Frequently Asked Questions
General
Do you have a showroom?
No public showroom—by design. We offer virtual appointments with close-up video, macro detail, and styling guidance. Think private viewing, without the commute.
How do you verify authenticity and age?
Every Gala piece begins with the National Assay House and the National Gemological Testing Laboratory of Lithuania, both institutionalized members of The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO). There, metals and gemstones are scientifically tested and documented; their lab-issued certificates anchor the dossier for each jewel.
From that verified groundwork, we complete a multi-factor attribution that considers known provenance, gemstone cuts, materials, construction, design language, hallmarks, maker’s marks, period-correct wear signs and patina. Our attributions are conservative and transparent—when an exact year isn’t provable, we state a precise period or circa range.
How should I care for vintage jewelry?
Standard care is usually enough. Avoid submerging closed-back/foil-back antique settings; skip harsh chemical dips; remove jewelry for impact activities; store pieces separately. Message us for piece-specific guidance.
Do you offer ring sizing?
Yes—complimentary. Most rings size about 1-2 sizes up/down (sometimes more), depending on their metal composition, gemstones, and the way they are mounted. Eternity bands or very delicate shanks may be non-resizable.
For inquiries about resizing a specific item, contact us. Sizing can take up to 3 business days.
Do you offer appraisals?
Your purchase includes a physical Founder-signed Certificate of Authenticity stating the original retail/point-of-sale price (prior to promotions), plus the lab certificate from National Assay Office of Lithuania for metals and gemstones attached to the item. Together, they function as your appraisal.
Purchasing, Pricing & Payments
Which payment methods do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, UnionPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, PayPal, and Klarna (where available).
Do you offer financing, payment plans or layaway?
We are partnered with Klarna to offer financing; availability depends on your country and Klarna’s eligibility checks. Contact us directly for financing assistance.
Are your prices negotiable?
No, our pieces are priced fairly to market. However, if a considered number keeps whispering to you, we’ll hear it out.
Do you sell settings or loose stones separately?
No. We protect the integrity of period pieces.
Shipping, Duties & Delivery
Where do you ship and how fast?
Worldwide via DHL Express:
- US / EU: typically 2–5 business days
- Everywhere else: typically 6–8 business days
All shipments are fully insured and include tracking.
How much is shipping?
Free worldwide. Always.
When will my order be shipped?
Orders typically dispatch within 1–2 business days after payment confirmation. Add time for pre-shipment services (e.g., sizing). We will email your tracking information the moment your label is generated.
Are taxes and duties included?
Yes. We operate Delivered-Duty-Paid (DDP)—import duties and taxes are paid upfront and included in the price you see. No surprises at the door.
Will your brand logo be on the delivery package?
No. We use discreet, unbranded outer packaging. Your secret stays your secret.
Returns & Refunds
What is your return policy?
Return within 14 days after receiving the item—free worldwide returns with a prepaid label. Items must be undamaged and the Certificate of Authenticity must remain attached.
- Refunds are issued within 14 business days of our receipt, after the piece is re-authenticated by the National Assay Office’s gemological testing laboratory, ruling out any substitution or component swapping.
- Duties: any import duties/taxes we paid on your behalf are deducted from the refund.
How do I start a return?
Email info@galavintagejewelry.com with your order number. We’ll send your prepaid label and packing guidance.
Documentation, Grading & Insurance
What documentation is included with my purchase?
- Founder-signed Certificate of Authenticity with period attribution, craftsmanship notes, and original point-of-sale price (pre-promotion).
- Lab certificate from the National Assay Office of Lithuania confirming metals and gemstones. The certificate is physically tied to your jewel with a tamper-evident security cord sealed by the National Assay Office’s metal closure hallmarked with a “G”.
Will my diamond have a GIA/EGL report?
Usually no. We do not remove antique stones from their original settings to obtain new GIA/EGL grading reports because it risks the integrity and originality of the piece. Each piece includes a National Assay House of Lithuania (institutionalized CIBJO member organization) issued certificate and our Founder-signed Certificate of Authenticity with period attribution, craftsmanship notes, and point-of-sale price.
Can you help me insure my purchase?
Yes. Provide your insurer with our documents. We recommend coverage that specifies “equivalent vintage replacement” rather than modern reproductions.
Availability, Restoration & Archive
If an item shows a price, is it available?
Yes. When a piece sells, it’s marked accordingly. We sell one-of-one items; once sold, there are no duplicates.
Do you restore pieces?
Only to enhance longevity without erasing character—tightening settings, securing mechanisms, and preserving patina where appropriate.
Why do you show sold pieces?
Education and inspiration. Our archive helps clients study eras, designs, and craftsmanship, and it’s a powerful reference when choosing the right piece. We will hide a sold piece on request from the buyer.
