Shipping policy

Shipping Policy

Last updated: [Current Date]

At Meredith Leigh Designs, we are committed to delivering your fine jewelry safely and securely. Please review our shipping policy carefully before placing your order.

Processing Time

Ready-to-Ship Items: Orders for in-stock jewelry are processed within 1-2 business days (Monday-Friday, excluding holidays).

Custom & Made-to-Order Pieces: Custom jewelry and special orders require 2-4 weeks for creation, plus shipping time. You will receive email updates throughout the creation process.

Holiday & Peak Seasons: During peak periods (November-December, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day), processing times may extend by 2-3 additional business days.

Shipping Methods & Rates

Domestic Shipping (United States)

Standard Shipping (5-7 business days)

  • Orders under $100: $8.95
  • Orders $100-$199: $5.95
  • Orders $200+: FREE

Express Shipping (2-3 business days)

  • All orders: $19.95

Overnight Shipping (1 business day)

  • All orders: $39.95

International Shipping

We ship to most countries worldwide. International shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on destination and package weight.

  • Canada: Starting at $15.95
  • Europe: Starting at $24.95
  • Australia/New Zealand: Starting at $29.95
  • Rest of World: Starting at $34.95

International orders may be subject to customs duties and import taxes, which are the responsibility of the customer.

High-Value Item Security

For your protection, all orders over $500 automatically include:

  • Signature Required Delivery
  • Full Insurance Coverage
  • Tracking Number
  • Discreet Packaging (no external jewelry branding)

Orders over $1,000 ship via FedEx Overnight with Signature Required at no additional charge.

Packaging & Presentation

Every piece of Meredith Leigh jewelry arrives in:

  • Elegant branded jewelry box
  • Protective cushioning
  • Care instructions card
  • Certificate of authenticity (when applicable)
  • Gift message card (upon request)

Tracking Your Order

You will receive a tracking number via email within 24 hours of shipment. Track your package at:

  • USPS: usps.com
  • FedEx: fedex.com
  • UPS: ups.com

Delivery Requirements

Address Accuracy: Please ensure your shipping address is complete and accurate. We are not responsible for packages delivered to incorrect addresses provided by the customer.

Delivery Attempts: If delivery cannot be completed due to an incorrect address or recipient unavailability:

  • Standard packages: Returned to sender after 3 delivery attempts
  • High-value packages: Held at local facility for pickup

P.O. Boxes: We cannot ship high-value items (over $500) to P.O. boxes due to insurance requirements. A physical street address is required.

Special Delivery Instructions

Gift Orders:

  • Specify gift recipient during checkout
  • Include gift message (up to 200 characters)
  • We can delay shipping for specific delivery dates

Business Addresses: When shipping to a business, please include:

  • Company name
  • Recipient's full name
  • Department (if applicable)

Lost or Damaged Packages

Our Responsibility: We are responsible for packages until they are delivered and signed for. If a package is lost or damaged during transit, we will work with the carrier to resolve the issue and replace your jewelry at no cost.

Customer Responsibility: Once delivered and signed for, the package becomes your responsibility. We recommend inspecting items immediately upon receipt.

Claims Process: Report any shipping issues within 48 hours of delivery by contacting us at [email] or [phone number].

Shipping Restrictions

We cannot ship to:

  • APO/FPO addresses (military overseas)
  • Certain high-risk international destinations
  • Addresses flagged by our fraud protection system

Holiday & Weather Delays

Shipping times may be affected by:

  • Federal holidays
  • Severe weather conditions
  • Carrier delays beyond our control
  • Peak season volume

We will notify you of any expected delays and provide updated delivery estimates.

Return Shipping

Return Process: Items being returned must be shipped back using a trackable, insured method. We recommend using the same carrier and service level as the original shipment.

Return Shipping Costs:

  • Customer returns: Shipping costs are customer's responsibility
  • Defective items: We provide prepaid return label
  • Wrong item sent: We provide prepaid return label

International Customs & Duties

Customs Documentation: All international packages include proper customs declarations with accurate item values and descriptions.

Import Duties & Taxes: International customers are responsible for:

  • Customs duties
  • Import taxes
  • Brokerage fees
  • Any additional country-specific charges

Refused Packages: If a package is refused due to customs issues, the customer is responsible for return shipping costs and any customs fees incurred.

Contact Information

For shipping questions or concerns:

  • Email: [shipping@meredithleighdesigns.com]
  • Phone: 732-861-6166
  • Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST

Policy Updates

This shipping policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our services or carrier policies. The most current version will always be available on our website.

Thank you for choosing Meredith Leigh Designs. We appreciate your business and are committed to ensuring your jewelry arrives safely and beautifully presented.