Ordering
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Can I trade in my high school ring for a college ring?
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In most cases, we will accept a trade-in on a Balfour college ring or gold Balfour high school ring.
We also accept trade-ins on other manufacturers' rings. Other manufacturers' rings must be gold
(non-precious metals are not accepted) and have a 10K, 14K, or 18K stamp inside the ring. Balfour
will determine the trade-in value once the ring is received. A credit for an eligible trade-in ring
will be granted if the trade-in accompanies the order to which the credit will apply. Therefore,
trade-in credits are not available with online orders.
Ring Features and Options
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Is 10K more durable than 14K or 18K and what do most people order?
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Gold's rich glowing color and malleability make it the most favored precious metal for creation of fine
jewelry in the world. 24K is pure but too soft to use. 18K is 75% pure and is the European standard.
14K (58% pure) is the most popular choice in the U.S. 10K is an affordable beautiful alternative. 10K
gold (42% pure) is the lowest concentration of gold that can be trademarked in the US. White gold is
the same quality of 10K, 14K, or 18K yellow gold, but is ALLOYED to be silver in color.
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What is an ALLOY?
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An ALLOY is base metals that are combined with gold, silver or zinc to provide hardness, color and
workable features.
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What is an Antique Finish?
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A darker background that accentuates the ring's detail.
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What is a Natural Finish?
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An all-gold appearance to the ring without a dark background.
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What is Balfour Premium Silver?
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Two white metals - silver and palladium - come together for an unbeatable value. Available in antique and natural finishes.
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What is Balfour Imperium with Gold?
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An exclusive yellow metal with silver, gold and palladium (in the platinum family), its luster is uniquely matched by its durability
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What is Celestrium™?
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Celestrium is comparable to a fine jeweler's non-precious metal. It polishes to a brilliant silver
luster and is known for its strength, resistance to chemical reaction and ease of maintenance.
Celestrium rings are only available with an antique finish.
Note: Not all features, options and alloys are available at all schools.
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Please note that all alloys are not available at all schools.
Ring Care
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How should I care for my ring?
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As a proud owner of a fine ring by Balfour, a few precautions and some simple care will ensure your enjoyment of this
fine piece of jewelry for years to come. It is natural for gold and silver to tarnish. You can remove tarnish easily
with any good silver polish. After applying the polish with a soft cloth, clean your ring in a mild soapy solution.
Then rinse the ring in clear water and dry.
Chemicals can discolor your ring. Some, like mercury, chlorine or household chemicals, can cause permanent damage.
Your ring can also be damaged in any form of heavy manual labor. To protect your ring, remove it whenever doing heavy
work, whenever exposed to chemicals, while working on or near heavy machinery, or when working with power tools. Since
temperature and exercise affect finger size, wear your ring for at least two weeks before considering any size adjustment.
Repairs
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If my ring needs adjustment or repair, where do I send it?
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Please complete the College Ring Adjustment Form. Ship your ring in a padded envelope along with the ring
adjustment form using a traceable service such as the Post Office, UPS or Federal Express. Send your ring to:
Balfour College Repairs
7211 Circle S Road, Building C
Austin, TX 78745
Or
Balfour College Repairs
P.O. Box 149207
Austin, TX 78714-9207
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Is there a charge for repairs?
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Many repairs are covered at no charge as a benefit of our Lifetime Warranty. Some items may be charged
a minimal labor fee. We will not proceed with your repair until we notify you of pending charges and
receive your approval. After reviewing the chargeable repair schedule, include a credit card number on
the College Ring Adjustment Form to proceed with your repairs without delay.
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How long do adjustments take?
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The average turnaround on an adjustment is 2-4 weeks. If you have a specific question, please contact us
directly at 877-Balfour (225-3687).
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Chargeable Repair Schedule
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| Description of Service or Repair |
Charge |
| Resizing* |
No Charge |
| Cleaning and polishing |
No Charge |
| Change graduation date |
No Charge |
| Change degree or curriculum |
No Charge |
| Replace damaged or defective simulated stone |
No Charge |
| Replace defective encrusting |
No Charge |
| Change defective genuine stone |
No Charge |
| Change incorrect engraving |
No Charge |
| Add or change engraving |
$25 |
| Refurbish ring** |
$25 |
| Change simulated stone to another color or change stone enhancements |
$45 |
| Change genuine stone to another color or change stone enhancements |
$45 plus any difference in cost of genuine stones |
| Change school name |
$85 for non-gold alloys; $135 for gold |
| Change finish (antique to natural or natural to antique) |
$85 for non-gold alloys; $135 for gold |
| Change style |
$85 for non-gold alloys; $135 for gold plus cost between different style types |
| Change metal quality |
$85 for non-gold alloys; $135 for gold plus difference in metal grades |
| Shipping, handling and insurance (for return of repaired rings)*** |
$14.95 (UPS ground) |
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$19.95 (second day) |
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$24.95 (overnight) |
Many repairs stated above are option changes and are not covered by Balfour's Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Replacement of genuine stones and diamonds is not covered by Balfour's Limited Lifetime Warranty.
*$50 charge for rings purchased before 1972
** Refurbishing services include cleaning, polishing, tightening or replacing stone, replacing epoxy,
removing surface scratches, replacing antiquing (if applicable) and repairing dented bezels.
***Sales tax and return shipping, handling and insurance will be added to the repairs listed above
(repairs due to defects in workmanship or materials will be excluded from return shipping charges).
Announcements
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What is a Personalized College Announcement?
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A Personalized College Announcement is a perfect way to announce to your family and friends your outstanding
achievement. It includes your Name, Degree, Major, and the Date and Time and Place of your commencement. All of this
is incorporated into the text your college has chosen to announce your commencement.
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Will my announcements come with envelopes?
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Yes, all announcements come with matching inner and outer envelopes.
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What is the actual size of the announcement?
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Flat, the announcement will be 8½" x 11⅞". Folded it will be 4¼" x 5⅞".
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Can I pay extra to have my order processed faster?
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It will take approximately 11 business days plus shipping time to process your order from the date you place it. You
can have the order shipped overnight instead of the standard ground method. This could save you up to 5 days depending
on the state we will be shipping your order to.
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Can I choose what I want my announcement to read?
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The only option we have is to change the Name and Degree information or if there are multiple ceremonies, you may
choose the one in which you will be participating. The rest of the text is what the school has approved for us to
print on your announcement and cannot be changed.
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What text is printed on the Certificate of Appreciation?
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Be it known that
[Name Certificate Is Gifted To]
during the course of study, through personal sacrifice, selflessness, and without material reward, bestowed the
support and understanding without which my graduation would not have been possible. This certificate is hereby
conferred to honor and recognize the confidence, devotion, guidance and assistance freely given in helping me
obtain this important milestone in my life.
Presented by
[Your Name]
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