ENGAGEMENT RING FAQ

Sizing
Q: How do I determine the ring size?

Money Matters

Q: Do you offer financing?
Q: How much should I spend?
Q: What is the difference between platinum, white gold, and silver?
Q: What is the difference between diamonds and colored gems?

Diamonds + Colored Stones
Q: What is the Ken & Dana Design diamond quality standard?
Q: What size diamond should I get?
Q: What colored stones do you offer?

Ethics + the Environment
Q: Do you use conflict free diamonds?
Q: What is the Kimberly Process?
Q: What is recycled metal?
Q: Will a portion of my sale be donated to any charities or organizations?
Q: Do you offer lab created diamond engagement rings?

Customizations
Q: Can you create a custom engagement ring for me?
Q: How can I customize my engagement ring in a budget-friendly manner?
Q: Do you laser inscribe?

Production
Q: How long does production generally take?
Q: Can you rush my order?
Q: Can I order a Ken & Dana Design setting without the center stone?
Q: Can I use another jeweler to size or repair my Ken & Dana Design ring after purchase?

Engagement Ring Care
Q: Are there any times when I should not be wearing my engagement ring?
Q: How often should I have my engagement ring serviced by Ken & Dana Design?
Q: Does Ken & Dana Design offer other services?

100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Q: Can I return an engagement ring?
Q: Do you offer a warranty on your engagement rings?
Q: Do you offer free maintenance on your engagement rings?
Q: Do you offer free cleaning?
Q: How is Ken & Dana different from other retailers?

Q: Anything else? 

 

Sizing

Q: How do I determine the ring size?
A: Download this size guide to help determine the size.  We recommend going with a size that is easy to slide on and slightly resistant when taking it off.  If you're purchasing an engagement ring or wedding band, the first re-sizing is complimentary.  Each additional sizing is $50.00. The client is responsible for all shipping fees and any customs duties or clearance for all shipments.

Money Matters

Q: Do you offer financing?
A: We are partnered with Affirm to offer financing on collection pieces.  At check out, you'll find an option to pay with Affirm.  Select this payment method, and you'll be taken to Affirm's website to complete your loan application.  Click here for more information about Affirm.   

Q: How much should I spend?
A: You should spend as much money on your engagement ring as you feel comfortable with.  Start by creating a budget and then let everything else fall into place.  Every client has a different need, and we do our best to recommend and create the most exciting ring for a given budget.  If you’re still not sure on what you should spend or need some help deciding, please send us an email to info@kenanddanadesign.com. We would love to help you find the perfect engagement ring.

Q:What is the difference between platinum, white gold, and silver?
A: When it comes to all three of these options, the deciding factors are usually in regard to budget, durability, and maintenance.Platinum is the most expensive metal and is also the densest.  It is a naturally white metal, and will remain that way for life without the need for maintenance.  This makes platinum a low maintenance option.  It’s something to consider when thinking about making your new KDD design a family heirloom for future generations.  It will withstand the test of time and wear.  18k white gold features an intermediate price point - it contains a higher percentage of gold than 14k, thereby making it a more precious option.  Since gold is a yellow metal, alloying and rhodium-plating it are required for gold to achieve a white color.  Alloying allows for gold to look smoky-white, and rhodium plating gives it a bright white finish.  This plating does wear off, however, so clients who prefer a bright white finish should have their ring re-plated (about once every 18 months).  14k white gold is the less expensive option, because it contains a lower concentration of gold than 18k.  This option is also rhodium plated.  Read more about rhodium plating here. Lastly, silver is the least expensive option.  It is a soft, white, lustrous metal, and it is prone to oxidation when not worn.   We do not offer silver wherever there is stone setting because silver is too soft.

Q: What is the difference between diamonds and colored gems?
A: When dealing with precious stones there are clear distinctions. Each type has its own particular chemical and physical properties. Diamonds exist in over 300 colors and are the rarest and most precious type of stone; it is prized for its high refractive index (giving it great brilliance), as well as its durability (it is the hardest mineral in the world, making it ideal for everyday wear). The second most common precious mineral that we work with is Sapphire. It exists in a large variety of colors, and is a great alternative to diamond because of its durability.  In addition, KDD also offers lab grown sapphires; environmental conditions are duplicated and with that a quality sapphire is grown over a period of about eight months with identical physical, chemical and optical properties to those found in nature. Unless you are a gemologist and have access to gem lab equipment, you won’t be able to tell the difference between a created sapphire and a mined one.

 

Diamonds + Colored Stones

Q: What is the Ken & Dana Design diamond quality standard?
A: We hand-select and inspect every diamond before setting them for our clients.  Even though laboratory grading and standardization have made choosing a diamond much less intimidating, it is worth keeping in mind that the lab report alone does not tell the full story.  It is because of this reason, that two identically sized stones with equal grading (and from the same lab) can trade for thousands of dollars apart in the marketplace.  In our shop, we mine our suppliers for diamonds that exhibit the best combination of value and aesthetics.  The standard that we use is GIA H color SI1 clarity, with Excellent cut, and at least Very Good for polish and symmetry.  This standard is meant to give you the highest carat stone within a budget, while maintaining a colorless distinction and no blemishes to the unaided eye. 

Clients who prefer for us to shop for a different quality stone than our recommendation can email us at info@kenanddanadesign.com

Q: What size diamond should I get?
A: If you're unsure about what size diamond to select, consider choosing a size that represents the best that you can afford.  Since we took the liberty of selecting diamonds at the best quality and value, we recommend opting for the largest size that fits within your budget.  

Q: What colored stones do you offer?
A: We are currently offering yellow sapphires and blue sapphires in our KDD Classics collection (customizable engagement rings).  Our ready to ship  collection features a wider range of exotic stones, including black and brown diamonds, tourmalines and emeralds.

 

Ethics + the Environment

Q: Do you use conflict free diamonds?
A: Yes.  All of our diamonds are Kimberly Process compliant.  The Kimberley Process is a certification system that prohibits the trading of diamonds from war-torn regions. 

Q: What is the Kimberly Process?
A: The Kimberley Process certification was created in 2003 to break the relationship between diamonds and bloodshed. This process monitors conflict diamonds – that is, diamonds that fund bloody civil wars. It’s set up to assure consumers that by purchasing diamonds they are  not financing war and disgusting human rights violations that have been carried out in such conflicts.

Q:What is recycled metal?
A: Ken & Dana Design uses precious metals from renewed sources derivative from numerous post-consumer sources, including recycled jewelry, industrial products, and electronics components. Our precious metals are of identical quality to newly mined metals. By using recycled metals, our aim is to reduce the need for additional dirty mining of precious metals, such as open pit mining. For more information about recycled metal, please visit our partner Hoover & Strong

Q: Do you offer lab created diamond engagement rings?
A: Yes.  Ken & Dana is proud to offer our clients beautiful, investment-grade lab created diamonds and engagement rings up to 4 carats in size, in a variety of shapes. All lab created diamonds are independently graded and certified.

 

Customizations

Q: Can you create a custom engagement ring for me?
A: Yes.  Custom rings start with an in-studio meeting (via e-mail/Skype/phone for out of state clients), and coming to an agreed-on vision and specifications.  We will then draw up a proposal and estimated cost.  The design process is broken down into three phases and you will be charged a non-refundable fee with each stage of work.  Custom designs can take anywhere from eight weeks to six months, depending on the request.  Please contact us for more details: info@kenanddanadesign.com.

Q: How can I customize my engagement ring in a budget-friendly manner?
A: We understand that custom engagement rings can be costly and unpredictable, so we encourage our clients to personalize their ring instead.   Start by finding a KDD ring that you love and then personalize it by adding an inscription, adding a fingerprint, changing the finish, or adding an accent birthstone.  Send us an email with your story, and we'll help you brainstorm for ideas.

Q: Do you laser inscribe?
A: Yes.  A laser inscription is a great way to personalize your ring.

 

Production

Q: How long does production generally take?
A: If you purchase a made to order or customized engagement ring, please allow 4 to 6 weeks for production time.  Required fabrication time depends on the complexity of the design.  

Q: Can you rush my order?
A: Some engagement rings and wedding bands can be rushed for an extra fee by choosing the "rush" option under your product of choice.  This means that production time will take 2 weeks, instead of the usual 4 - 5 weeks.  If you have a hard deadline, please send an inquiry to info@kenanddanadesign.com.

Q: Can I order a Ken & Dana Design setting without the center stone?

A: No.  We do not send out unfinished work (i.e., settings without a center stone).  Our artisans are familiar with working on our elaborate settings and are skilled at modifying them to each unique stone.  In addition, all of our settings are made-to-order, so each one is handcrafted for a particular center stone with unique characteristics.  This makes providing loose settings incredibly challenging in most circumstances.

Q: Can I use another jeweler to size or repair my Ken & Dana Design ring after purchase?
A: We do not recommend that you use another jeweler to work on your Ken & Dana Design engagement ring. Not all jewelers are created equal and it takes a master craftsperson to work on our unique designs. Additionally, repair or service by a jeweler or designer other than Ken & Dana Design will void the one year warranty that comes with our engagement rings and wedding bands.

 

Engagement Ring Care

Q: Are there any times when I should not be wearing my engagement ring?
A: We realize that you love your engagement ring and never want to take it off.   However, your ring is made using precious metals and gems and should be treated with care.  This means that it is best not to wear your ring while bathing, gardening, engaging in sports, going to the gym or any other activity that could potentially be abrasive to your engagement ring.

Q: How often should I have my engagement ring serviced by Ken & Dana Design?
A: We recommend having your engagement ring professionally cleaned and inspected every 6 months.  We offer this service to our clients free of charge.  See our free maintenance section below for more information. 

Q: Does Ken & Dana Design offer other services?
A: We highly recommend insuring your Ken & Dana Design engagement ring to protect your jewelry from any unforeseen circumstances. Currently, we do not offer insurance. However,  you may wish to add your ring to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy or we can assist you on collecting some quotes from companies we hold in high regard.

 

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Q: Can I return an engagement ring?

A: Yes.  You can shop with confidence, knowing that if for any reason you are not satisfied, you may take advantage of our 14 day return & exchange policy. 

The item must be returned in its original, unworn condition within 14 days of the initial shipment.  Each piece must be returned in the original packaging with all of the original documentation/certification.  Items that are special order, customized/altered, engraved, have been repaired/resized, or have been previously exchanged are not returnable or exchangeable.

Please note that rush fees and shipping charges are non-refundable and we do not pay for shipping, duties or taxes of items returned to us. 

How to return an order:
Please contact us at returns@kenanddanadesign.com before sending back merchandise with a note on why you'd like a refund/exchange.  Do not ship your item out until you have received e-mail confirmation and a return shipping fee (if exchanging an item) from a Ken & Dana Design team member.  Once you have received confirmation and paid for return shipping (if applicable), you may send your ring to us for a refund or exchange.  Please be sure to carefully enclose each piece in its original packaging (including all paperwork and certification) with proper padding.  The package must be insured for the total purchase amount.  The client will be responsible for all shipping fees and any customs duties or clearance for all shipments.  Ken & Dana Design is not responsible for lost or damaged items during transit. 

Please send all returns/exchanges to:
Ken & Dana Design
Attn: Returns
243 West 30th St, Floor 10
New York, NY 10001
212-972-7031

Q: Do you offer a warranty on your engagement rings?
A: Yes.  Ken & Dana Design jewelry is meticulously handcrafted in NYC with highest standards of quality and excellence.  In addition to our 14 day return policy, we offer a lifetime warranty on the craftsmanship of our jewelry.  

This warranty excludes coverage for wear and tear, physical abuse, theft, loss of center gemstone, and damage caused by failure to obtain the proper repairs to preserve the integrity of the jewelry.  Additionally, repair or service by someone other than Ken & Dana Design will void this warranty.  We always recommend the purchase of independent insurance for your Ken & Dana Design jewelry.  This will help recover damaged, lost or stolen jewelry, and any repairs that fall outside of our warranty.

Should your jewelry require attention related to maintenance or damage, please contact us for instructions on shipping your ring to us.  Maintenance services such as cleaning, refinishing, and rhodium plating are complimentary, but $70 will be billed to you to cover the cost of shipping & insurance (if you're not able to drop off and pick up in person).  All warrantied repairs will be provided a free shipping label. 

If your repair is not covered by our lifetime warranty, we will notify you with a cost before any repair work is performed.  Examples of issues not covered by our lifetime warranty include: 

  • Precious metals over a long period, in particular in delicate areas such as prongs, will wear thin over time and this requires restoration as part of normal wear.
  • Loss of gemstone caused by damage or wear: such as prongs catching, wearing out, or being struck by force.  
  • Change in metal color due to exposure to chemicals, make-up, or immersion in baths and swimming pools.

 

Q: Do you offer free maintenance on your engagement rings?

A: Yes.  We recommend having your engagement ring professionally cleaned and inspected every 6 months.  Your ring should also be immediately serviced if it has undergone trauma, such as being dropped or struck.  Even if your ring looks to be unharmed, it may have issues that can only be detected by a professional.  These inspections will make sure that the prongs are secure, which helps to prevent the loss of your diamond or gemstone if your ring has been inadvertently damaged.  Ken & Dana Design provides this service to our clients free of charge.  If you live in the NYC area, simply send us an email to info@kenanddanadesign.com to schedule an appointment for inspection and cleaning.

If you don't live in the NYC area, start by sending us an email to info@kenanddanadesign.com with “free maintenance check” in the subject line.  

Do not ship your item out until you have received e-mail confirmation and a return shipping fee for your shipping label from a Ken & Dana Design team member.  Once you have received confirmation and paid for return shipping, you may send your ring to us for a maintenance checkup.  Please be sure to carefully wrap your jewelry with proper padding.  The package must be insured for the total purchase amount.  The client will be responsible for all shipping fees and any customs duties or clearance for all shipments. 

If we discover that your ring needs to be refurbished, it will not be available for immediate pick-up or immediate return-shipping. The time for refurbishing varies depending on the service and we will provide you with an estimate of the delivery date and associated costs (if applicable) once we have inspected the ring.

Q: Do you offer Free Cleaning?
A: Yes. Feel free to make an appointment for a complimentary cleaning as often as you like.  If you live in the NYC area, simply send an email to info@kenanddanadesign.com to schedule an appointment for cleaning.  The process will only take about 30 minutes.  

If you don't live in the NYC area, start by sending us an email to info@kenanddanadesign.com with “free cleaning” in the subject line. 

Do not send your item out until you have received confirmation and a return shipping fee from a Ken & Dana Design team member.  Once you have received confirmation and paid for return shipping, you may send your ring to us for a complimentary cleaning.  Please be sure to carefully wrap your jewelry with proper padding.  The package must be insured for the total purchase amount.  The client will be responsible for all shipping fees and any customs duties or clearance for all shipments.  Ken & Dana Design is not responsible for lost or damaged items during transit.  If you are shipping your ring to us, please allow one to two days for cleaning. 

Q: How is Ken & Dana different from other retailers?
A: Ken & Dana Design is a special place. It’s a site where one can feel informed, secure, and comfortable. Working with the KDD team which you are sure to come and trust, puts your mind at ease. You’ll feel confident that you’ve chosen the best to handle the very special token of love for your partner. At KDD we guarantee that a diamond is conflict free. We make charitable contributions to organizations that help us in keeping up with best practices when it comes to gemstone and metal mining. In addition to our ethical beliefs, we have unique designs that help show love in not so traditional ways. Ken & Dana Design is a place you come to for thoughtful and organic designs that resemble your love for your partner. Further, we believe that client service and attention to detail for every order is central to everything that we do. You will not deal with an operator or be left to “figure out” a complicated website. At KDD you will always get a guided and explanatory shopping experience. Please visit our testimonials page and read what our clients have to share about Ken & Dana Design. 

 Q: Anything else?
A: Yes - Our Terms and Conditions govern all transactions with you. Please read and review our terms and conditions before you shop.