I do. My name is Russell Ott, and Ott Family Jewelry is a solo-run small business. The "Family" in the name is deliberate — it's my last name on the door, my family's reputation attached to every chain we ship, and the money our customers spend with us genuinely helps put food on the table for our family. I don't have a call center, a team of sales reps, or a warehouse full of employees. When you email support@ottfamilyjewelry.com, you're writing to me.

Ott Family Jewelry was founded in 2021 and is based in Dallas, Texas. We're an online-only fine jewelry retailer shipping to customers across the United States and, by arrangement, internationally. Everything runs through ottfamilyjewelry.com.

Three things, honestly. First, we sell real solid gold — not gold-plated, not gold-filled, not gold vermeil. Second, we price our pieces at fair margins rather than the industry-standard "three key" (roughly 3x) retail markup that mall and franchise jewelers use. Our prices are often significantly less than what you'd pay for the same gram weight and karat at a traditional retail storefront. Third, I personally know the people who make most of the chains we sell. I travel to nearly every major North American jewelry trade show every year so I can shake hands with manufacturers, goldsmiths, and suppliers. That relationship network is what lets us offer real fine jewelry at prices closer to wholesale than retail.

Because it's my family name, and I take that seriously. Putting "Ott" on the sign means every chain that ships from us carries my personal accountability. If something is wrong, I'm the one answering for it — not a customer-service department, not a chatbot, not a Shopify support ticket that routes to a stranger. The "family" part also refers to the customers who support us. Every order helps a real small family in Dallas, and I'm grateful for that every single day.

Yes. Ott Family Jewelry has been operating since 2021, maintains active Facebook and Instagram presences (@OttFamilyJewelry and @ottfamilyjewelryco), has built a strong organic reputation across online jewelry communities, and ships thousands of dollars of real solid gold to customers every week. If you want to verify us, Google us, check our social media, read reviews from our customer community online, or email us directly — we'll be happy to help you confirm we're the real deal.

The short answer: we skip almost every middleman. Mall and franchise jewelers typically mark gold jewelry up to around three times their cost — the "three key" retail markup. We don't. We buy direct from long-established American manufacturers, work with a domestic goldsmith for our handmade pieces, and maintain relationships with U.S.-based wholesalers and with overseas manufacturers that have offices in the States. We also run lean — no retail storefront rent, no commissioned salespeople, no corporate overhead. What that means for you is simple: the price on the tag is close to what the chain actually costs to make, plus a fair margin to keep the business running.

It's understandable to be cautious, and you should be — there are a lot of bad actors in the online gold space. A few things should make you comfortable with us: every piece is stamped with its karat mark, we ship every order with full tracking and our discretion on requiring a signature, every piece is personally backed by my guarantee that it will test as real gold or silver at the time of purchase, and we've been consistently in business since 2021 with a strong, organically built reputation in online jewelry communities. Beyond that, you can always email us before you order. I'd rather have a long conversation with a cautious first-time buyer than rush a sale.

Beyond reviews posted on our website, we have a strong organic presence across online jewelry communities, with hundreds of unprompted positive reviews built up over the last several years. If you Google our name, you'll find independent customer feedback across multiple platforms — none of it solicited, incentivized, or moderated by us. On-site, we're also now collecting verified customer reviews through our Judge.me integration, which was added recently and has already gathered over 50 five-star reviews.

Yes. Every gold chain we sell is solid real gold in the karat indicated (10k, 14k, or 18k) — never plated, never filled, never vermeil, never "gold tone." Every piece is guaranteed to test as real, solid gold of the stated karat at the time of purchase. That guarantee is non-negotiable and personally backed by me.

Every chain we sell is hallmarked (stamped) with its karat mark — usually on the clasp or on a small tag soldered near the clasp. Many of our pieces also carry a manufacturer stamp and a country-of-origin stamp. Beyond that, any reputable jeweler can verify the gold using a traditional acid test or any number of modern gold jewelry testing machines. If you ever want to verify your piece, take it to a local jeweler — we welcome it.

Yes, every single one. Most of our 10k chains are stamped "10K" or "417," 14k chains are stamped "14K" or "585," and 18k chains are stamped "18K" or "750." Many pieces also carry a manufacturer stamp, a serial stamp, or a country-of-origin mark (such as "Italy" or "USA"). If you can't find the stamp on your chain, email us a close-up photo of the clasp and we'll tell you where to look.

First: please email us before you do anything else, and don't panic. The most common reason a home or consumer testing device reads real gold jewelry as fake is that it's the wrong tool for the job. Many popular consumer testers — including the widely used Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifier — are engineered for testing gold bullion (bars and coins), not jewelry. The Sigma's own manual explicitly states that using it on jewelry can produce a false "gold-plated" reading, because the test is calibrated for the uniform shape and density of bullion rather than the hollow cross-sections, solder joints, and alloy ratios found in jewelry chains. If your reading looks off, the tester is almost always the reason — not the chain. Email us and we'll walk you through it.

Take it to a reputable jeweler and have them test the piece. Several acceptable testing methods exist — from a traditional acid test to a handheld XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzer, and a range of other modern gold-testing machines jewelers use today. Any of these, when performed by a professional on jewelry with a properly calibrated instrument, will correctly identify real gold at the stated karat. We stand behind every piece we ship — if it doesn't test as real gold of the stated karat at the time of purchase, we'll make it right.

XRF (X-ray fluorescence) is a reliable technology for non-destructive metal analysis, but like any precision instrument, an XRF gun is only as accurate as its last calibration. An XRF machine that's been sitting around a pawn shop or third-party testing outfit for years without being calibrated can easily produce readings that are a touch off the actual purity — showing a 14k chain as reading 13.84k, for example, or giving noticeably different numbers on three consecutive tests of the same spot of the same chain. A small variance like that is not evidence that your chain is under-karat. It's evidence that the testing instrument needs calibration. A real, properly-calibrated XRF test should be repeatable: the same spot of the same chain should produce essentially the same number on each scan. If it doesn't, the reading itself isn't trustworthy. If you have any concern about a chain we've sold, email us — we'll work through it with you.

Yes, and it's a story worth telling. A customer contacted us convinced that a chain he'd bought from us was gold-plated rather than solid gold. He initially said he'd tested it at a local jewelry store, but couldn't substantiate that when we asked for specifics. Later he admitted he'd actually tested it at home using a Sigma Metalytics device — which is a gold bullion tester whose manual explicitly states it will return false "plated" readings when used on jewelry. To eliminate any doubt, we took the chain back at our own expense, had it melted, and sent the assayed gold to a refinery for independent XRF analysis. The result: real, plumb gold of the stated karat, exactly as it had been sold. We absorbed the full cost because the principle matters more than the loss. If you ever have a doubt about a piece you've purchased from us, reach out — we will do the right thing.

Most of our stock gold chains are manufactured by long-established American manufacturers — some of whom have been producing fine jewelry domestically for generations. Our handmade Cuban chains are made in America, by hand, by a goldsmith with decades of experience. For specialty and specific-weight pieces, we also work with established overseas manufacturers (including some Italian houses) that maintain U.S. offices we've vetted in person.

Our handmade Cubans are made entirely by hand in the United States by a master goldsmith who has been building fine gold jewelry for decades. Each link is formed, soldered, and finished individually — which is why a handmade Cuban feels, moves, and wears differently from a machine-made chain, and why it costs more. These are pieces built to be heirlooms.

Our certified lab-grown diamonds are graded primarily by EGL (European Gemological Laboratory), with some pieces graded by IGI (International Gemological Institute) or other reputable gemological labs. All of these are legitimate, widely recognized grading institutions used throughout the fine jewelry industry. If a piece is listed as certified, the specific lab and report details appear on the product page.

We carry virtually every classic fine jewelry chain style: Cuban link (including Miami Cuban and handmade Cuban), rope, Franco, Figaro, Mariner, anchor, wheat, box, and curb chains, plus specialty styles including Byzantine, Bismark (and other woven patterns), and ball/bead chains. Most styles are available in multiple widths, weights, and lengths, and in 10k, 14k, or 18k yellow, white, or rose gold depending on the style.

A Franco chain is a four-sided braided chain with a very tight, uniform, almost square-edged look. It sits flat against the skin, drapes well, and is one of the most durable everyday chain styles — it resists kinking and holds up well to wear. Francos are popular with both men and women who want a sleek, understated chain that still has a real presence.

A rope chain is constructed from small segments twisted together to mimic the look of a twisted rope — and it's one of the most visually distinctive and sparkly gold chain styles because its many facets catch and reflect light. Rope chains come in many thicknesses, from delicate women's styles to bold men's pieces. They're durable, classic, and a longtime staple of fine jewelry.

A Figaro is a patterned chain where flat round links alternate with longer, flattened links — typically in a 3:1 or 2:1 pattern (three short links, one long). It's a classic masculine chain style that originated in Italy, and it's one of the most versatile styles for pendants because the varied link pattern shows off the chain without overwhelming what you hang from it.

A Mariner chain is built from oval links with a bar across the center of each link — evoking the look of a ship's anchor chain. The terms "Mariner" and "anchor" are often used interchangeably in the fine jewelry industry, though some manufacturers use "anchor" to refer specifically to a heavier, more traditional version and "Mariner" to a lighter, more decorative one. Both are durable, classic, and work as everyday chains or as pendant chains.

A wheat chain is constructed from four intertwined strands of twisted oval links that form a pattern resembling a head of wheat. It's one of the strongest woven chain styles and has a textured, handmade appearance that distinguishes it from simpler chain styles. Wheat chains are durable, elegant, and especially popular for women's pendant chains.

A box chain is built from square links connected end-to-end, producing a clean geometric look from every angle. It's one of the most durable chain styles per gram of gold, it sits flat and doesn't kink, and it works beautifully as a pendant chain because it disappears into the background and lets the pendant be the focus. It's also one of our most popular everyday chains.

A Byzantine is a complex, intricately woven chain with a textured, almost chainmail-like appearance. It's one of the oldest chain styles in fine jewelry — the pattern dates back roughly two thousand years — and it remains one of the most visually striking styles because of how it plays with light. Byzantine chains have a significant presence on the neck even in moderate thicknesses.

A Bismark (sometimes spelled Bismarck) is a flat, densely woven chain built from multiple strands interlocked into a broad, flexible band. It's a bold, statement-level chain style that sits like a ribbon of gold on the skin. Bismark and other woven patterns are a premium category — they take more gold and more craftsmanship to produce than a simple cable or curb chain.

A curb chain is the most recognizable chain style in fine jewelry: uniform, interlocking, twisted oval links that lie flat when the chain is laid down. Cuban links are actually a refined, more compact derivative of the curb chain family. A plain curb chain is a versatile classic — durable, understated, and appropriate for virtually any occasion.

A ball chain is made of small round beads connected by a short bar between each bead. In fine gold, bead chains are a delicate, elegant style usually chosen for women's pendant chains or minimalist necklaces. They're not as strong as woven chains like Franco or wheat, so we recommend them for lighter pendants rather than heavy ones.

These are finishing techniques applied to a gold chain to add sparkle and dimension. Diamond-cut means small facets are machined into each link to catch and reflect light, giving the chain a sparkling appearance without adding any stones. Moon-cut refers to a specific rounded, faceted bead shape used on bead chains, which gives them a much brighter sparkle than a plain bead. Ice-cut is a deeper, more aggressive faceting pattern that produces an even higher-sparkle effect. All three are purely decorative techniques — they don't affect the underlying gold purity, just the finish.

For daily wear, the strongest fine gold chain styles are Franco, wheat, box, rope, and Cuban link. These are all woven or interlocked constructions that resist kinking and pulling. Herringbone, singapore, and snake chains are beautiful but more prone to kinking under stress and are best reserved for occasional wear rather than 24/7. Pairings matter too — a very thin chain with a heavy pendant will wear out at the bail regardless of style, so match chain weight to pendant weight.

For a pendant, the three best all-around choices are a rope chain (durable, visually striking, and a classic pairing with any pendant), a Franco (tight, uniform, drapes flat under weight), or a box chain (clean and geometric, disappears into the background so the pendant stays the focus). Avoid extremely delicate chains like herringbone or singapore under a heavy pendant — the chain will stress at the bail over time. In general, heavier pendants need heavier chains; for a pendant over about 5 grams, consider a chain of at least 2mm width in 14k.

The number refers to the purity of the gold alloy. 10k gold is 41.7% pure gold mixed with stronger alloy metals. 14k gold is 58.3% pure gold. 18k gold is 75% pure gold. Higher-karat gold has a richer, warmer color and is softer; lower-karat gold is lighter in color, harder, and more resistant to daily scratches and dings. 14k is the most popular karat for fine jewelry in the United States because it hits a balance between color, durability, and price.

For most people, 14k is the sweet spot for a daily-wear gold chain. It has the warm yellow color associated with real gold, it's hard enough to resist everyday wear and minor damage, and it's priced fairly for its gold content. 10k is an excellent budget choice — it's harder than 14k and holds up exceptionally well to rough wear, though its color is a touch paler. 18k has the richest color but is softer and more expensive; many customers choose 18k for pieces that won't take rough daily wear, like dress chains or anniversary pieces.

Yes, though selection varies by style. White gold is gold alloyed with white metals (like palladium or nickel) and typically rhodium-plated for that bright, silvery-white finish. Rose gold is gold alloyed with copper, giving it a warm pink-red color that's become extremely popular over the last decade. Both are real gold — the color comes from what the gold is mixed with — and both are available in multiple karats. If you want a specific chain style in white or rose gold and you don't see it listed, email us and we can usually source it.

Yellow gold is pure gold alloyed with a mix of silver, copper, and zinc — this keeps the traditional warm gold color. White gold is gold alloyed with white metals and usually rhodium-plated to look silvery-white. Rose gold is gold alloyed with a higher proportion of copper, which gives it a pink tone. All three are real gold and all three come in multiple karats; the choice is purely about the color you want.

Yes. We carry an extensive and growing collection of 925 sterling silver chains and jewelry. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with a small percentage of copper for durability, and every piece we sell is stamped "925." Silver offers a lot of the look of white gold at a significantly lower price, which makes it a great everyday option or an entry point to fine jewelry. See our silver chains collection at ottfamilyjewelry.com/collections/925-silver-chains.

We don't sell base-metal jewelry (like steel or brass) plated in gold — ever. If you see a chain on our site, the underlying metal is real, solid precious metal at the stated purity. That said, a handful of our sterling silver pieces carry a gold-plated finish as a decorative layer over solid sterling silver — for example, some of our silver lab-diamond stud earrings are gold-plated on a 925 silver base. In every case, the underlying metal is itself a real precious metal, and the plating is clearly indicated on the product page.

Moissanite is a real lab-created gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was originally discovered in meteorite fragments and is now grown in laboratories. Moissanite has more fire (rainbow sparkle) than a diamond, is nearly as hard as a diamond (9.25 on the Mohs scale vs. a diamond's 10), and is dramatically less expensive. It's a fantastic choice for customers who love the look of a large stone but want to spend 10-20% of what a diamond would cost. It is absolutely a real gemstone — not a "fake" or a simulant.

Both are real stones. A lab-grown diamond is chemically identical to a mined diamond — it has the same hardness, the same optical properties, and the same chemical composition; it's just grown in a lab over weeks rather than pulled from the ground. A moissanite is a different mineral entirely (silicon carbide) that looks very similar to a diamond but has more fire and sparkle. Lab-grown diamonds are more expensive than moissanite but less expensive than mined diamonds. If you want something indistinguishable from a diamond at a lower cost, go with a lab-grown diamond. If you want maximum sparkle for the lowest price, go with moissanite. Both are excellent; which is right depends on your priorities.

Chain length is highly personal — it depends on your build, your style, your neckline, and how you want the chain to sit. We'd encourage you to think in ranges rather than a single "right" length. For most women, common chain lengths fall in the 16 to 22 inch range: 16 inches tends to sit closer to the base of the neck (choker territory), 18 to 20 inches generally sits at or near the collarbone, and 22 inches or longer drapes lower for layering or over tops. For most men, common chain lengths fall in the 20 to 26 inch range: 20 to 22 inches tends to sit above or just below a crew-neck collar, 22 to 24 inches sits mid-chest, and 24 to 30 inches works well for pendant chains, heavier Cubans, or a longer drape. If you're pairing a pendant, buy your chain at least 2 inches longer than where you want the pendant to land. If you're unsure, email us with your build and how you'd like the chain to sit and we'll help you pick.

For most men, 20 to 22 inches is the sweet spot. A 20-inch chain sits just below the collarbone and is visible above a crew-neck t-shirt or polo. A 22-inch chain sits mid-chest and is perfect for showing off a pendant. Taller or larger-built men often prefer 24 inches or longer. Shorter builds can also wear longer chains — length is about how you want the chain to sit, not a rigid rule based on height.

For most women, 16 to 20 inches covers the most common wear patterns — 16 inches sits higher and closer to the base of the neck (choker-adjacent, great under open necklines), while 18 to 20 inches tends to sit at or just below the collarbone and works with nearly any neckline. 22 inches and longer is popular for layering or for pendant chains where you want the pendant to sit between the collarbone and the sternum. The best length for you depends on your build, your neckline, and how you want the chain to sit.

Wrap a soft measuring tape or a piece of string around your neck where you want the chain to sit. Add about 2 inches to that measurement — that's your chain length. For example, if your neck measures 14 inches where you want the chain to sit, an 18-inch chain is a good starting point (it'll sit about 2 inches below that point).

Most adult bracelets run from 7 to 9 inches. To size a bracelet, measure around your wrist with a soft measuring tape just below the wrist bone (where a bracelet sits naturally), then add about a half-inch to an inch of slack depending on how loose you want the bracelet to wear. A snug bracelet is your wrist measurement plus half an inch; a looser-fitting bracelet is your wrist plus one inch.

Yes. We carry adjustable 16-to-18-inch chains that let you wear the same piece at two different lengths — perfect when you want flexibility between a shorter choker-length wear and a slightly longer collarbone wear. See our product listings for the adjustable box chains and other adjustable styles.

For a cross or religious pendant, most men wear it at 22 to 24 inches so the pendant sits mid-chest. For a cross worn under a shirt (closer to the heart), 20 to 22 inches is typical. For women, crosses and religious pendants are most often worn at 18 to 20 inches. For dog tag style pendants, men typically wear them longer — 24 to 30 inches — so the pendant sits lower and swings more freely.

Yes. Most chains and most rings we sell can be shortened or resized for an additional fee — email us with your order details and the size you're going for, and we'll quote the work.

We price each piece by item based on the weight, karat, manufacturing method (machine vs. handmade), and market cost of gold at the time we list it. We adjust pricing as the gold spot market moves — up or down — rather than taking a flat markup. Our margins are consistent and fair rather than the industry-standard "three key" (roughly 3x) retail markup that mall and franchise jewelers typically apply. That's why our prices are often significantly lower than the same gram weight and karat at a traditional retail storefront.

Three reasons. First, we don't carry mall-jeweler overhead — no retail storefront rent, no commissioned salespeople, no corporate brand premium. Second, we source primarily direct from manufacturers we know personally, with a small number of vetted importers and U.S.-based distributors filling in where direct manufacturer sourcing isn't practical. We've also built close relationships with closeout vendors that allow us to acquire genuine high-end fine jewelry at 85% or more off retail in some cases — savings we pass through to our customers. Third, we don't use the industry-standard three-key markup — we run fair margins. The chain is the same real gold; the difference is how many hands it passes through before it reaches yours.

Most of our stock jewelry is priced under $5,000, with the stock catalog extending up to approximately $15,000 for premium pieces like heavyweight handmade Cubans. Custom orders regularly go above that for larger handmade pieces or more elaborate custom designs. If you have a target budget — modest or significant — email us and we'll guide you to options that fit.

Yes. At checkout you can pay with Shop Pay Installments, Klarna, or Afterpay, which split your order into payments over several weeks or months depending on the provider. We also accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. For larger custom pieces, we use a 50% deposit structure (see the custom chain section).

Yes, we adjust listed prices as the gold spot market moves. When gold rises significantly, our prices rise; when it drops, our prices drop. Because of this, if you see a chain at a price you like and the gold market is trending up, it's often worth buying sooner rather than later.

Yes, absolutely. We offer fully custom chains in 10k, 14k, or 18k gold (yellow, white, or rose), built to your specifications for length, width, style, and weight. Handmade Cuban and handmade rope chains (offered in 6mm and above) are our specialty handmade categories, built in the U.S. by our goldsmith.

Step one: email us or message us through the site with what you have in mind — style, karat, approximate length and width, and whether you want machine-made or handmade. Step two: we'll quote you a price based on current gold spot, weight, and labor. Step three: if you approve, we collect a 50% deposit to start the work — this covers materials and locks in your gold cost at that day's spot. Step four: the chain is built. Step five: once it's finished and inspected, we collect the final balance and ship it with full tracking.

Because all of our custom chain work is domestically manufactured, turnaround is quick. Most custom chains — including handmade Cubans and handmade ropes — are typically ready in a couple of weeks. Custom rings, pendants, and other non-chain custom pieces typically take three to four weeks because the process involves both a design step and the manufacturing step. We run custom work twelve months a year and we continue to produce through our busy seasons.

Custom rings, pendants, and other custom design work typically takes three to four weeks — the timeline accounts for both the design and approval process and the actual manufacturing. More involved custom designs (intricate settings, complex stones, elaborate detailing) may take longer, and we'll give you a firm timeline at the quote stage. We produce roughly 100 custom rings and pendants per year, so we have a steady workflow and a proven process for turning an idea into a finished piece.

Custom handmade Cubans are priced by the gram based on current gold spot plus labor, and because every link is formed by hand they sit at a higher price point than machine-made pieces. As a realistic starting range, a custom handmade Cuban will typically run $4,000 to $5,000 or more even in 10k for an entry-level size — and pricing scales up significantly from there into the five-figure range as length, width, and karat increase. Email us with your target length, width, and karat, and we'll give you an exact quote.

Our handmade Cuban and handmade rope chains are offered in 6mm and above. For thinner widths, we can build custom machine-made chains instead.

No. Custom pieces work on a 50% deposit structure — the deposit starts the work, covers the materials, and locks in your gold cost at that day's spot price. You pay the remaining 50% before the finished piece ships.

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond grown in a controlled laboratory environment rather than mined from the earth. It has the same chemical composition (carbon), the same crystal structure, and the same physical and optical properties as a mined diamond. The only difference is its origin. Lab-grown diamonds are typically 70-80% less expensive than mined diamonds of equivalent quality — which is why they've become so popular for engagement rings, tennis bracelets, and stud earrings.

Yes, unconditionally. The Federal Trade Commission officially revised its guidelines in 2018 to recognize lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds. They are chemically, structurally, and optically identical to mined diamonds. The only difference is that a lab-grown diamond was grown in a lab over a few weeks rather than formed underground over millions of years. A jeweler cannot tell them apart by eye; it takes specialized equipment to distinguish lab-grown from mined.

Yes. We carry a range of lab-grown diamond tennis bracelets and diamond tennis necklaces set in solid gold. Carat totals, stone quality, and settings vary by piece. Certified pieces come with grading reports from reputable gemological labs (primarily EGL, with some IGI and other major labs depending on the piece).

Yes — and diamond studs are one of our biggest categories. Lab-grown diamonds let us offer studs at genuinely affordable prices, which we think is the whole point of the lab-grown revolution: being able to give someone a real diamond as a gift without it being a financial stretch. We carry both non-certified and certified options. Our non-certified studs are all in the colorless to near-colorless range (D-H color) — real diamonds with great visual quality at an even better price. Our certified studs are graded by reputable gemological labs (primarily EGL, with some IGI and others), typically in the colorless color range with VS to VVS clarity.

Two reasons. First, we lean into the lab-grown diamond — it's a real diamond at a fraction of the mined price, and we pass those savings through. Second, we price the setting at a fair margin rather than the retail markup you'd see at a mall jeweler. Between those two, we can put real diamond studs on your ears for what a lot of big-box retailers charge for simulated stones.

Yes. We carry engagement rings in solid gold with lab-grown diamond or moissanite center stones, and we also build custom engagement rings. Custom engagement rings follow the same quote-deposit-build-balance process as custom chains. If you're thinking about a custom engagement ring, email us and we'll walk you through options, stones, and settings.

Yes. Email us with what you're envisioning — metal, karat, stone type, stone size, setting style — and we'll quote it out. Custom rings are a significant part of our custom-work business.

Yes. We carry gold pendants and charms in a range of styles and price points. If there's a specific pendant you're looking for and you don't see it on the site, email us — our network of manufacturers and suppliers can often source it.

Yes, and it's one of our favorite categories to work on. We regularly build fully custom pendants from an idea or a reference image — initials, monograms, specialty religious designs, memorial pieces, and custom company-logo pendants are all common requests. Business owners in particular have used custom logo pendants as unique marketing and brand-identity pieces, which some treat as a deductible marketing expense (your accountant can advise how that applies to your situation). The process mirrors our other custom work: email or message us with your idea or artwork, we quote the piece, we collect a 50% deposit that covers materials and locks in your gold cost, we move through the design step, we build the piece, and we ship once the balance is settled. Turnaround for custom pendants typically runs three to four weeks.

Yes. We carry gold crosses and religious jewelry in various styles, sizes, and karats. Crosses are one of the most popular pendant categories, and we stock a regular rotation. If you're looking for a specific size or style, let us know.

Match the chain to the pendant's weight and formality. For a lightweight, delicate pendant, pair with a thinner chain (1-1.5mm) in a style like box or cable. For a medium pendant (crosses, nameplates, lockets), a 2-3mm chain in Franco, rope, or box is the classic pairing. For a heavy pendant or large cross, go to a 3mm or wider chain in Cuban, Franco, wheat, or rope to handle the weight. As a rule of thumb, a pendant should never outweigh its chain by more than about three times, or you'll wear out the bail over time.

Most orders ship within 2 to 3 business days of being placed. If anything is going to cause a delay — a custom build, a gift engraving, a stock question — we'll email you directly to explain. Once a package ships, delivery time depends on the carrier and destination; most U.S. customers receive their orders within a week of ordering.

Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your order and destination. We run free-shipping promotions from time to time, including coupon codes we post on our Instagram (@ottfamilyjewelryco) — follow us there to catch the current one. For high-value pieces we ship via insured, tracked services, and we reserve the right to require a signature on delivery when the value or destination warrants it.

Yes. Every order we ship includes full tracking and insurance in transit. You'll get a tracking number by email when your order goes out. If a shipment is lost or damaged in transit, contact us immediately and we'll handle the insurance claim and replacement.

Possibly. Whether a signature is required is at our discretion and depends on the value of the order and the nature of what we're shipping. High-value pieces are more likely to require an adult signature. If you have specific delivery instructions or prefer a signature be required for added security, let us know in the order notes.

Yes. Canadian customers can order directly through the website. Our product listings include HS codes and the appropriate shipping options are built into checkout, so Canadian customers don't need to contact us first — just order like any U.S. customer and the shipping, duties, and customs handling are taken care of in checkout.

Yes, we ship worldwide. We've shipped to customers in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Colombia, and many other countries around the world. For destinations outside the U.S. and Canada, please email support@ottfamilyjewelry.com before ordering — we often have payment and shipping options available that aren't in the default checkout, and we'll work with you to find the right solution for your country. Note: during peak holiday season (late November through December), we may decline complex international coordination requests due to carrier volume and customs delays; outside of that window we're typically happy to make it work.

Due to the nature of fine jewelry — and because every piece we ship is real precious metal — we maintain a strict no-returns policy except in the case of a manufacturing defect. We recommend every customer inspect their piece immediately upon delivery. If you discover any issue with your piece, contact us within 48 hours of delivery and we'll make it right.

Fine jewelry presents unique challenges that make a typical retail return policy impractical. Gold spot prices change daily, precious-metal items can't be restocked as "new" once they've left our possession, and the high value per unit makes traditional returns costly to insure and handle. Our alternative is to be responsive and flexible before you buy — if you have any hesitation, email us first and we'll help you make the right choice the first time.

We inspect each and every piece before it is packed and shipped, so the chances of a manufacturer defect actually making it out our door are slim to none. In the rare event that something does slip through, contact us within 48 hours of delivery at support@ottfamilyjewelry.com. Send photos of the issue and your order number. Manufacturing defects — a broken clasp out of the box, a bad solder joint, a missing stamp, a dramatic sizing error — are covered for free repair or replacement. We stand behind every piece we ship.

A manufacturing defect is an issue caused by how the piece was made — a weak solder joint that fails immediately, a clasp that doesn't function out of the box, a broken or missing link, a piece that doesn't match its listed specifications. Normal wear and tear (a clasp that breaks after two years of daily wear, a scratched link, a lost pendant) is not a manufacturing defect but can still be repaired as a paid service.

Within 48 hours of the confirmed delivery date. That's why we highly encourage every customer to open and inspect their package the same day it arrives. Photograph and document any concern immediately and email us right away.

If it failed from a manufacturing defect within the reporting window, we'll replace or repair it free of charge. If the clasp failed from wear and tear after normal use, we offer paid repair services on pieces we've sold at fair rates. Either way, email us with photos and your order number and we'll tell you what we can do.

Our repair work is focused on pieces we've sold, where we know the source, the materials, and the construction. On occasion we're able to help with straightforward service on pieces bought elsewhere — if you have something you'd like looked at, email us with photos and we'll quote it if it's something we can take on.

The simplest and safest method: fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap, soak the chain for 10-15 minutes, gently work a soft-bristled toothbrush through the links, rinse thoroughly in clean warm water, and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth. For heavier buildup or tarnish on yellow gold, a polishing cloth designed for fine jewelry works well. Avoid abrasive scrubs, baking-soda pastes, and toothpaste — they can scratch softer karats like 18k.

We recommend against it. While solid real gold won't tarnish from water alone, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hard-water residue can build up in the links over time and dull the finish. If you occasionally shower with your chain, it's not going to destroy the piece, but regular showering with jewelry will require more frequent cleaning to keep it looking its best.

We strongly recommend against it. Saltwater is harsh on clasps and findings, and chlorine is genuinely damaging — it can weaken the alloy metals in gold over time (especially lower karats) and cause visible pitting or brittleness on white gold. If you swim frequently with your jewelry on, you'll likely see accelerated wear. Take it off before you swim.

You can, but understand the trade-off. Sweat is mildly acidic and can dull the polish over time; more importantly, physical activity can catch a chain on clothing, equipment, or your own body and cause kinks, snapped links, or a bent clasp. If you lift weights seriously or do contact sports, take your chain off. Low-impact activity is generally fine.

You can, but we don't recommend it as a daily habit. Sleeping in a chain can cause it to kink, bend, or catch on pillowcases and bedding. Over months and years, this accumulates as visible wear — even on strong chain styles. If you want a chain you never take off, choose a durable style (Franco, box, Cuban, rope, wheat) and inspect it monthly for signs of stress.

Solid 14k and 18k gold essentially doesn't tarnish because most of the metal is pure gold. What you may notice over time is a buildup of skin oils, lotions, and daily residue that can dull the surface — which is easy to clean with soap and water. 10k gold has a higher proportion of alloy metals and can develop very light surface discoloration over years in contact with certain skin chemistries, but this is almost always cosmetic and cleans off. Store your pieces in individual soft pouches or lined jewelry boxes to keep them from rubbing against each other.

Store each piece separately so chains don't tangle and pendants don't scratch each other. Soft cloth pouches, individual compartments in a lined jewelry box, or small zippered jewelry bags all work. If you travel with jewelry, use a dedicated travel jewelry roll. Keep jewelry away from heat, direct sunlight, and humidity over extended periods.

Sterling silver does tarnish over time because most of the alloy (92.5% silver, 7.5% other metals, typically copper) reacts with sulfur in the air. Here's how to keep yours looking new: clean it regularly with a soft silver-polishing cloth (available at any jewelry store). For heavier tarnish, use a silver-specific dip or polish — never abrasive compounds or toothpaste. Store sterling silver in an anti-tarnish pouch or in a sealed bag with an anti-tarnish strip when you're not wearing it; exposure to air is what causes tarnish. Worn regularly, sterling silver tarnishes less because the motion keeps the surface clean.

We recommend taking it off. Silver doesn't react with water itself, but soaps, shampoos, and chlorinated water accelerate tarnish and can leave films that dull the finish. A quick shower occasionally won't ruin the piece, but habitual wearing in the shower will shorten the intervals between polishing.

Household cleaners, bleach, chlorine, hair dyes and other salon chemicals, heavy lotions and sunscreens (apply them first, let them dry, then put your jewelry on), and abrasive surfaces. Impact damage — drops onto hard floors, knocks against doorframes — is a frequent cause of bent links and damaged settings.

Email is the fastest way. Reach us at support@ottfamilyjewelry.com. You can also message us through Facebook (@OttFamilyJewelry) or Instagram (@ottfamilyjewelryco). All messages come directly to me, Russell.

Most emails and DMs are answered the same business day, often within a few hours. If you don't hear back within one business day, resend the message — occasionally things get caught in spam filters.

We're an online-only business based in Dallas, Texas, so we don't have a walk-in retail showroom. For high-value custom pieces, appointments can sometimes be arranged — email us and we'll tell you what's possible.

Email is our primary channel because it keeps a clear record of quotes, specs, and order details — which matters a lot for high-value fine jewelry. For custom work or larger orders, we're happy to set up a phone call after the initial email exchange. Email support@ottfamilyjewelry.com to arrange one.

Because I've built this business with my name on the door. Every chain I ship is a chain I'd be comfortable wearing myself. I answer my own emails. I personally know the people who make the jewelry we sell. I've been doing this since 2021, I've built a strong reputation in online jewelry communities, and I've built relationships with manufacturers and goldsmiths across North America by showing up at every major industry trade show. Ott Family Jewelry isn't a side hustle for me — it's my dream, it's what I think about from the moment I wake up, and the people who buy from us are literally helping me take care of my family. That accountability isn't a marketing line. It's the reason this business exists.

— Russell Ott, Founder, Ott Family Jewelry