Frequently Asked Questions
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 are delighted to offer complimentary (free) standard shipping on all orders over $60 USD. For orders under this amount, the shipping cost will be calculated automatically at checkout based on your destination.
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: 8-15 days
Asia: 3-13 days
Please note that these are estimates, and unforeseen customs delays can occasionally occur. For more detailed information, please see our full Shipping Policy.
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.
Will I have to pay customs fees or import taxes?
We strive to make your international shopping experience as seamless and transparent as possible. Here is a breakdown by region:
For our valued customers in the European Union (EU):You're all set! All relevant VAT is pre-calculated and included in your shipping fee through the EU's IOSS system. The total you pay at our checkout is final, with no surprise customs fees upon delivery.
For customers in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand: Great news! Due to the high customs thresholds in these countries, your orders are highly unlikely to incur any additional import duties or taxes. You can shop with confidence.
For customers in Canada, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and other international destinations:Many countries have a "de minimis" value threshold, under which packages are exempt from duties. While many of our packages fall under these limits we cannot guarantee that your order will be exempt from potential customs fees, as regulations can vary and are subject to change.
Any potential import duties, taxes, or brokerage fees are the responsibility of the buyer. We recommend contacting your local customs office for specific details if you have concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT OUR JEWELRY
What exactly does "vintage" mean?
We consider a piece to be "vintage" if it is at least 20 years old. Most items in our curated collection date from the golden age of costume jewelry, spanning from the 1940s to the 1990s. Each one is a genuine artifact from a bygone era.
Is every piece authentic?
Yes. Authenticity is the cornerstone of our brand. Our curator, Sherry, has extensive experience and a deep passion for identifying and authenticating vintage jewelry. We stand behind the history and provenance of every piece we sell.
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?
Yes. Every piece in our collection is a true vintage one-of-a-kind. There are no restocks. This means the treasure you fall in love with is the only one in the world we have. Once it's sold, its chapter with us is closed forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
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?
To ensure your treasure lasts for generations to come, we recommend these simple steps:
Avoid contact with water, perfume, hairspray, and lotions.
Put your jewelry on last when getting dressed, and take it off first.
Store it in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, preferably in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box.
Our Customers’ Feedback
FIND YOUR ANSWER
FROM REAL CUSTOMERS
Eleanor Vance
I'll be honest, I was a little hesitant before ordering. The price was a bit of a splurge for me, and some of the pieces I absolutely fell in love with were just outside my budget. But that 20% off for my first order was what finally pushed me to go for it. I was a bit nervous while waiting for it to arrive, but the moment I opened the package, I knew it was completely worth it. The packaging wasn't just beautiful, they also included a lovely little gift. This whole experience went above and beyond my expectations. Thank you, the character arc!
Margaret Shaw
I usually stick to established platforms like eBay and Etsy, where I feel there's more security, or shops with a large following on Instagram. I was aware that The Character Arc is a newer store, but the Hobé set I found was just so captivating, and I hadn't been able to find it anywhere else despite a long search. In the end, I decided to take a chance on The Character Arc for my first purchase.
The product is impeccable. Even the most subtle signs of wear were described with perfect accuracy, which is something I truly value. I also have to mention, the stories written for the product descriptions are absolutely enchanting. Sometimes I find myself browsing the shop just to read the beautiful and interesting write-ups.
Liam Carter
A truly one-of-a-kind piece. It's exquisite, and the kind of thing you'll likely never find again. I feel so incredibly lucky to have it!
Siti Aishah
Like a treasure hunt—that's what every vintage purchase feels like. There's always a wonderful surprise waiting. I know this is a passion I'll have forever, and I'm so glad The Character Arc is here to help us find such exquisite pieces.