FAQs

When you shop with Ben Garelick, you are treated like family and we want our family to have the best experience passible when you purchase your diamond ring & fine jewelry.

That's why our jewelry experts are available both in our Buffalo, New York store and online via live chat to answer all of your questions.

Shipping, Returns & Payment

How will my purchase be shipped?

Shipping

We offer free shipping on all domestic orders! Ben Garelick provides complimentary insurance to cover the package from our business to the point of delivery at no extra charge. If you need it sooner, we have express shipping options at checkout.

  • All items are insured up to the point of acceptance by the recipient. The package will be considered accepted when any person (unless adult signature required is specified on package upon delivery) receiving the package at the designated address signs for it from the delivering carrier.
  • Domestic & International Shipping - we ship all over the United States as well as the world. Most popular international shipping destinations are Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and Europe.
  • Domestic Free Shipping - we offer free expedited shipping on all orders over $1000. Orders under $1000 are shipped via complimentary standard shipping.
  • International Shipping - All international shipping options are available at checkout. Please note that all international packages are required to go through customs, and may be delayed beyond our control.
  • International Duties & Customs Charges - While we do not charge any US sales tax on international sales, please note there will be your country's duties and customs charges applied at checkout. These charges generally are 10-20% of the sale.
  • Shipping Insurance - Insurance to cover damage/loss during shipment is included in the cost of delivery at no additional charge. If merchandise is damaged in transit, the customer should immediately file a claim with the carrier in accordance with the carrier's current policies and procedures.
  • In the event of a merchandise return (unless it is the fault of Ben Garelick), the customer must purchase carrier-provided insurance adequate to cover the full retail value of the merchandise while in transit. We cannot issue refunds or credit for merchandise damaged in transit; such insurance is your only safeguard against this situation.
  • Ben Garelick will cover the cost of return shipping and insurance only if the returned merchandise is damaged or defective prior to the original shipment. For additional information about returns, including procedures, please refer to our Return Policy below.

What is your return policy?

Return Policy and Procedure

  • Online Returns - All requests for returns and exchanges of merchandise must be made within 30 days of receipt. (This longer policy accommodates shipping time.)
  • In Store Returns- Please return merchandise eligible for return or exchange within 20 days of purchase.
  • Eligibility to return: Special orders, layaways, sized, altered or used/damaged merchandise is not returnable. Refunds are made only to the purchaser of record, and in the exact method of original payment. Shipping charges are not refundable. All product packaging, warranties, manuals and other materials must be returned with the merchandise. Products returned without original packaging and/or with missing materials are subject to a restocking fee of 5%, not to exceed $75.00.
  • Please contact Ben Garelick to get an online return authorization number for any returns. Merchandise will not be accepted for return without a return authorization number, which we will provide after you contact us.

What are my payment options?

Payment

Ben Garelick accepts all major credit cards in-store and online. We also accept PayPal, cash and offer financing.

Layaway Policy

Ben Garelick Jewelers' pain-free layaway policy allows you to place any item on layaway with absolutely no fees or carrying charges as long as you make monthly payments. We ask that you place 20% down with regular monthly payments of 10% of the total amount! Layaways cannot be canceled after 30 days. Should you miss two consecutive monthly payments your item will be returned to stock & any money paid will not be refunded. You can make layaway payments to Ben Garelick Jewelers via credit card, via check or pay in-store. Simply stop in or contact us to arrange a layaway. Please note, special orders placed on layaway are considered final sales and are not eligible for store credit or any money back.

0% Financing is Available 

Working with our partner Synchrony Financial we are happy to offer a financing plan that includes no interest for up to 18 months. Make your monthly payments during your finance term and pay zero percent interest. You may also set up automatic monthly withdrawals from you banking account with Synchrony to eliminate worries of missing or late payments. At checkout you have the option to choose Klarna or ShopPay with financing options including Slice-it with 4 equal payment installments as well as financing up to 36 months. Financing options with vary and are displayed before checkout.

Can I finance my purchase?

  • Working with our partner Synchrony Financial we are happy to offer a financing plan that includes no interest up to 18 months.

Is there a warranty on my jewelry purchase?

Ben Garelick & Designer Warranties

At Ben Garelick we pride ourselves on offering the best quality jewelry made by famous designers that value quality and their reputation as much as we do. Once in a great while, a piece gets past its multiple inspections with an un-noticed defect or workmanship problem. When that rare occasion happens, we will make it right as quickly as possible.

What our warranty includes:

  • Manufacturing defects and workmanship issues for 6 months after delivery to you.
  • Warranty offered by our designers, based on your applicable purchase. These offers vary by designer but are often limited lifetime warranties

What our warranty excludes:

  • Normal inclusions in diamonds and other gems
  • Products that have been damaged from neglect or abuse
  • Not keeping up with your 6-month checkup & cleaning routine at Ben Garelick or your reputable local jeweler
  • Intentional removal of stones

Get Additional Coverage with our Care Plan

Gain peace of mind by purchasing additional coverage with a Care Plan by Jewelers Mutual. Coverage is offered in 3-year or lifetime policies. Policies start at only $15 and vary depending on the value of the item purchased. 

If you are purchasing a Care Plan online and you do not live locally, you can have your jewelry repaired under the Care Plan by your local Jeweler's Mutual jeweler. Jewelers Mutual works with jewelers in all 50 states and if for some reason, you do not have a local jeweler that works with Jewelers Mutual, you will receive a pre-paid label to send your jewelry either to Ben Garelick or directly to Jewelers Mutual to have your item repaired. Jewelers Mutual will cover shipping both ways. 

Below are the benefits of coverage with the purchase of a Care Plan:

Below are the benefits of a Care Plan coverage :

  • Covers damage from normal wear
  • Goes beyond a typical manufacturer’s warranty
  • Repair or replacement available
  • Easy, no-fault claims process
  • Fast and efficient service and repair
  • Transferable upon request

What a Care Plan covers:

  • Ring re-sizing
  • Rhodium plating
  • Refinishing and polishing
  • Loss of center & side diamonds or gemstones due to defective, worn, bent, or broken setting.
  • Broken, bent or worn prongs
  • Cracked or thinning band or shank 

What does your Jeweler's Mutual Care Plan cover?

Gain peace of mind by purchasing additional coverage with a Care Plan by Jewelers Mutual. Coverage is offered in 3-year or lifetime policies. Policies start at only $15 and vary depending on the value of the item purchased. 

If you are purchasing a Care Plan online and you do not live locally, you can have your jewelry repaired under the Care Plan by your local Jeweler's Mutual jeweler. Jewelers Mutual works with jewelers in all 50 states and if for some reason, you do not have a local jeweler that works with Jewelers Mutual, you will receive a pre-paid label to send your jewelry either to Ben Garelick or directly to Jewelers Mutual to have your item repaired. Jewelers Mutual will cover shipping both ways. 

Below are the benefits of coverage with the purchase of a Care Plan:

Below are the benefits of a Care Plan coverage :

  • Covers damage from normal wear
  • Goes beyond a typical manufacturer’s warranty
  • Repair or replacement available
  • Easy, no-fault claims process
  • Fast and efficient service and repair
  • Transferable upon request

What a Care Plan covers:

  • Ring re-sizing
  • Rhodium plating
  • Refinishing and polishing
  • Loss of center & side diamonds or gemstones due to defective, worn, bent, or broken setting.
  • Broken, bent or worn prongs
  • Cracked or thinning band or shank 

Any tips on caring for my jewelry purchase?

Caring For Your Ben Garelick Jewelry

Jewelry, especially rings that are worn daily, do eventually show signs of normal wear and tear. The metal prongs and channels that hold the diamonds can be pushed out of place and wear down. Diamonds and other gems can chip and crack. There are things you can do to protect your jewelry:

  1. Take it off. Take your jewelry off in a variety of circumstances including:
  2. Clean your jewelry frequently, the right way! Don't follow questionable internet advice for homemade concoctions. Use an inexpensive, gentle jewelry cleaning solution. Better yet, drop into Ben Garelick if you are nearby and let us clean it for you, free.
  3. Change care by jewelry item. It's important to remember that different gems require different care. For example, tanzanite, emeralds, pearls, and opals can all easily be damaged if not cared for and cleaned properly. If you have any questions about caring for and cleaning a special gem we suggest you follow the expert advice at the GIA. They offer comprehensive cleaning information here.
  4. Maintain regular jewelry checks at Ben Garelick. Have your jewelry, especially your rings, cleaned and checked regularly. We recommend at least once every six months. If possible have it checked here at Ben Garelick for free! If you are too far away, find a reputable, preferably independent, jeweler to check your jewelry. The prongs and channels that hold your gems in place should be checked to be sure that they aren't worn or bent, and your stones should be checked for cracks and chips. If caught early repairing metal damage is fairly inexpensive, left too long you risk losing your stones and higher repair costs. Our favorite way to remember to have your jewelry checked is to do it the same day or week you visit your dentist for your routine cleaning and check-up.

How do I insure my jewelry purchase against loss?

Insuring Your Jewelry

We don't sell Jewelry Insurance, but we do insure our jewelry, and strongly recommend you do the same. Most homeowner’s insurance policies only cover jewelry at a maximum of $1500. That means if your $10,000 engagement ring is stolen they will only replace $1500 of the cost. For around $1 to $2 per $100 replacement cost, you can insure your engagement ring or other fine jewelry. Find a local insurance agent you trust and schedule a time to meet with them to discuss your jewelry insurance needs. Find out if your policy covers gems from your jewelry pieces that may be lost. Still unsure who to choose, we highly recommend insuring through Jeweler’s Mutual, as they also cover future repairs down the road. You can get a direct quote for Jeweler’s Mutual here.

Why am I getting an email/call/text message from NoFraud to confirm a transaction?

Who is NoFraud?

NoFraud is a fraud prevention solution for eCommerce businesses. They screen transactions on behalf of businesses and alert them if they find a transaction is at high risk for fraud. This protects consumers against unauthorized credit card use and protects businesses against fraud chargebacks.

Why am I Getting an Email/call/text from NoFraud to Confirm a Transaction?

You received contact from NoFraud because your transaction had irregular shopping characteristics and/or elevated risk. NoFraud wants to confirm the transaction was made by the authorized cardholder.

After I Confirm the Transaction, Do I Need to Do Anything Else? 

After you confirm the transaction there is nothing else you need to do unless you have been asked by a fraud analyst to provide additional information.

Will NoFraud Ever Ask for My Personal Information?

NoFraud will never ask you for your full credit card number, social security number or any other personal information.

Will My Order be Delayed?

In most cases, as soon as your response is received, your order will be released for processing.

I Did Not Make the Transaction and Neither Did Anyone That Has Access to My Credit Card. What Do I Do Now?

After confirming that the transaction was truly unauthorized, we recommend that you contact your credit card company/payment account and inform them that your card has been compromised. Review the latest transactions on your account to ensure there is no other fraudulent activity to report. Your financial institution will likely put a hold on all future purchases from the compromised card/account and issue a new one for future use.

Our Services

I want to try on a ring, but can't travel to the Ben Garelick Showroom. What are my options?

We get a lot of requests from visitors who love our rings online and would like to try them on before they buy, but live too far away to make a trip to our Buffalo, NY store. Ben Garelick now offers previews of all available rings, with free shipping to you!Option 1: Alloy Designer Samples – Some of our designers offer stainless steel and cubic zirconia replicas of their rings, and these rings can easily be sent to you for a fully refundable fee of $200 each. We will send you the requested ring(s), charge your credit card per ring, and once returned we will fully refund your credit card (if the item is in the original condition). Live Samples – If an alloy designer sample is not available, we can send you the real version of the ring. You will be charged for the full amount of the ring, and the amount will be fully refunded to your credit card upon return in its original condition. Ben Garelick will pay shipping to you, but you are responsible for shipping the ring back to Ben Garelick.

If I find an engagement ring I like online, can you change the size or shape of the center stone?

Yes. 99.9% of our rings online can be ordered to accommodate a different size or shape natural or lab-created diamond. The center stone can also be replaced with moissanite or your preferred gemstone.If you see an engagement ring with a 1 carat round cut diamond, and you prefer a 1.5 carat cushion cut diamond in the center, we can make the ring to accommodate the specifics of the stone you desire. We have a hand selected assortment of diamond and moissanite options available in our center stone pulldown on each product page, but if you don’t see what you are looking for, please contact us. We would be happy to work with you to find the perfect center stone from the thousands at our fingertips.

I already have a center stone. Can I order the setting to fit my diamond?

If you already have a diamond (natural or lab-created), gemstone, or moissanite, you can order an engagement ring to accommodate your center stone. There may be additional modification costs associated with the ring, and a representative from Ben Garelick will follow-up with you after the order is placed to confirm all costs. To place an order for a ring to accommodate your center stone, please type the measurements of your stone in the notes section on the checkout page. For example, if you have a 2 carat round cut diamond, you would type “2 Carat Round Cut Diamond – Measures 8.06mm x 8.05mm x 5.01mm” in the notes section of the order form.

Can I customize my ring at Ben Garelick?

At Ben Garelick we know that you ring is very personal and sentimental, and we are happy to help you customize jewelry whenever possible. Click here to submit your custom request and we will get back to you within 24-48 business hours!

How do you measure ring size for an engagement ring?

At Ben Garelick, our engagement rings, wedding bands, and gemstone rings are created to last a lifetime.

Rings are more than just jewelry, they symbolize everlasting union of love.

Since rings are circular, they have no end, just like your relationship with that special someone.

And just like we hope will be your relationship with Ben Garelick Jewelers!

This makes getting the perfect fit for a ring all the more important, since the ring will be around forever.

Click here to visit our ring sizing blog for more information.

How do I select a Center Stone?

When you buy your center stone from Ben Garelick you're buying from sparkle specialists. We know the "Five C's" (Yes, Five...keep reading) and use them to our customer's best advantage to maximize sparkle and minimize price.

Click here to visit our blog on selecting the perfect center stone.

Will Ben Garelick buy my old gold and diamonds?

Ben Garelick is always happy to pay cash for your old, used or unwanted gold. We'll even offer you a 100% increase in value if you decide to use your trade-in money to make a jewelry purchase in store. For instance, if you bring in $100 worth of old gold, you can take the $100 in cash or have it be worth $200 in store credit, good towards a new jewelry purchase or any repair service.

Diamonds are purchased on a very selective basis. Please gather any documents you have regarding the diamond, and call ahead to be certain our diamond buyer will be available.

Why sell your old jewelry to Ben Garelick Jewelers? In an undercover study conducted by Buffalo's Channel 4 news team, Ben Garelick gave the customer the most cash for their old gold and jewelry out of all the other local jewelers.

Product Queries

Is the jewelry I buy at Ben Garelick ethically sourced?

Absolutely! Ben Garelick is committed to being a responsible and highly ethical business. We work only with designers who adhere to the Kimberly Process, assuring that every diamond that we sell is ethically sourced and conflict free.

We also have many alternative diamond options available for you including moissanite, lab created diamonds and colored gemstones.

What is a Moissanite?

Click here to read more on Moissanite gemstones.

What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

Click here to read more on Lab-Grown Diamonds.

What is a G color diamond?

G-color diamonds fall into the second category of color, being near colorless.

When a diamond shows color, this is often yellower in tone the further you go down the scale, and it becomes more apparent to the naked eye when you get to grade Z.

This is also the case if you go larger in carat weight, the color will begin to be more noticeable!

Click here to read more on G color diamonds.

What is a H color diamond?

So, H-color diamonds seem to place really high on that scale if we’re considering the alphabet as their positioning?

Yes, they do. In fact, they are part of the “near-colorless” range of diamonds available, which means they are teetering on super rare. 

However, they do have a slight yellow tinge when placed at a 45-degree angle or from the side, but unless you’re a gemologist, you’re unlikely ever to notice this tint, and to the naked eye, they will appear white and bright.

Click here to read more on a H color diamond.

What's the difference between 14K, 18K white and yellow gold?

In regards to 14K and 18K, 14K is basically half gold and the other half is made up of alloys. 24K gold (all gold) is pure gold but too soft to wear for normal every day wear. That is why the gold is mixed with alloys to make it strong and durable.

Click here to read more about the difference between 14K, 18K white and yellow gold!

What's the difference between platinum & palladium?

While platinum is currently more well-known, both platinum and palladium are very similar. The differences between the two mainly come down to density and price.

Click here for more information of the difference between platinum and palladium.

When should you solder wedding rings?

Ben Garelick recommends soldering your wedding band and your engagement ring around one week after your wedding day.  

Click here for more information on when you should solder your weddings rings.

When should I rhodium plate my ring?

Although many people understand that having their engagement or wedding ring rhodium plated is a good thing, they usually don’t understand why or what exactly rhodium plating does. 

Click here for more information on rhodium plating your ring.

How can I get my ring re-sized?

To resize your ring, re-tip your prongs, tighten any loose stones, restore your favorite timeless piece, or re-mount gemstones, you can count on our expertise and impeccable ring repair services!

Click here for more information on repairing your ring.

What do I do if my diamond in my engagement ring is loose?

To resize your ring, re-tip your prongs, tighten any loose stones, restore your favorite timeless piece, or re-mount gemstones, you can count on our expertise and impeccable ring repair services!

For more information on tightening your diamond, click here.

How do I clean my diamond ring at home?

Let’s face it. Our diamond engagement ring and wedding bands go through a lot on a daily basis. Since most people wear them 24/7, it’s easy to dull that sparkle as we scrub dishes, mow the yard, workout, or even apply gels and lotions to our body. 

Click here to watch a video on cleaning your ring at home.

Can I contact Ben Garelick with questions?

We are always happy to answer your questions and help you find that perfect piece. Please click here to contact us directly.

Rhodium Plating

What is Rhodium Plating?

Rhodium is a very rare silvery-white, highly reflective metal that does not tarnish or corrode.

It is considered to be the most expensive metal in the world!

It is a member of the platinum group of metals.

While you would think that it would be the perfect metal for all fine jewelry, it does have one flaw in this regard - it is a brittle metal and can easily break or crack when used on its own.

Instead, rhodium is used to make the metals in jewelry stronger through a plating process.

It strengthens metals like gold and silver and helps prevent against scratches.

Rhodium plating can also enhance the brilliance of a diamond by brightening the dullness of white gold.

When should I Rhodium Plate my ring?

Rhodium, one of the five platinum metals, coats your diamond engagement ring, wedding band or other fine jewelry with a bright white layer.

Your rings or other jewelry should be rhodium plated if you wear them every day to add a layer of strength and brightness to your ring.

Any metal can be plated with rhodium for different affects. You should consider rhodium plating if you want your gold or white gold to appear a brighter, more brilliant silver color. This is especially true of white gold.

Since 24 ct. gold is a natural yellow color, it is mixed with other metals, such as nickel, to create white gold. Because of the mix, the color is sometimes a dull silver or contains a yellow tint.

Rhodium plating can brighten this dull silver color in your white gold rings. For your yellow gold rings, rhodium plating will cover the yellow, turning it into a bright silver color.

Although less common, even platinum rings can be rhodium plated for a brighter silver color.

For diamond engagement rings, wedding rings or anniversary rings, rhodium plating can make your diamonds pop with brilliance.

How long does Rhodium Plating last?

Although many believe rhodium plating is permanent, the truth is that it will eventually wear off and will need to be replated.

At Ben Garelick, we use a heavier rhodium that typically lasts 2-3 years. However, the length of time it will take for your rhodium plating to wear off can be as short as 12 to 18 months, and it will depend on several factors:

Thickness of the plating.

Trusted experts like Ben Garelick Jewelers can determine the optimal thickness of the rhodium plating based on the jewelry type and intended wear. For engagement or wedding bands that are worn frequently, a thickness of .75 to 1.0 microns is ideal. It’s best to find a jeweler, like Ben Garelick, that uses a thicker, heavier rhodium and finishes the piece properly to ensure a longer life.

Type of metal (color) under the rhodium plating.

Rhodium plating over yellow gold may only last 6 to 9 months. You’ll notice the yellow coming through on the underneath side of the back of your ring first. While rhodium does not tarnish, you may see some tarnishing on your silver ring when the plating begins to wear off.

Wear of jewelry.

The amount of time that you wear your rhodium plated ring & your daily activiies can factor into how long the plating will last. The more “wear and tear” the ring undergoes, the faster the plating will diminish.

Body chemistry of the wearer.

Sometimes, a person’s body chemistry can cause the rhodium to wear off more quickly due to the skin’s excretions interacting with the metal.

Regardless of how long your rhodium plating lasts, you will not want to replate your ring with rhodium more often than absolutely needed because each time you do, the old plating must be stripped down to the original metal and scratches will need to be removed.

What happens to my diamonds when my ring is Rhodium Plated?

Oftentimes, our Ben Garelick Jewelers customers are concerned about the impact rhodium plating might have on their diamond or other gemstones. Rest assured we do not need to remove the stones from your ring to “dip” it in rhodium plating.

To better understand the process, we’ve outlined the steps that are taken when your ring is plated with rhodium:

  1. Your ring is electro cleaned on average, for about 3 minutes in a special solution at a high temperature (around 190 degrees fahrenheit) using electric current. This solution will not damage your gemstones because they do not conduct electricity.
  2. After cleaning, we will rinse all cleaning solution from the ring.
  3. The ring is immersed in a special high temperature, high electrical current rhodium plating bath for 30 seconds to one minute, taking it out every few seconds to inspect the progress. A special balance of all factors must be kept in order to perfectly plate your ring. This balance is complicated and should only be trusted to a professional jewelry expert that you trust. With each submersion, the brightness increases.
  4. Once the desired brightness is reached, it is important to stop the process as there is a rapid darkening with each additional immersion.

Could I be allergic to Rhodium Plating?

One of the many advantages of Rhodium is that is both highly reflective and non-reactive.

That means it will not cause an allergic reaction.

However, it is important to remember, that once the rhodium plating wears off and the metal(s) that make up your ring are exposed, you may experience an allergic reaction.

For example, some people are allergic to nickel and that is a metal commonly combined with gold to create the silver color of white gold.

How much does Rhodium Plating cost?

The cost for rhodium plating can vary depending on how much rhodium is needed to properly plate the piece of jewelry you are plating as well as the jeweler’s skill level and your desired finished look.

For a diamond engagement ring, the approximated cost of rhodium plating can range from $35 to $140. Wider and heavier rings may absorb more rhodium from the solution which could increase the cost.

Since your rhodium plating will eventually wear off, many choose to build their engagement rings or wedding bands from a white gold or platinum which is already silver in color and may not require plating as often.

How do I care for my Rhodium Plated ring?

To keep your rhodium plated ring looking its best, you should clean it with warm water and a mild liquid soap.

Use a soft polishing cloth and dry immediately. You should never use any chemicals of any kind such as silver polish, silver dips, or ammonia based products on your rhodium plated rings or jewelry.

Rhodium will not tarnish. Don’t brush with a toothbrush, use toothpaste or any kind of abrasive.