Lets face it, when you purchase handmade Celtic Irish jewelry you're purchasing a heirloom that is also a valuable investment. It is jewelry you intend to wear with pride and to impress others with. It is therefore important to know as much as possible about Celtic Irish jewelry, so you can make an informed decision. Listed below is critical information when considering a purchase. Hallmarking Be sure that the item you purchase is Hallmarked. This is your independent Irish government guarantee that the item you're purchasing is made from its advertised prescribed metals. Click here for detailed information on the Hallmark. Handmade in Ireland Be sure that the item you are purchasing is made in Ireland and not just advertised as FROM IRELAND. When jewelry is advertised as From Ireland it is often machine made in the Far East or elsewhere and is imported to Ireland and then shipped to the U.S. Click here to learn how our jewelry is handmade in Ireland. Avoid 9 Carat Jewelry It is important to note that U.S. standards stipulate that no jewelry less than 10 carat is to be imported and sold in the U.S. Any jewelry 9 carat or less is no longer recognized by the U.S. as solid gold. Stamping Method Be sure that whenever possible you purchase Claddagh rings and Celtic Crosses that are stamped from a solid sheet of precious metals (see photo above). Utilizing the stamping method when manufacturing jewelry ensures that air pockets and foreign particles are minimized. Avoid Custom Charges Avoid import customs charges by purchasing from U.S. stores. We make this possible by shipping you our jewelry from within the continental United States; yet you can purchase our jewelry with the full confidence that each piece has been designed, handcrafted, and Hallmarked in Ireland. You also enjoy significantly lower shipping costs. Guarantee Be sure that the jeweler you select stands behind their quality. As a world class jeweler we are proud to stand behind our jewelry with a NO RISK 30 Day money back guarantee. Please click here for complete details.