FAQs
What is the difference between 'Antique', 'Vintage' and 'Reproduction'?
In order to be legally considered an Antique in the United States, a piece of Jewelry must be 100 years old or older. Our items are described accordingly. "Estate" is any item that was previously owned. "Vintage" is a descriptive term for types of estate jewelry from a particular era, such as "Art Deco", "Art Nouveau", "Retro Moderne", "Victorian", and "Edwardian". All items with the word "Reproduction" or "Replica" in description are new pieces crafted from one of our models. Our Reproduction pieces are made in our New York Workshop and are not for sale anywhere other than at Leigh Jay & Co.
A ring that I like is out of stock. How can I know when it will be available again?
If you fall in love with a one-of-a-kind Estate ring and it has been sold it is not possible for us offer a replacement of the same style. While we have an extensive line of replica styles - we do not make one-off reproductions of vintage engagement rings. If we have an existing replica style than may be of interest - or another vintage ring of similar design currently in our inventory - we may suggest another ring of a similar look but an exact replacement is not possible. If the ring you like is a replica and it is out of stock, we can build one to order at any time with a modern brilliant or step-cut diamond. The price of the new ring will vary depending on the whether you want gold or platinum, the changing prices of diamonds and the quality and size of the diamond you select, but we will work with you to help fit your budget and aesthetic desires. All of our replicas are made from molds taken of vintage items, and not all sizes and shapes of stones can fit into every ring. Please call us to discuss special requests.
Do you commission custom work?
We do commission work on an individual basis. We would be very happy to discuss with you.
I love a vintage setting but I'd like a different stone. Can we buy just the setting?
While we sell most of the replica settings without the center stone, the vintage pieces are not for sale without the center stone. When we have a beautiful vintage original, we don't have the heart to break it up. However, we have a large selection of antique and vintage settings without center stones that can be set. These are not available on the website.
Do you sell Men's wedding bands?
We carry the classic styles in our showroom and can craft them in Platinum, Palladium, 14k gold and 18k gold. True Vintage bands and some specialty designs are available. We also carry the full line of contemporary styles. Please contact us directly for more information.
When I buy a setting, is the center stone included?
When you purchase a vintage or Replica ring from our "Engagement Ring" Section, the ring you are purchasing is the complete item. When you purchase one of our replica settings -from the "Settings" section (and listed as a setting in the long description) - the side stones are included in the ring - but not the center stone. While we do not stock a large inventory of loose diamonds, we can procure a diamond or other gem to place in the setting. You may send us your stone for us to set by one of our master setters. You are welcome to have an outside party set your stone, but we prefer to set all our rings so we know it is done correctly. Setting a client's stone is $60.00 - $200 depending on the size, shape, and nature of the Gem.
*Several of our replica engagement rings not listed on the settings section are available for purchase as settings - but only if our jewelers set the center stone. This is to maintain quality and ensure that the finished ring is seated properly and embellished to achieve the desired look. We recommend this for all of our settings, but the rings listed in the settings section are available for direct purchase and should be able to be set by most skilled bench jewelers.
What forms of payment do you accept? Do you offer financing?
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, PayPal, Cashier's checks, Wire Transfers, and Cash. Three Month Layaway is available. For customer protection against fraud, all items paid for with a credit card or PayPal must be shipped to the buyer's billing address. If you are a US citizen or have US resident status you may also apply for financing through Synchrony or Wells Fargo. Please call us to discuss your options.
Are your diamonds conflict free?
We purchase all of our new diamonds from sellers who participate in the Kimberly Certification Process - established in 2003 to prevent diamond sales from financing the conflicts in Africa. All of our vintage diamonds are original to their rings and are not associated with modern conflicts.
How do I keep my Replica Engagement ring/wedding ring
sparkling and in excellent shape?
The best and most effective way to clean your diamond jewelry at home is with an ammonia and water 1:4 ratio solution (or, in a pinch - windex). Soak the ring for about 10-15 minutes (if it is very soiled - even longer), scrub the setting with a soft toothbrush, rinse with tepid water and blot dry. You should have your ring checked and cleaned by a jeweler every six months or so to make sure the prongs are secure and any minor damages can be addressed promptly. Please contact us at anytime if your ring needs repair. *Rings set with emeralds, pearls, turquoise, lapis, onyx, and crystal should not be cleaned with ammonia based solutions. Please consult us for care instructions.
How do I care for my Vintage/Antique engagement ring/ wedding ring?
If you have purchased an antique or vintage ring - Congratulations! You have a special piece of one of a kind jewelry. Before we sell a vintage ring, we make sure any visible flaws that need to be addressed are taken care of prior to sale so the ring is in good shape for wear. Should an issue occur within initial wear, please get in touch with us so we can see to repairs and adjustment promptly. Your vintage engagement ring is meant to give you a lifetime of enjoyment - and a little Tender Loving Care will go along way in making this happen. Fine jewelry of any kind - but especially of an older, more delicate piece- should be removed if you are doing heavy chemical cleaning, contact sports, and activities where your hands are likely to get abraded or knocked more so than usual. If you are very active, a platinum ring will endure your lifestyle better than a gold one - which can wear faster over time. Delicate filigree pieces from the Art Deco and Edwardian period that have survived over 80 years are a credit to fine manufacture and careful, thoughtful wear. Enjoy your vintage ring - and remember that it is a work of art!
Platinum, Gold, and diamond estate rings can be cleaned in the same manner as the replica rings. For a more gentle cleaning option of a very soiled ring - an overnight soak in a mild solution of castile soap and water is very effective. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush after cleaning - rinse and blot dry. Have them checked every few months for security.
Where do you make your rings? Do you have any other showrooms?
All of our replica and reproduction jewelry is made in our workshop in New York City. These are our designs - unique to our company. We are very proud of our quality and work closely with our bench jewelers to make sure each piece meets our high standards.
While we welcome all inquiries, we reserve the right to respectfully decline orders from companies and individuals whose primary interest is to purchase our products for the purpose of resale.
We are a sole retailer and we are only in New York City. Our pieces are not available anywhere else. Each piece of Leigh Jay & Co. jewelry is a representation of our company as a whole. We want your ring to be a beautiful treasure that will make you smile every day.