Frequently Asked Questions

How will my order ship?

All orders will ship via FedEx, UPS or US Postal Service. Our rates are as follows*:

US Mail - $8.75

FedEx Ground - $18.00

FedEx Expedited - $35.00

FedEx Expedited Rush - $65.00

*Any order containing 25+ items or totaling more than $400 will be charged shipping insurance on top of freight.

Do you ship to Canada or International Destinations?

Yes, we do ship to Canada and International. When shipping Canadian or to International destinations, delivery may be delayed to customers. The customer is responsible for any customs/duties charges that may be incurred.


Can I place my order by check?

Yes, you can order nursing pins by check. Contact our Customer Care Department HERE to request a printable PDF order form for your school's product line. Please be sure to mention your school's name in the body of your e-mail.


Does Award Concepts design the jewelry that it manufactures and sells?

Yes, we do! Our in-house jewelry designers utilize state-of-the-art 3-D CAD software to create unique and striking organizational jewelry.


Will Award Concepts, Inc. charge me sales tax on my order?

Award Concepts, Inc. is registered and required to charge sales tax in CA, IL and OH. Sales tax will be calculated after your shipping address information is entered. You may either click on the Calculate Icon to see the updated tax amount or continue to the billing information page.


What if I can't find an item from my school?

Please contact customer service or your advisor for more information.


What if I need help entering an order online?

Please click on the Live Support link or call 800-659-7801 for assistance.


If I choose FedEx or UPS shipping, do I have to be home to sign for the package?

Signature requirements are at the sole discretion of the of the carrier and a specific route driver.


What if my order is returned by the carrier?

The customer is responsible for any return/reship fees for packages returned to Award Concepts that are not determined to be the result of our error.


What is the difference between metal qualities?

KARAT GOLDS:

24 Karat Gold (24K) is pure/fine gold and is alloyed with other elements (alloys) to create various colors for the following karat golds used in the production of our gold jewelry:

18 Karat Gold (18K) white or yellow contains 75% pure gold


14 Karat Gold (14K) white or yellow contains 58.3% fine gold


10 Karat Gold (10K) white or yellow contains 41.7% fine gold.


PLATINUM:

Available for use in stamped or cast products.


GOLD FILLED:

Double Gold-Filled (1/5 10K) is a layer of 10 Karat Gold bonded to both the front and back of a base metal core.

Single Gold-Filled (1/5 14K) is a single layer of 14 Karat Gold bonded to the front of base metal

Single Gold-Filled (1/10 10K) is a single layer of 10 Karat Gold bonded to the front of base metal.

 

STERLING SILVER AND SILVER ALTERNATIVES:

Sterling Silver (SS) is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver plus 7.5% cooper.

Silver Elite – Exceptional tarnish resistance and an alternative to white gold. Contains 95% silver with palladium and karat gold.

Silver/Platinum (SSPt) consists of Sterling Silver and 1% Platinum. It is not a plated material, the Platinum is blended into the silver during fabrication. It has increased tarnish resistance and has a brighter luster than standard sterling silver.

Silver/Platinum (SSPt) consists of Sterling Silver and 3.5% Platinum. It is not a plated material, the Platinum is blended into the silver during fabrication. The higher Platinum percentage increases the tarnish resistance and has a brighter luster than standard sterling silver.


BRASS:

Commonly referred to as base metal this material is made using 85% Copper and 15% Zinc or 90% Copper and 10% Zinc.

 

ALTERNATIVE METALS:

Due to recent changes made by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) jewelry containing less than 10K gold (41.8 % fineness) can now be referred to as gold jewelry as long as the fineness of the gold content is listed. In the case of the Allura 1900 material it will be trademarked as AU190, meaning Allura alloy containing 19% fine gold or close 5K gold.

 


Stainless steel – superior hardness, reflective and will not tarnish.


PLATING:

Gold Electro-Plate (BGP or GP) is gold solution electroplated onto another metal, typically brass. Due to this process, the thickness of gold is significantly less then gold-filled. Gold Kase is Award Concepts' exclusive 24K gold casing.

Silver Electro-Plate is silver electroplated onto another metal.

Rhodium plate is a member of the Platinum group of metals. Rhodium solution is electroplated onto another metal, typically used on white golds and is the most reflective metal coating available.