The Jewelry
- Who makes the jewelry, and where is it made?
- Each piece is fabricated by hand or cast in a limited number and finished by hand, all in NY. Christina is a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America, and trained with goldsmith extraordinaire Donna Distefano. She also has a JD from New York University School of Law and a BA from Dartmouth College. As a former human rights attorney, Christina uses Fairmined or "recycled" metals; gemstones are sourced from known vendors, who in turn vet their supply chain.
- What karat gold do you use?
- Christina Malle Jewelry is proud to announce it became a Fairmined Gold Licensee in 2019. All Christina Malle gold jewelry is solid 18 karat yellow gold or solid 22 karat yellow gold. This is very fine Fine Jewelry! Rose gold and white gold (both in 18 karat) are available by special order. Silver jewelry is made with solid, "recycled" sterling silver. Most people can see and feel the heft the handmade jewelry.
A friendly reminder: please be careful when purchasing gold jewelry from any jeweler or store: read the fine print and ask questions! Vermeil is not solid gold; it is sterling silver dipped in a very thin coating of gold. It can be pretty, but does not have the value (or lovely heft) of solid gold. The same applies to plated or electroplated jewelry: it has merely the slimmest coating of gold. "Gold-filled" is hardly gold at all, and not even worth discussing. Christina does not work in 14 karat gold, since it is only about 58% actual gold, and so does not have enough gold content to meet her standards. The best investment and value — and we think, the most beautiful — is 18 karat gold or higher. - What is high-karat gold?
- High-karat gold means gold that is 18 karat and above; 18 karat gold is 18 parts out of 24 or 75% pure gold, and the other 25% is a mixture of silver and copper. 22 karat gold is 22 parts gold out of 24, or 91.6% pure gold, and only an 8.4% mixture of silver and copper. 24 karat is 100% pure gold, but is so soft that the jewelry can show every dip and dent, and may not be strong enough to hold stones in place.
If the price of a piece of jewelry looks too good to be true, it is probably not solid 18 karat gold! - How do I know it is really 18 karat gold?
- Federal regulations require jewelers to stamp their pieces with a hallmark, indicating the purity level of the gold. Christina Malle pieces are engraved or stamped 18k or 22k, as the case may be.
- What silver do you use?
- All silver jewelry is made with "recycled" solid sterling silver. Silver pieces are stamped STERLING or 925.
- What is a "precious" metal?
- Precious metals traditionally consist of gold, silver and platinum. Some clever retailers will try to convince you that their “new” alloy or mixture of metal is precious or valuable, but it may not be! Christina uses 18 karat gold and higher!
- How about post earrings versus wire earrings?
- Many earrings can be altered to suit you; please ask! Email us at info@christinamalle.com.
- Can I get a piece engraved?
- Many pieces can be engraved with initials, dates or symbols. Please allow additional time for engraving; additional costs apply. Most earrings cannot accommodate engraving.
- Can I request a bespoke piece?
- If you would like to customize a piece of jewelry, please email us at info@christinamalle.com. We can personalize a charm with monograms, add an engraving, or design a custom piece together. Please allow extra time for custom orders. If you do not see the color gemstone you like, please ask! Most styles can accommodate different gemstones; prices may vary.
- Why are there slight variations in the pieces?
- Slight variations in appearance and length can occur, since the jewelry is hand-fabricated. Gemstones may also vary a bit in color, but the quality will always be the highest, and gemstones are selected carefully.
- I prefer to go to a brick and mortar store, where can I go?
- If you prefer brick and mortar, a selection of jewelry is available at Works Gallery, on Manhattan's Upper East Side, Hummingbird Jewelers in Rhinebeck and Alx & Co. in Alexandria, Virginia. See Stores for additional venues.
Sales & Policies
- Are all sales final?
- Yes, all sales are final. Please feel free to email us at info@christinamalle.com or call us at 917 488 9338 to discuss any piece before committing to a purchase. We are happy to send additional photos, and show you a variety of gemstones. We want you to be happy with your jewelry and to love it!
We do aim to please, and hope to avoid unpleasantness by providing you with the information you need before the purchase. - Do you accept exchanges?
- All sales are final. Each piece is made by hand, and there are no returns. We stand behind the quality of our pieces and are happy to discuss any problems you may have at any time. An exchange may be made for merchandise credit under limited circumstances: the jewelry must be in perfect condition, as determined by Christina Malle Jewelry LLC, and it must be exchanged within 30 days from date of purchase. If the condition of the jewelry is acceptable, the piece may be exchanged for merchandise credit, to be applied to another piece of Christina Malle jewelry, within 6 months of the original purchase. Personalized, engraved and/or custom orders may not be returned or exchanged. Please insure jewelry if returning by mail or overnight delivery; we are not responsible for loss or damage while an exchange is in transit.
- Can I purchase a gift certificate?
- Gift certificates are available in any amount, and may be used for Christina Malle Jewelry within 6 months of the date of purchase. To purchase one, email us at info@christinamalle.com.
- Do the prices fluctuate?
- Since gold and silver are traded in the market, prices may fluctuate.
- How long will it take for my piece to arrive?
- Some pieces are ready to ship within 1 or 2 days of purchase, but others, such as rings, may take longer. Please allow 7-14 days for delivery. Bespoke pieces may take longer.
- How much is sales tax?
- Sales tax is applicable on all orders shipped within New York State, which is currently 8.875% in Manhattan. If the item is shipped outside of New York State, you will not be charged sales tax. Shipping costs do apply.
- How much is shipping?
- The customer pays the shipping charges; items are sent by FedEx second day delivery, and are generally about $25, including insurance. For international orders, please contact us. Please know that for international orders, custom duties (and possible delays) may also apply. Shipping is free for orders of $1,000 or more, and for delivery in Manhattan.
- Will my online payment be secure?
- Payment is secure, and is fulfilled by Shopify. Full payment is due before any order is commenced.
- Who owns the intellectual property?
- All designs are by Christina Malle, who retains all intellectual property rights.
Copyright: All intellectual property displayed on our website is the sole and exclusive intellectual property of Christina Malle Jewelry LLC. This intellectual property includes, but is not limited to, Christina Malle jewelry, designs, logo, and photographs, and may not be copied, reproduced, used, sold, distributed or reproduced without express written consent of Christina Malle Jewelry LLC.
Disclaimer:We make every effort to keep the information contained in this site current, but we cannot guarantee the reliability, accuracy, or availability of products, information or graphics used, and shown, on this site. Also, while we make every effort to be accurate and efficient in our business and website, we make no warranties that there are no mistakes or omissions in the information contained in this site, or that there will be no inaccuracies and interruptions in the use of this site. We are not responsible for any harm caused by any piece of Christina Malle jewelry. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about our products, services or website. - Who are the photos credited to?
- Jewelry photographs are by John Curry and Ralph Gabriner; artist shots are by Stephanie Halmos.
- I have environmental and fair labor concerns regarding the jewelry industry, what are your practices?
- We’re concerned too! Christina was formerly a human rights attorney, and is all too familiar with the ravages of unregulated industries, ‘blood’ stones and unfair labor practices. Christina uses "recycled" gold (certified "recycled" by the refiner in New York State), and sources gemstones from known vendors. As consumers, we can all do our part by asking about the origins of products, and avoiding commercially-produced goods made in questionable factories. The environmental impact is mitigated by buying Fairmined metal, repurposing metals and working with reputable sources. Christina Malle Jewelry is a proud member of Ethical Metalsmiths, and Christina is working with others in the industry to advance traceability, transparency and accountability in the sourcing of gemstones, gold and silver.