allows. International orders are very frequent, no worries if you are across the pond, your package will arrive in approximately 5-12 business days after shipping. Insurance is internal, which means we only need to claim a minimal amount for duties, which means your duties/taxes/customs are minimal.

We have internal insurance, so we do not need to claim large purchase amounts on our shipments, but there still may be some duties to pay from your end.

Your purchase will be sealed in a logo-stamped box and/or pouch and packaged in a strong corrugated shipping box.  We use a box large enough to not risk theft in the shipping, but small enough to not waste a lot of packaging. If you need special shipping details such as gift wrap, different shipping options for different items, etc, please put that in the purchase comments or call us with any questions (231) 775.1289

We have a 3 year limited warranty on our house made silver pieces (Brands such as but not limited to Ella Stein, Pandora and Aurelie Gi are 1 year warranty).  This covers the metal against breakage, stone settings, and and general durability of the ring. This does not cover damage inflicted by wearing, things such as shutting your hand in the door, rough wear, etc. This also does not cover normal wear and tear on the piece- prongs and shanks will wear down over time and may require buildup over the course of time.

Special finishes will wear off- like florentine, sandblasting... and will have a service fee to be reapplied. This is routine maintenance (like tires or windshield wipers for your car) and is not under warranty.
This also does not cover special finishes, such as blackening. Blackening can be reapplied at many jewelers, or sent back to us for reapplication, or done yourself if you are able to locate the chemicals. (note: re-blackening over pearls, amber, and coral is not recommended except in a professional shop)

Blackened finish is a novelty and there is no guarantee. Occasionally the chemical blackening can be restored with a quick bleach bath, but if is a rhodium black finish (shiny black) this cannot be used. Contact the store at (231) 775.1289 with any questions about your piece or restoration.

We offer a 15 year limited warranty on our gold, platinum & palladium mountings and rings. This covers manufacturing defects. This does not cover damage inflicted by wearing- things such as shutting your hand in the door, rough wear, etc. This also does not cover normal wear and tear on the piece- prongs and shanks will wear down over time and may require buildup over the course of time.

Special finishes will wear off- like florentine, sandblasting... and will have a service fee to be reapplied. This is routine maintenance (like tires or windshield wipers) and is not under warranty. We are aware that most of our customers are from various corners of the earth, but if you’re ever in our area, stop in for a free cleaning and polishing of any piece purchased from us, as well as a free inspection and cleaning of any piece you might happen to have on you!

The only gems that we warranty are faceted diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. These are stones that have a Mohs hardness of 10 and 9, respectively.  All other stones have a lower hardness, and therefore, while they can withstand years of wear under normal circumstances, there is no way of ensuring this. Many stones can be replaced at our standard pricing if broken or scratched.

Raw stones come with no warranty, other than the metal that the stone is set in. Raw gems are a novelty item and are delicate in nature, we have no way of predicting the duration of wear. These gems are not recommended for daily wear or wedding rings.

Your receipt stating the materials, gems etc is in of itself a certificate.  All terms used to describe the materials and gems are industry standard and can be verified at reputable institutions for jewelry and gem testing such as GIA or EGL.

Your ring will come stamped inside as to the metal content. Sterling silver is 92.5% fine silver (Ag) and 7.5% alloy, 14k gold is 58.5% gold and the rest alloy, and 18k gold is 75% gold and the rest alloy, 22K gold is 91.7% gold and the rest alloy.  Our stamps are regulated by law.

We also offer insurance appraisals.  Our appraisals feature 3 professional light box photos of your piece and specific details for insurance replacement needs. Simply request that when purchasing your item! Or after the fact, for up to one year, appraisals are $100 and come with two copies, one for your records and one for your insurance company.