Shipping & Insurance

Our Shipping & Insurance policy is crafted to ensure every stone reaches you safely, efficiently, and with the utmost care, reflecting our commitment to trust, quality, and sustainable excellence. Below are the detailed terms and services designed to protect your treasures from our NYC vault to your doorstep.

Shipping Services: Global Reach, Local Precision

We offer a range of shipping options to accommodate your needs, leveraging trusted carriers and secure handling processes. All shipments originate from our Diamond District headquarters, with tracking and insurance included as standard.

  • Domestic Shipping (Within the USA)
    • Standard Shipping: Free for orders over $500; otherwise, a flat rate of $15 via USPS Priority Mail (2–5 business days).
    • Express Shipping: $35 via FedEx 2-Day or UPS Next Day Air (1–2 business days), ideal for urgent orders or high-value items.
    • Same-Day Pickup: Free for NYC clients at our 580 5th Avenue location (Suite 47), available Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM EST. Contact (212) GEM-STONE (436-7866) to schedule.
  • International Shipping
    • Standard International: $40–$80 (depending on destination) via USPS Priority International or FedEx International Economy (5–10 business days). Duties and taxes are prepaid by us, with no hidden costs at delivery.
    • Express International: $80–$150 via FedEx International Priority (2–5 business days), recommended for high-value parcels.
    • Customs Clearance: We handle all paperwork and provide a commercial invoice; you may need to pay local duties upon receipt, which we’ll detail in advance.
  • Order Processing: Orders placed before 2:00 PM EST (as of today, 02:18 PM WAT on October 22, 2025, aligns with 09:18 AM EST) ship same day; otherwise, next business day. Expect processing within 1–2 days for custom faceting or bulk wholesale orders.
  • Tracking & Updates: Every shipment includes real-time tracking via email and SMS. Our team monitors progress and notifies you of delays (e.g., weather or customs), with proactive solutions offered.
  • Sustainability: We use eco-friendly packaging (recycled materials, biodegradable fillers) and offset carbon emissions for all shipments, aligning with our 2024 zero-waste pledge.

Insurance Coverage: Protecting Your Investment

Gemstones are priceless, and we insure every shipment to safeguard against loss, theft, or damage. Our insurance is tailored to the declared value of your order, with comprehensive coverage from our warehouse to your delivery point.

  • Standard Insurance: Included free up to $1,000 per shipment. Coverage extends to loss, theft, or damage during transit, backed by our carriers (USPS, FedEx, UPS) and supplemented by our in-house policy.
  • Additional Insurance: For orders exceeding $1,000, we recommend optional coverage at $1 per $100 of value (e.g., $50 for a $5,000 order). This is added at checkout and increases protection to the full appraised value, including:
    • Loss or Theft: Full reimbursement if the package is lost or stolen, verified by tracking data.
    • Damage: Replacement or repair costs if stones arrive chipped or cracked (subject to inspection).
    • Customs Issues: Coverage for delays or seizures, with assistance to recover or replace goods.
  • Claims Process:
    1. Report issues within 48 hours of delivery (or non-delivery) by emailing claims@rickstonebase.com with your order number and photos/videos of damage.
    2. We file with the carrier and our insurer within 24 hours, providing updates via your preferred contact method.
    3. Resolution typically within 7–14 business days—refunds, replacements, or store credit issued promptly, with shipping costs covered for replacements.
  • Valuation: Insurance is based on the purchase price or, for certified stones, the appraised value (e.g., a $3,000 GIA-certified ruby is insured for $3,000+). Provide appraisals at checkout for higher coverage if needed.
  • Exclusions: Insurance does not cover damage from improper handling post-delivery, alterations (e.g., setting in jewelry), or natural wear over time. For custom orders, insurance extends to completion and shipping only.

Special Considerations: Tailored for Your Needs

We cater to diverse clients—jewelers, collectors, and international buyers—with customized shipping solutions:

  • Wholesale & Bulk Orders: For parcels over 100 carats, we offer consolidated shipping with discounted rates (e.g., $50 for 500+ carats domestically) and bulk insurance starting at $500 coverage. Dedicated account managers coordinate logistics.
  • High-Value Shipments: Stones valued over $10,000 (e.g., Kashmir sapphires) require signature confirmation and may include armed courier service ($150–$300 extra), ensuring security for rare collectibles.
  • International Customs: We provide detailed manifests and HS codes (e.g., 7103.99 for precious stones) to expedite clearance. For EU or UK destinations, VAT is prepaid; other regions may require local payment, which we’ll estimate at checkout.
  • COVID-19 Adaptations: Contactless delivery is standard, with extended tracking for high-risk areas. Virtual unboxing via Zoom is available for international clients to verify contents upon arrival.
  • Seasonal Adjustments: During peak periods (e.g., December holidays), expect 1–2 extra days; we notify you of potential delays and offer expedited upgrades at no cost for affected orders.

Why Trust Our Shipping & Insurance?

With 45 years of navigating global markets, Rick Stone Base has honed a shipping process that mirrors our gem-quality standards. Our family oversees every step, from secure vault storage to final delivery, ensuring your stones arrive as pristine as they leave our hands. Over 500,000 clients worldwide rely on our insured, tracked shipments—backed by a 99.8% delivery success rate in 2024.

How to Proceed

  • Order Online: Select your shipping method and insurance at www.rickstonebase.com
  • Contact Us: For custom shipping (e.g., bulk, high-value), email logistics@rickstonebase.com
  • Track Your Order: Use the tracking link provided post-purchase, or check your account dashboard.

Your gem journey with Rick Stone Base is protected every mile. Let us know your destination or order details, and we’ll tailor the perfect shipping solution—because your treasure deserves the best care from NYC to you.