Frequently Asked Questions

About Love & Promise Jewelers

Are you only an online company? Or is there a physical shop?

We have both an online store and a physical location. We have been in heart of downtown Chicago serving our clients for over 36 years! Check out our reviews on Yelp!, The Knot, Etsy, and the Better Business Bureau.

Does Love & Promise Jewelers offer any type of warranty on their products?

All of our products listed in our Rosados BoxTM line come with a "One-Year Ltd. Manufacturer Warranty Against Defect," unless the item was on sale or discounted, or otherwise disclosed. Please click here for further details. All other products offered through our shop that are not part of the Rosados BoxTM line come with a six-month warranty. All of our products come with complimentary inspections and tightenings; we just ask that the sender be responsible for any   shipping and handling charges. We are confident in the quality we sell in our shop!

How do I know my package will arrive safely? Will there be tracking and insurance on our package?

Yes! We ship all our packages with full insurance and signature is required for any item valued over $200 in order for the package to be released. All packages are fully insured until the item scans that it has arrived at your listed destination. We will provide a tracking number the moment the package is created and ready to ship out. It's that easy!

How long does it take for me to receive the item from purchase date?

That usually depends on the item. Usually if the item is from the Rosados BoxTM  line, it will take two to three weeks (10-15 business days) to ship out, unless otherwise specified. For custom-made items, expect from three to six weeks, response time permitting.  The lead time is listed below each item’s description so that you will know exactly when to expect the ship out date.

Different Metals

Do our listed white golds have nickel in the mixture?

Yes. Unless otherwise specified or requested, all of our white gold metals have nickel in the mixture. For our clients who are sensitive to nickel, we suggest alternatives such as white gold mixed with palladium, palladium (no mixture), or platinum. Please contact us for pricing of the alternative metals.

Platinum vs. Palladium: What’s the difference?

Although palladium and platinum are both hypoallergenic and sister alloys, there are major differences. The primary differences between palladium and platinum are:

  1. When hit with blunt force, platinum will bend out of shape, while palladium will bust apart. This is because palladium is more brittle than the more malleable platinum. The metal is strong in a sense that it bends versus breaking when force is applied to the object.
  2. Platinum is the only precious metal that doesn’t lose metal or value after polishing. Even though like all the metals, platinum scratches easily, it never loses any metal when polished unlike gold, silver, or palladium. This is because when you polish platinum, it shifts back to its original location; no layer comes off.
  3. Platinum is a bit denser than all the other metals. The density is what gives it that layered strength. Although you will feel a major difference in the metals on thicker men’s bands, on women’s rings, there is only a slight weight difference. This is because women’s rings typically involve less metal and more design.
  4. Platinum is easier to repair than palladium. In terms of maintenance, although palladium is less expensive initially, it will end up costing more to upkeep in the long run.

Due to the fickle nature of palladium, we no longer offer palladium as an option. However, we continue to carry 10kt/14kt/18kt white gold and platinum for white metal options.

Why does white gold turn more yellow in color with time?

White gold is not naturally white in color. The only precious metals that are naturally white in color are silver, palladium, and platinum. We achieve the bright white silver color by rhodium-plating all our rings. This is a standard process that all major jewelers do to get their jewelry in a bright-white silver color state. The piece of jewelry can easily be turned back to white gold by additional  rhodium plating. As each item is priced in relation to the level of intricacy of the rhodium process, please contact us on pricing and turnaround time.

Which metal is stronger -- 14kt, 18kt, or platinum?

The following is the listing of the metals from strongest to softest (1 = strongest; 3 = least strongest):

  1. Platinum
  2. 14kt
  3. 18kt
Why does my rose gold ring turn my finger green/black?

Rose gold is a mixture of yellow gold and copper. Typically when a ring turns your finger either green or black, it's the acidity from your skin mixing with other substances such as lotion or sweat that results in a chemical reaction with the copper. Contrary to popular belief,  this isn't an allergic reaction but a chemical one which occurs in about 20% of people who wear rose gold. Unfortunately, because each person’s  ph balance is different, there isn't a set formula on how to completely eliminate this reaction, aside from trial and error. Here are a few steps you might take to try and prevent or eliminate this occurrence:

  1. Consume fewer types of foods that have high acidity.
  2. Keep your hands dry and clean whenever possible.
  3. Create a barrier between your finger and the copper by painting a thin layer of clear nail polish on the inside of your ring. Clean and reapply the clear coat every two to three months.

If these steps don't help, please contact us within 30 days of receiving the item and we will work on a different metal that is best suited for you.*

Synthetic Stones & Moissanites

Are moissanites fake or plastic?

No. Moissanites are actually stones that exist in nature. However, they are rare because they only occur when a meteor hits the earth! Because of their rarity in nature, all moissanites on the market are lab grown. This also ensures that all the stones are ONLY fairly traded and 100% conflict free. That is why moissanites are currently the number-one alternative to diamonds in the market!

Why should someone choose a moissanite over a diamond?

A moissanite offers similar sparkle and durability as a diamond, AND the creators offer a lifetime warranty. At Love & Promise Jewelers, we believe that everyone's preference and needs are different. We will never tell you one stone is better than another. We prefer to sell products that suit your lifestyle and budget. Our goal is to sell you something you love that will make you happy not only now, but forever! If a moissanite works better than a diamond with your budget and lifestyle, by all means, please do get the moissanites!

I have heard the some treated moissanites will change in color, is that true with the Forever One Moissanites?

We usually offer most of our products with Forever One GHI Moissanites from Charles & Colvard® over the regular moissanites because the color is brighter and closer to the standard diamond colors than the original moissanites. From our experience, we have yet to have issues with the color changing. We only offer moissanites that come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty* in order to provide only the best quality of lab grown options in the market.  If you prefer something with a warmer color, please contact us to price out with standard moissanites.

Click here for the most current information on Charles & Colvard®'s warranty.

*Please note you must register your stone, within 30 days, with Charles & Covlard directly, with the warranty card provided with your purchase, in order for the Limited Lifetime Warranty to apply.

What's the difference between the Amora Moissanites and the Forever Brilliant Moissanites?

We carry only the Forever One Moissanites because they are made directly by the creators, Charles & Colvard® and backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Because Amora is an additional process outside of Charles & Colvard®, that moissanite is NOT covered under the limited lifetime warranty. Our personal belief is that if a branded lab-grown product is confident in their "additional process," then the product should come with a lifetime warranty, period. We prefer to offer synthetics that we believe are genuinely the finest quality and our lab-grown products are ALL backed with limited lifetime warranties (with the exception of lab-grown diamonds). After all, if we are going to go for an alternative stone, it might as well be the best in the market! To see the Forever One Moissanites in some of of our designs, please visit Rosados BoxTM Instagram

Why is the Forever Brilliant Moissanite yellow? Isn't it supposed to be clear/white?

Forever Brilliant and Forever One GHI Moissanites are graded roughly an GHI in color. The GHI color grade for diamonds is considered "near colorless." Approximately 80% of diamonds sold in the market range from G-J in color so this color is one that most consumers purchase. Certain lightings show the tint more, such as direct sunlight, while in normal indoor lighting there is no visible color. The tint in direct sunlight is actually a natural characteristic of the moissanite; think of it like the Alexandrite stone, which changes color in different lighting conditions. We now offer Forever One DEF Moissanites in limited sizes and shapes.

Can diamonds and moissanites chip?

Even though they measure at about 9.5 on the Mohs scale and diamonds can scratch glass, both diamonds and moissanites CAN chip. The most commonly chipped areas are the corners (for fancy cut stones) and/or the girdle. This is because the girdle and the corners are the shallowest and thinnest part of the ring. When enough pressure is put on the stone around that area, the stone can chip. We suggest wearing all jewelry responsibly and with care, just in case! Click here for our general guidelines on how you can keep your jewelry in tip-top shape!

Do your synthetic/lab-grown stones come with warranties and/or authenticity certificates?

Yes! We work with only the best brands in the market for our lab-grown products. All our moissanites and lab-grown gemstones (sapphires, emeralds, and rubies) come with lifetime warranties backed by the creators. Our lab-grown diamonds are all handpicked and come with a certificate of authenticity from the International Gemological Institute.

Are synthetic, lab-grown, or lab-created gems fake? Or real?

Good question. Synthetic gemstones are gemstones that are grown in a "controlled environment," such as a lab. The gem stones are chemically and aesthetically the same as the gemstones that are grown in nature. Synthetics are created is by mimicking the similar natural environments ; that is reason why synthetics are much less expensive. Scientists are able to control the production speed and quality. The best part about purchasing the synthetic stone, is that the stones are 100% fairly traded and conflict free. No blood was ever shed for this beautiful stone to be created!

Colored Stones

Are sapphires stronger and more durable than morganites?

While a sapphire measures around 9 on the Mohs scale for durability and the morganite is a 7, the two are really not that different on durability. The only time you should be sensitive about a stone’s durability is when it measures below 6 on the Mohs scale. Your morganite or any other stone will be in good shape as long as you practice responsible care. Click here for our tips on jewelry care.

Are sapphires more expensive than morganites?

As for pricing, peach-pink sapphires are quite a bit more expensive per carat than the morganite, especially if the stone is larger than two carats. The bulk of the price increase will vary depending on the shade of peach pink you prefer. Peach-pink sapphires are the rarest and most expensive sapphires on the market. The stones can be 30% to 60% more expensive per carat compared to the finest blue colors.

Why can't I get the same color of stone as listed but in a smaller size?

Deeper depths equate to richer, deeper colors while shallower depths equate to lighter colors, even though the saturation is the same. This is because, much like water, the deeper depth and larger stones allow more layers of saturation versus the shallower depths. That's the reason smaller-size stones, even at the same color, will appear slightly lighter.

Settings

Is it true that micropave-set stones are more prone to falling out?

Yes, it’s true. The reason is because, in the micropave designs, the prongs are at least 30% smaller than regular pave/bead-set design rings and require a high level of skill to set and manufacture. In addition, the edgeless design increases the risk of stones falling out because there is no wall to protect the stones from bumps and bruises. We like to compare the micropave designs to tall heels: They are beautiful and full of grace and must be worn with extra care; you wouldn't go running or rock climbing in your new sexy heels! That is why we usually suggest to our clients to steer clear of micropave designs unless you are ready for a higher-maintenance ring.