Customer Service
CARE, WARRANTY & REPAIR
To help you enjoy your ARCELF jewelry for years to come, this page provides information on warranty coverage, repairs and maintenance, as well as care and handling for each material.
ARCELF jewelry is created through the work of skilled artisans using precious metals alongside a variety of materials, including Japanese craft materials such as lacquer and Nishijin textiles, as well as natural stones.
By understanding the characteristics of each material and caring for your jewelry appropriately, you can enjoy each piece over time, including the natural changes that come with wear.
CONTENTS
01 WARRANTY
02 REPAIR & MAINTENANCE
03 MATERIALS & CARE
04 CONTACT
01 WARRANTY
ARCELF provides warranty coverage and after-sales services to help you enjoy your jewelry for many years.
Items found to be defective upon delivery and manufacturing defects identified after use has begun will be handled according to the condition of the product.
Defective or Incorrect Items
If your item arrives damaged or defective, or if you receive an item that differs from your order, please contact us at info@arcelf.com within 7 days of delivery.
After reviewing the condition of the item, we will provide an appropriate solution, such as repair or replacement. ARCELF will cover the shipping costs required for this service.
If repair or replacement is not possible, we will offer a return and refund.
For one-of-a-kind pieces, we will first assess whether repair is possible. If the item cannot be repaired, we will offer a return and refund.
Return instructions will be provided by ARCELF in advance.
Product Warranty
For one year from the date of delivery, if a manufacturing defect becomes apparent under normal use, we will inspect the item and provide complimentary repair or another appropriate solution.
Warranty coverage applies when the issue is determined to result from the manufacturing process rather than the inherent characteristics of the material, natural aging, or damage caused through use.
ARCELF will cover shipping costs required for repairs covered under warranty. Return instructions will be provided when your request is accepted.
If repair is not possible due to the condition or construction of the item, we will discuss an appropriate solution with you individually.
Exclusions from Warranty Coverage
The following are not covered by our complimentary warranty. Where repair is possible, we may offer a paid repair or maintenance service.
- Deformation or damage caused by dropping, impact, snagging, pressure, or other circumstances during use
- Damage caused by excessive force applied to chains, clasps, or other components
- Scratches, wear, discoloration, or changes in luster or texture resulting from normal use and aging
- Normal wear, peeling, or changes in color of plated surfaces
- Loss of the product, stones, or components
- Damage or deterioration caused by improper use or storage
- Discoloration or deterioration caused by exposure to chemicals, hot springs, chlorine, seawater, or similar substances
- Products repaired, altered, customized, or otherwise worked on by anyone other than ARCELF
- Products repaired, glued, or altered by the customer
- Any other issue not determined to be a manufacturing defect
Products using natural stones, lacquer, textiles, and other natural or craft materials may vary in color, shape, pattern, and texture.
As each piece is finished by hand, slight variations may also occur from one piece to another. These characteristics, as well as changes resulting naturally from the properties of the materials over time, are not considered defects.
02 REPAIR & MAINTENANCE
ARCELF provides repair and maintenance services even after the warranty period has ended, with the aim of helping you enjoy your jewelry for many years and, where possible, across generations.
After inspecting the condition and construction of the piece, we will advise you of repair availability, the appropriate method, cost, and estimated lead time.
Before Requesting a Repair
If your jewelry is damaged, please do not attempt to repair, alter, glue, polish, or otherwise work on it yourself. Contact ARCELF while the piece remains in its current condition.
Repairs or modifications carried out by the customer or a third party may make it difficult to accurately assess the original materials, construction, or previous work, and may prevent us from accepting the piece for repair.
If any stones or components have come loose, please keep them together with the jewelry rather than discarding them.
Repair & Maintenance Services
Services may include:
- Cleaning
- Polishing and refinishing
- Replating
- Ring resizing
- Chain length adjustment
- Repair or replacement of chains, clasps, and other components
- Stone setting and repair of loose or missing stones
- Repair of lacquer or textile elements
- Other repairs and adjustments depending on the condition of the piece
If the service you require is not listed above, please contact us for assistance.
Ring Resizing
For rings eligible for resizing, the first resizing of up to two Japanese ring sizes larger or smaller is complimentary when requested within three months of delivery.
Any subsequent resizing, or adjustments beyond this range, will be available from ¥5,500 including tax.
Prices vary depending on the material, design, and condition of the piece. A quotation will be provided before work begins.
Round-trip shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
For resizing requests from outside Japan, please contact us in advance so that we can provide individual return instructions.
Some rings cannot be resized due to their design or construction. Please refer to the relevant product page to confirm whether resizing is available.
Remaking a Piece in a Different Size
For items that cannot be resized, we may be able to remake the piece in your preferred size for an additional charge.
ARCELF provides a size guide on each applicable product page, and we kindly ask that you review the sizing information carefully before placing your order.
If you would like to request a remake, we will review the specifications and materials of the piece and provide an individual quotation and estimated lead time.
The usual production period is approximately 1 to 1.5 months.
Round-trip shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. Return instructions will be provided when your request is accepted.
Replating
Products finished with rhodium plating or K10 gold plating may gradually show wear to the plated surface through use.
Plating is not permanent, but it can be renewed so that the piece can continue to be enjoyed.
If significant peeling or discoloration occurs under normal use within three months of delivery, we will inspect the condition and, where applicable, provide complimentary replating.
After this period, replating is available as a paid service.
Rhodium plating
¥4,400 including tax
K10 gold plating
¥8,800 including tax
Prices may vary depending on the condition or specifications of the piece. If so, we will provide a quotation in advance.
Peeling or discoloration caused by impact, excessive friction, hot springs, bleach, chemicals, or other conditions resulting from use is not eligible for complimentary replating, even within the first three months.
When Repair May Not Be Possible
Depending on the condition of the piece, we may be unable to accept a repair in the following circumstances:
- The product has been repaired or altered by anyone other than ARCELF
- The customer has repaired, altered, glued, or otherwise worked on the product
- Significant wear or cracking of the metal prevents us from ensuring sufficient strength after repair
- Required stones, materials, or components are no longer available
- Repair or reworking is difficult due to the construction or characteristics of the material
- Severe deformation, damage, or loss of material makes it difficult to restore the piece appropriately
For natural stones, deadstock materials, craft materials, or other components that are no longer available in the same form as originally used, we will suggest alternative solutions where possible.
Finish After Repair or Maintenance
During repair and maintenance, we make every effort to preserve the original appearance and design of the piece.
However, depending on the age and condition of the jewelry and the nature of the work required, it may not be possible to reproduce the exact condition it had before repair.
In particular, replacement or repair of natural stones, lacquer, Nishijin textiles, and other natural or handcrafted elements may result in slight differences in color, pattern, texture, or appearance.
Shipping for Repairs & Maintenance
For initial defects and manufacturing defects covered under warranty, ARCELF will cover the shipping costs required for the service.
For after-sales services not covered by warranty, including resizing, replating, and repairs resulting from normal use or aging, round-trip shipping costs are generally the responsibility of the customer.
For requests from outside Japan, return procedures vary depending on the product and destination. We will provide individual instructions.
Please wait for ARCELF’s return instructions before sending your jewelry.
03 MATERIALS & CARE
General Care
ARCELF jewelry combines precious metals with delicate materials such as lacquer, Nishijin textiles, other Japanese craft materials, and natural stones.
To preserve your jewelry for as long as possible, please observe the following precautions:
- Remove jewelry before bathing, using hot springs or saunas, swimming in pools, or entering the sea. Sulfur, chlorine, salt water, and other substances may cause discoloration or deterioration.
- Avoid direct contact with perfume, hairspray, hand cream, alcohol-based sanitizers, cosmetics, and similar products. We recommend putting on your jewelry after applying cosmetics and fragrance.
- Remove your jewelry while sleeping, exercising, doing physical work, caring for small children, or during any activity where strong force may be applied to the piece.
- Do not use ultrasonic cleaners. They may damage lacquer, textiles, adhesive areas, or stone settings.
- After use, gently wipe away perspiration, oils, and moisture with a soft, dry cloth.
- Store pieces separately whenever possible to prevent scratching or tangling.
- If you experience any skin irritation or other reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist if necessary.
Materials
Sterling Silver 925(SV925)
Sterling silver 925 is an alloy containing 92.5% silver.
Silver can react with sulfur compounds in the air through a process known as tarnishing, which may cause the metal to gradually take on yellow, brown, or black tones.
Depending on the product, ARCELF applies finishes such as rhodium plating or K10 gold plating to jewelry made from sterling silver 925.
Rhodium Plating
Rhodium plating is applied to the surface of sterling silver 925.
It enhances and evens out the white tone and luster of the silver while helping to reduce tarnishing of the underlying metal.
Plating is not permanent and may gradually wear through friction and regular use.
Vermeil
Crafted in sterling silver 925 and finished with K10 gold plating approximately 3 μm or more in thickness.
This finish uses a significantly thicker layer than conventional thin gold plating and is designed with everyday wear in mind.
However, plating is not permanent. Depending on how frequently and under what conditions the piece is worn, the plated surface may gradually wear and its color or luster may change.
The definition and labeling requirements for “vermeil” vary by country and region. ARCELF uses the term “vermeil” as a product description within Japan. This does not indicate compliance with the legal or labeling standards for vermeil in every country or region.
Care for Silver & Plated Jewelry
Do not use silver polishing cloths, abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, or similar products, as they may damage or remove the plated surface.
After use, gently wipe the piece with a soft, dry cloth.
Hand cream, sunscreen, perfume, alcohol-based sanitizer, and similar products may accelerate discoloration or plating wear. Remove your jewelry before applying them.
Avoid contact with hot spring water, swimming pools, and seawater.
When storing the jewelry for extended periods, wipe away perspiration and oils before placing it in a jewelry box or pouch.
Natural changes in the luster and tone of plating over time are not considered defects.
K10 Gold
K10 gold is an alloy containing approximately 41.7% gold together with other metals.
Its color and characteristics vary depending on the composition of the alloy.
Fine scratches, wear, and changes in surface luster may naturally occur with everyday use.
After wearing, gently wipe away perspiration and oils with a soft, dry cloth.
K18 Gold
K18 gold is an alloy containing 75% gold together with other metals.
Depending on the metals used in the alloy, it may appear as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or other variations, each with its own characteristics.
Fine scratches and wear may occur through daily use, and the luster and texture of the surface may gradually change over time.
After use, gently wipe the jewelry with a soft, dry cloth.
Platinum(Pt)
Platinum is a precious metal naturally characterized by its white tone.
With daily wear, fine scratches and surface wear may gradually alter its luster and texture.
Some ARCELF platinum products may be finished with rhodium plating.
On rhodium-plated pieces, the surface plating may gradually wear through friction and regular use, allowing the natural tone of the underlying metal to become more visible.
Jewelry with Lacquer
Lacquer is a naturally derived material that can be affected by ultraviolet light, extreme dryness, high temperatures, and chemicals.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light may cause changes in color or fading. Store lacquer jewelry away from direct sunlight.
Avoid storage in extremely dry environments or directly in the path of air-conditioning. We also do not recommend sealing lacquer pieces together with desiccants for long periods.
Do not leave lacquer jewelry in high-temperature environments, such as inside a car during summer or near heating appliances.
Do not use alcohol, nail polish remover, detergents, or abrasives, as these may damage the lacquer surface.
Contact with hard objects or strong impact may cause chipping or peeling.
For routine care, gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth or, if necessary, a soft cloth that has been thoroughly wrung out.
With use, lacquer may gradually develop changes in luster and tone. These natural changes are part of the character of the material.
Even fully cured lacquer may cause a skin reaction in some individuals. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist if necessary.
Jewelry with Nishijin Textiles
Textiles woven with silk, metallic threads, and other delicate fibers require careful handling.
Avoid exposure to water. If the textile becomes wet, do not rub it. Gently blot away moisture with a soft, dry cloth and allow it to dry naturally in a well-ventilated, shaded place.
Friction may cause fuzzing, loose threads, or snagging. Take care around bags, clothing, fingernails, clasps, and other objects.
Perspiration, oils, and moisture may cause staining or discoloration.
Avoid storing the piece in direct sunlight, which may cause fading.
Gold- and silver-colored threads may change in tone through exposure to air and other environmental factors.
Do not wash, dry-clean, bleach, or otherwise attempt to clean the textile at home. If you are concerned about staining, please contact ARCELF rather than treating it yourself.
Variations in the weave and pattern are part of the individuality of each handcrafted piece.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
ARCELF uses lab-grown diamonds in selected jewelry.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment that reproduces the conditions under which natural diamonds form.
They are made from the same carbon material and possess the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, but they are not mined from the earth.
Although diamonds are extremely hard, they may chip or fracture if subjected to strong impact or force from certain directions.
Avoid dropping the jewelry or striking it against hard surfaces.
Strong impacts or snagging around the setting may also loosen or dislodge a stone.
If you notice any movement or looseness in a stone, discontinue use and contact ARCELF.
Jewelry with Natural Stones
Natural stones may contain inclusions and individual variations in color, pattern, and texture.
These are natural characteristics of the material and are not considered defects.
Depending on the type of stone, ultraviolet light, heat, dryness, or chemicals may cause changes in color or deterioration.
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures.
Natural stones may also chip or crack upon impact. Take care to avoid dropping the piece or striking it against hard surfaces.
Discoloration of Metals
The metals used in jewelry may gradually change in color due to reactions with substances in the air, perspiration, oils, moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors.
Sterling silver 925 is particularly susceptible to sulfur compounds and may turn yellow, brown, or black through tarnishing.
ARCELF applies plating to selected products to help reduce such changes, but discoloration may still occur depending on age and conditions of use.
Some hot spring water contains sulfur compounds and can cause rapid discoloration even after brief contact. Always remove your jewelry before entering a hot spring.
Certain rubber products may contain sulfur compounds. Avoid storing jewelry in direct contact with rubber bands or similar rubber items for extended periods.
Chlorine bleach, detergents, and other chemicals may also affect metals and plated finishes.
Incense smoke and its components may also cause discoloration in some cases.
Daily Care
After each use, gently wipe away perspiration, oils, and moisture from the surface with a soft, dry cloth.
Whenever possible, store each piece separately to prevent scratching and chains from tangling.
If you notice heavy staining or discoloration, a loose stone, damage, or any other concern, please do not polish, clean, or repair the piece yourself. Contact ARCELF for assistance.
04 CONTACT
If you would like to request a repair or maintenance service, please contact us with the following information:
- Product name
- Approximate purchase date or order number
- Photographs clearly showing the condition of the piece
- Details of the repair or maintenance requested
After reviewing the condition of the jewelry, we will advise you of repair availability, the recommended method, estimated cost, and lead time.
If the piece is damaged, please do not attempt to repair or glue it yourself. Keep any loose stones or components together with the jewelry.
Email
info@arcelf.com
Business Hours
Weekdays, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Japan Standard Time / excluding weekends and Japanese public holidays
We generally respond within 2–3 business days.