FAQ

Ethically sourced in the island paradise of Sri Lanka, our  raw gemstones are among the world’s most legendary talismans. Hand-selected for their unrefined beauty, we use only the finest natural semi-precious gemstones available. Raw gemstones are true-to-nature, varying slightly in shape, size and tone, so aesthetic variations are not flaws. Rather, they are elements of individuality and natural beauty that make each Lassanai piece one-of-a-kind.

Ethical gemstones are at the heart of Lassanai. Sri Lanka has long been known as the “Jewel Box of the Indian Ocean,” for its seemingly endless supply of gemstones, and its gem mining has been governed by ethical practices for centuries. The population is primarily Buddhist, so this peaceful philosophy has been applied to Sri Lanka’s gem mining for hundreds of years.

Gemming is largely restricted to small scale, often family-run operations, where heavy machinery and employment of anyone under 18, is forbidden. 

This gentle, cottage industry approach is to ensure that no harm comes to any living beings; the earth is minimally impacted; and a more stable source of employment is provided, for more people. By choosing to wear ethical gemstones, your fashion investments have a positive, mindful impact. 

The entire production of your piece is performed sustainably and by hand, using traditional artisan techniques that have been passed down for centuries. Our stones are individually hand-selected for each design, as uncut natural stones
cannot be sourced in calibrated (same size) sizes. This also means that common jewelry manufacturing processes like ‘casting’ are not possible, so each piece
is made entirely from scratch to honor the selected stone/s. In the absence of laser engraving, each piece (unless it’s too small), is individually hand-stamped with our tiny palm tree insignia.

Once completed, jewels are shipped to our headquarters in NYC, where any finishing, resizing, and our beautiful 18K Gold Vermeil finish is performed by a second team of talented artisans in the famed Diamond District.

Packaging

Each piece is beautifully presented in our elegant eco-friendly packaging which includes a matte black embossed box and fair trade cotton bag.

'Gem Powers' Mini Booklet

We also include a ‘Gem Powers’ mini booklet with every purchase, so you can read all about the magical and healing properties of your chosen stone/s.

Gift Wrapping

Gift wrapping and gift card messages are available for a flat $5 fee - just check the box at checkout. If you would like us to include a personal message on your behalf, simply fill out the designated box at checkout, and we will neatly transcribe it by hand onto a beautiful mini card.

To maintain and extend the life of your Lassanai jewelry, avoid contact with any form of moisture, along with any cleaning chemicals, beauty products, hair sprays and perfumes. Please note that when some chemicals, such as bleach, come in contact with the silver or stones, it can result in permanent and irreversible damage. 

When the jewelry is not being worn, it should be kept in a safe, dry environment such as a jewelry box or pouch. Ensure that each piece does not rub against other items so as to prevent scratches to the metal. If these steps are followed, you will enjoy wearing your beautiful Lassanai piece forever.

Sterling Silver

Yes, sterling silver does eventually tarnish. Ironically, wearing our jewelry as much as possible keeps tarnish at bay and instead your jewelry will develop a beautiful patina. Simply wiping with a polishing cloth can minimize tarnish, but if tarnish is beyond your liking, a visit to a jeweler for an inexpensive professional clean could be in order and will bring your piece back to sparkling brand new.

18K Gold Vermeil finish

If you have purchased a piece with our 18K gold vermeil finish, please note that over time with wear the gold will soften in color. Do not polish with a cloth as this may wear the gold finish away further. Our vermeil is very high quality (4 microns) and we offer a 6 month warranty on our vermeil finish.
If the finish fades significantly during this time, please contact us so we can arrange to provide your piece with a complimentary refinish which is undertaken here in New York City. If you would like a re-finish beyond our 6-month warranty period, we will provide a quote to perform the service for you.

All Lassanai items are artisan handmade and finished using natural gemstones, so no two pieces are identical. In this regard, variances of stones and metalwork between pieces are deemed as ‘character’ (not damage) that distinguishes each piece as unique.

Exchanges

We will happily work with you to ensure you have the perfect piece! We also happily accept items for online credit or exchange (not a return) within 14 days of delivery on all unworn jewelry. All requests for exchanges must be approved by Lassanai and all exchanged items are considered FINAL SALE. Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable. Customers are responsible for return shipping costs, but will not be charged to receive an exchanged item. Items must be returned unworn, and in original condition. Custom orders are FINAL SALE and not eligible for return.

Warranty

We stand behind the quality of our pieces with a lifetime guarantee on hand craftsmanship. Please note: Warranty does not cover accidents, lost items, misuse, normal wear and tear, tarnish, any modifications that were made outside of Lassanai, or diminished vermeil which can occur over time and with poor care. (Please refer to our separate 18K Vermeil policy below). 

 Replating

Our 18K Gold Vermeil finish is the highest quality available, but over time and especially in the event of poor jewelry care, sometimes a re-coating can be in order to bring your piece back to brand new. We offer a guarantee on our Vermeil for 6 months from date of purchase. Refinishing beyond this timeframe will incur a fee on a case by case basis. 

Resizes

We will happily exchange your piece for another in your correct size within 14 days of purchase and in accordance with our Exchange Policy. In the event that you require a resize, we can perform this service for you in NYC for a flat rate of $100 including shipping for US customers. For foreign customers, we cannot cover the cost of return shipping in the event of a resize.

For all queries pertaining to this Policy, please email: info@lassanainyc.com with your request.