FOR SHIPPING &RETURN POLICIES

Where do you ship from?

Every treasure in our collection is hand-selected from around the world by our curator, Sherry. Each piece begins its final journey to you from her studio in Beijing, China. This unique global approach allows us to unearth rare and beautiful vintage pieces that have traveled oceans and decades to find their next chapter.

How much does shipping cost?

We believe a treasure's journey to its new home should be seamless. That's why we offer complimentary standard shipping on all orders to the countries we deliver to.

Your only task is to find the story that speaks to you, we'll handle the rest of its voyage.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Please allow 1-2 business days for us to lovingly process and prepare your order for its journey. Once shipped, you can expect the following estimated delivery times:

North America: 7-15 days
Europe: 5-12 days
Australia & New Zealand: 7-15 days

Will I be able to track my package?

Absolutely. A shipping confirmation email containing a tracking number will be sent to you as soon as your order is on its way. You can follow its incredible voyage right to your doorstep.

ABOUT OUR JEWELRY

What exactly does "vintage" mean?

For real vintage jewelry:
We consider a piece to be "vintage" if it is at least 20 years old. Most items in our original curated collection date from the golden age of costume jewelry, spanning from the 1940s to the 1990s. Each one is a genuine, untouched artifact from a bygone era.

For The Renaissance Edit:
In this collection, "vintage" refers to the soul of the piece—the brass components. We meticulously source genuine vintage brass charms. We then reconstruct these historical treasures by pairing them with new, ethically sourced natural stones, crystals, or shells. It is a marriage of the past and the present, creating a unique talisman that carries the weight of history with a fresh, modern spirit.

How do you describe the condition of the jewelry?

We believe in celebrating the unique story of each piece, including the marks of its journey. We use a detailed 10-point rating scale and provide a transparent condition report in every product description. We lovingly refer to minor scratches or wear as "character marks"—proof of a life well-lived.

Is there only one of each item?

The answer is both yes and no, which is part of the magic of our collection!

The vast majority (over 80%) of our archive consists of true, one-of-a-kind vintage treasures. These are singular survivors from the past. For these pieces, the answer is a definitive yes. Once a piece is sold, its chapter with us is closed forever. You can identify these by checking the product page; if the stock level says "Only 1 left," you are looking at a true singular artifact.

We also offer a few, very special modern collections, like our "Oceanic Lustre" series. For these pieces, the answer is no, we may have a small batch in stock. However, because they are crafted from natural materials like Mother-of-Pearl and Abalone, no two pieces are ever exactly alike. Each charm has its own unique color, pattern, and iridescent glow—nature's own fingerprint. So, while the design is the same, the piece you receive will still be uniquely yours.

Whether it's a singular piece of history or a unique gift from nature, everything at The Character Arc is chosen to be as individual as you are.

RETURN & CARE

What is your return policy?

We want you to be completely in love with your chosen treasure. We offer a window for returns and exchanges on most items. As the policy has specific details regarding timing and condition, we invite you to read our full Return & Refund Policy for complete information.

What should I do if my item arrives damaged?

We pack every piece with the utmost care, but should an item arrive damaged from its long journey, please contact us immediately at thecharacterarc996@gmail.com with photos of both the item and the packaging. We will work with you to find a swift and fair solution.

How should I care for my new vintage jewelry?

Avoid Water & Chemicals: Keep all pieces dry and away from water. This is vital for The Renaissance Edit's vintage brass, as it prevents oxidation. Also, avoid perfumes, hairspray, lotions, and harsh cleaning agents; they can dull stones and react with metals.

Proper Storage: When not worn, store your treasures in a cool, dry place. Keep them out of direct sunlight, ideally in individual soft pouches or a lined jewelry box, to protect their brilliance.

Brass Care: Vintage brass naturally develops a rich patina over time. For oxidation or spots on Renaissance Edit brass, a gentle polish with a soft cloth will easily restore its warm, golden luster. Embrace this as part of its living history!