Frequently Asked Questions

ORDERING

Our current turnaround time is roughly 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the item. Our in-stock items are usually shipped 3 to 7 days after your order has been placed. Made-to-order pieces usually take about 2 weeks to finish and ship. If you need your item by a certain date, and you aren’t sure whether it will arrive on time, please contact us to inquire if we can get it to you by said date. For those in North America: Once your item has been shipped, you can expect its arrival within 2 to 10 days.

If you need your piece in a hurry, please contact us before placing your order, with the date that you need it by. When you reach out, please provide detailed information including a link to the desired item, your ring size (if applicable), and choice of metal colour.

“Made to order” refers to items that are not pre-made and kept in inventory, but rather are crafted specifically according to a customer’s request upon their order. This process allows for customization and ensures that each product is made to individual specifications, which can include size, color, and material.

Unfortunately, we aren’t accepting visitors at this time. We are a small jewelry studio that doesn’t currently have a public showroom. North Wind Jewelry is primarily run by Nate, our full time jeweler, question answerer, and problem solver. Operating this way allows us to adhere to a tight schedule, freeing up enough time to respond to emails and fulfill every order.

Shipping Within Canada:

We offer free shipping on orders $200 and above. The courier and service that we use depends on the order value:

  • $0 to $199: Canada Post Xpresspost; tracking included; *insurance/signature not included.
  • $200 to 499: Canada Post Xpresspost; tracking/insurance included; signature required.
  • $500 to $2999: FedEx Express; 1 to 3 days; tracking/insurance included; signature required.
  • $3000 and above: FedEx Priority; 1 to 2 days; tracking/insurance included; signature required.

Shipping – United States

All orders sent to the US are shipped via FedEx Express for a flat rate of $40 Canadian, which includes tracking, insurance, and usually requires a signature. Please be advised:

  • Orders over $800 US dollars will incur 5.5% duty.
  • If your order is over $800 US dollars, FedEx will take care of customs clearance and delivery to your door. You will then receive a FedEx invoice in the mail for the 5.5% duty.
  • Should your order exceed $2500 US dollars, FedEx will apply a small fee for merchandise processing to account for the additional documentation mandated by the Patriot Act. You will also be required to provide FedEx with your Social Security Number on parcels entering the country that are above $2500 US dollars.

Occasionally, packages may experience delays in Customs. Please note that we cannot be held accountable for any such delays.

Shipping – International

Please contact us for a quote. The buyer is responsible for any additional duties/taxes/fees associated with importing their purchased goods into their country. We advise consulting your local Customs Office to get an estimate of any fees you might be required to pay. Occasionally, packages may experience delays in Customs. Please note that we cannot be held accountable for any such delays.

Yes, if you would prefer to pay for an item over time, financing is available. We have partnered with Affirm, which allows you to choose a payment plan that is right for you.

PRODUCT

The most accurate way to determine your ring size is to either visit a trusted local jeweler (preferably more than one – more on this below), or use our free ring sizers. We strongly recommend against using ring sizers that are purchased elsewhere online, as most sizers that are found on Amazon, eBay, or similar websites, are inaccurate. 

Here are some tips for getting the best measurement possible:

  • Visit More Than One Jeweler: Getting a second opinion can sometimes be beneficial, as slight discrepancies can occur between different sets of sizing tools or measuring techniques. Visiting more than one jeweler can confirm your size if the measurements are consistent.
  • Visiting at Different Times: Your finger size can fluctuate throughout the day due to temperature, humidity, exercise, and water retention. To get a sense of your true size, consider getting measured at different times of the day, especially morning and evening. This can help ensure that your ring will fit comfortably at all times.

Other Considerations:

  • Seasonal Changes: Your fingers may swell in hot weather and shrink in cold. If possible, avoid getting sized when you’re too cold or too warm.
  • The Right Fit: Make sure the sizer fits snugly but can also slide over your knuckle without too much resistance. A jeweler can guide you in finding a balance between these two.
  • Band Width: Mention the type of ring you’re interested in. Wider bands often require a larger size, and a professional jeweler can help you account for this.
  • Lifestyle and Habits: Discuss your lifestyle and any work or hobbies that might affect how your ring fits. If you’re very active or work with your hands, you might need a more secure fit.

Ultimately, while it may seem excessive to visit multiple jewelers or go at different times, doing so can be quite beneficial if you want to ensure the best fit. It’s especially advisable if you’re investing in a ring that you’ll wear daily, such as a wedding or engagement ring. Remember, the goal is to find a size that feels comfortable across various conditions and throughout the day.

Like mentioned above, we offer free and accurate ring sizers with the purchase of any ring. 

Yes, all jewelry pieces at North Wind Jewelry are made from solid metal; we do not offer any plated or filled jewelry. The exception to this is rhodium plating over solid white gold, which we sometimes do. 

Our jewelry is primarily made from recycled 14k gold, and various forms of recycled sterling silver. We also offer some pieces in contemporary metals, such as titanium and tungsten.

The non-diamond gemstones that we use are either sourced from our trusted suppliers, or we cut them in-house here in the studio. 

We obtain our natural diamonds from a reputable supplier who sources their stones from mines in Canada, Botswana, and South Africa. These diamonds are conflict-free and adhere to the standards of the Kimberley Process. Each round white diamond weighing .30 carats or more is accompanied by a grading report from the Gemological Institute of America. To ensure authenticity and traceability, the diamond’s girdle bears a laser-inscribed number that matches the one on its grading report. For CanadaMark diamonds, a unique CanadaMark identification number is inscribed instead. Please note that not all of our fancy cut diamonds over .30 carats come with a grading report. We encourage you to reach out to us before buying if you need confirmation that your chosen fancy cut diamond includes this documentation.

We also offer jewelry with lab-created diamonds.

Lab-created or lab-grown gemstones are real gemstones that are made in controlled environments rather than mined from the earth. These controlled environments use processes to replicate the natural conditions under which gemstones are formed over thousands or even millions of years.

Lab-grown gemstones possess identical chemical, physical, and optical properties to their natural counterparts. This includes hardness, refractive index, brilliance, and sparkle. They are a popular choice due to their ethical, environmental, and economic advantages. Since they can be produced with fewer environmental impacts and without the human toll often associated with mining, they are considered more sustainable and ethical.

Lab-created gemstones often have fewer inclusions and are typically more clear than natural stones, as the controlled conditions eliminate many of the impurities found in the natural environment.

To keep your jewelry sparkling like new, a gentle cleaning at home can do wonders. Here’s a simple method using items you likely have on hand:

    1. Prepare Your Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish detergent with warm – not hot – water. Stir it to create a soapy mixture.
    2. Soak: Place your jewelry in the solution and let it soak for 15-20 minutes (some delicate gemstones, such as opal, should not be soaked). This will help loosen any dirt and grime.
    3. Scrub Gently: Take a soft-bristled toothbrush and lightly brush the jewelry. Pay special attention to nooks and crannies where dirt may accumulate, but be gentle to avoid scratching.
    4. Rinse: Carefully rinse your jewelry under lukewarm water to remove any soap residue. Ensure the sink drain is closed, or rinse the pieces over a bowl to avoid losing them.
    5. Dry and Polish: Pat the jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. You can also let it air dry on a towel before putting it back on or storing it.

Remember to handle your jewelry delicately during the cleaning process, and avoid using this method on jewelry with delicate gemstones or settings that may be affected by brushing or soaking. Regular cleaning with this gentle method will maintain the beauty and luster of your jewelry for years to come.

 

 

 

 

POLICIES

Some of our jewelry can be returned for a full refund, minus the costs of shipping. Jewelry that cannot be returned and refunded include:

  • Pieces set with a diamond larger than 0.30 carats.
  • Bespoke pieces that were custom made in correspondence with the customer, including rings made in the customized wedding band builder.
  • Rings that have been resized (either by us or by another jeweler).

To be eligible, the item(s) must be sent back to us within 14 days of receiving it. Item(s) must be returned in an unused and unaltered state.

Customers are responsible for covering the costs of shipping returns. North Wind Jewelry is not liable for refunding or compensating returns that are lost in transit if there is no proof of delivery to us.

We offer resizing for many of our rings, while others cannot be resized.

  • Rings with stones set into the band can usually only be adjusted by a single size. For this type of ring, if a more significant adjustment is needed, it may have to be completely remade. So, it’s crucial to choose a size that falls within this adjustable range.
  • Rings without stones set into the band can usually be adjusted up or down by 2 sizes, sometimes more. 

Our resizing fee begins at $50 CAD per ring, which may increase depending on the need for additional gold or resetting. This fee does not include the cost of shipping to and from our location. It may make more sense to have your ring resized locally, depending on where you are located. 

Once a ring has been resized, it is no longer eligible to be returned for a refund.

Every piece from North Wind Jewelry is carefully crafted, so you can rest assured that you are receiving a high quality item. We provide a two year warranty that covers any manufacturing flaws for all our jewelry items. If you encounter what appears to be a manufacturing issue, please reach out to us.

If there is a problem with your item due to manufacturing, we will repair it free of charge or replace the item where appropriate. If we find that the damage was caused by something other than a manufacturing defect, we will let you know if repair services are available.

Please note, this warranty does not extend to damage caused by normal wear and tear, careless handling, accidents, or theft.