Ken and Dana Design Overview

Ken & Dana Design is a New York City-based family-owned jewelry studio that specializes in creating ethically sourced, handmade engagement rings and wedding bands. Their sustainability effort is reflected in their utilization of recycled metals and conflict-free or lab-created diamonds. Every piece is carefully crafted, inspired by architecture, nature, and personal stories, to create one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to individual stories.
Company Background
The origins of Ken & Dana Design date back to the 1970s in Hong Kong, when Ken’s father, Michael, first started out in the gem trade, later developing a small cutting and polishing factory for colored gemstones. Ken’s mother, Annisa, also became part of the operation, and the two of them started Gleam, marketing their products throughout Europe.
After the 9/11 attacks, Ken Leung, who was then employed on Wall Street, rethought his professional path and opted for going back to his family’s heritage of jewelry-making. This resulted in Ken & Dana Design in 2002, fusing old craftsmanship techniques with new ethical methods.
Product Range
- Engagement Rings: Solitaire, halo, three-stone, vintage, and nature-inspired.
- Wedding Bands: Available for men and women, such as diamond bands, eternity bands, and sets.
- Custom Jewelry: Joint design services for one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Fine Jewelry: Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets made with the same high standards.
Every piece is handmade in their NYC workshop, guaranteeing attention to detail and quality.
Metals Used
- 14k and 18k Gold: In yellow, white, and rose.
- Platinum: Strong and hypoallergenic.
By choosing to use recycled metals, they are reducing their footprint on the planet and supporting a sustainable future.
Stones Used
- Conflict-Free Natural Diamonds: Responsibly sourced to maintain the highest ethical standards.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds: Cost-effective and an environmentally friendly choice compared to diamonds.
- Colored Gemstones: Including sapphires, emeralds, rubies, moissanite, morganite, aquamarine, and others.
All stones are handpicked for their quality and responsible origin, and in keeping with the brand’s ethos of responsibly crafted jewelry.
Price Range
- Engagement Ring Settings: $1,000+
- Full Engagement Rings: Begin at $2,250+
- Wedding Bands: $475+
- Fine Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, etc.): $300+
Ken and Dana Design Customer Reviews Across Platforms
There is only 27 reviews and 4.9 rating of Ken and Dana Design on Weddingwire.
Redditors generally praise Ken and Dana Design for its stylish, affordable designs and good customer service, though some raise concerns about the durability of its gold-plated pieces for daily wear.
Customer's Feedback Summary
Pros:
- Ethical Sourcing: Sources conflict-free natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds, and recycled metals.
- Handcrafted in NYC: Produces all jewelry locally in their New York City workshop with artisanal skills.
- Custom Design Services: Provides personalized consultations and sketches to design unique pieces.
- Heirloom Stone Integration: Takes customer-supplied stones and re-designs them into new pieces.
- Sustainable Practices: Focuses on eco-friendly practices throughout production and material sourcing.
- Variety of Styles: Provides diverse styles: traditional, nature, retro, and contemporary.
- Financing Available: Collaborates with financing websites to allow bigger purchases.
- Virtual & In-Person Appointments: Convenient appointment schedule for local and remote clients.
- Positive Aesthetic Appeal: Most clients adore the original, symbolic, and dainty designs.
- Discounts & Free Shipping: Provides discount codes, holiday specials, and free shipping on all orders.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Product Quality: Loose stones, warped metal, and worn finishes soon after purchase.
- Poor Customer Service: Numerous reviews discuss emails and calls not being answered or returned.
- Return Policy Problems: While promised free returns, customers say they are charged shipping or receive no store credit.
- No Phone Support: Phone numbers said to go directly to voicemail with no return calls.
- Lack of Transparency: Allegedly negative reviews not listed on the brand’s website.
- Repair Costs: Customers pay for repairs even shortly after purchase.
- Slow or No Follow-Up: Several complaints regarding sending a number of messages without any response.
- Packaging Problems: Missing packing slips or return labels causing exchanges and refunds to be challenging.
- Not Accountable for 3rd Party Purchases: Items purchased from Amazon or other sellers not qualified for service or repair.
- In-Store Experience Fails to Impress: Inadequate inventory and absence of personal service at retail outlets reported by some consumers.
We give It 4.2 Stars out of 5 in Cross Platform Reviews.
Note: Most reviews come from unhappy customers, as satisfied ones rarely leave feedback. Still, these reviews offer a useful glimpse into the company’s service and product quality.
Ken and Dana Design Social Media & Contacts
We give It 4.1 Stars out of 5 in Social Media Presence & Engagement
Note: All of their social handles are pretty active and engaging. This is a green flag for a jewelry Buyers.
Pricing & Value for Money
Pricing
- Type of metal (14k, 18k gold, or platinum)
- Type of stone (natural, lab-created, or color gemstones)
- Complexity of design (custom details, side stones, engraving)
- Extra features (sets, heirloom settings)
Value For Money
- Ethical Craftsmanship: Recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones.
- Customization: Personalized design services to craft one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Quality Assurance: Handmade jewelry for long-lasting durability and meticulous attention to detail.
- Customer Service: Attentive support during the design and buying process.
All these contribute to a valuable and rewarding investment in fine jewelry.
Discount Coupons and Promotions
- 10% Off: Applying promo codes such as “nslt10” or “241CE31E” at checkout.
- Free Shipping: On every order.
- Special Offers: Such as gift cards and holiday sales.
To see the newest offers, it is best to look at their site or trustworthy coupon websites.
We give It 4.5 Stars out of 5 in Price and Value analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ken and Dana Design
1. Do you ship internationally?
Yes, Ken & Dana Design has international shipping available.
2. What can I do if I want a return?
Because each item is custom-made, returns are typically not possible. But the crew is dedicated to resolving any issue to provide complete customer satisfaction.
3. Can I personalize my jewelry?
Definitely. Clients are able to work with the design team to make custom pieces that are a part of their individual style and narrative.
4. Do you provide financing plans?
Yes, financing is available with partners
5. Do you provide resizing services?
Yes! We include one free resize on engagement rings within 6 months of original purchase. Other resizing or resizing on eternity rings or complex designs might have a small charge.
6. Do you use heirloom stones?
Yes, we’d be delighted to include your heirloom stones in a one-of-a-kind piece. We’ll examine your stones for hardness and assist you in designing a setting that respects their heritage while making something new.
7. How do I care for my Ken & Dana jewelry?
We suggest routine cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. For more advanced care, we also provide professional cleaning and maintenance services to keep your jewelry in top condition.
Conclusion
Ken & Dana Design is a solid and customer-centric fine jewelry brand that integrates ethical values, creative craftsmanship, and bespoke service. Their dedication to utilizing recycled metals and ethically sourced or cultured diamonds places them firmly in the market among mindful consumers seeking sustainable luxury. Customers continuously sing the praise of the brand for its beautiful designs, timeless quality, and attention to detail, as well as the one-of-a-kind, handcrafted aspect of each item. The brand’s New York City studio experience is regularly described as cozy and stress-free, and their staff is known for being responsive, knowledgeable, and truly committed to assisting clients in finding or designing the ideal piece.
Reviews on websites such as Reddit, WeddingWire, and Trustpilot show consistently high rates of satisfaction with particular highlights about the rings being durable and aesthetically pleasing even after they have been worn for years. Prices are deemed reasonable for what is offered and the degree of customization, with accommodating financing alternatives making them still more accessible. Their online social presence, specifically on Instagram, is rich, lively, and interactive with true stories and attention to craftsmanship and detail on display.
In short, Ken & Dana Design perfectly combines ethical values, handcrafted quality, and great customer service. It’s the best option for those looking for meaningful, exquisitely crafted engagement rings or high-quality jewelry with a personal touch. Although they lack BBB accreditation, their largely positive customer reviews, eco-friendly practices, and sophisticated yet distinctive designs make them a reliable and attractive choice in the fine jewelry industry.
We give It 4.4 Stars out of 5 as Overall Ratings.
Have you had any experience with Ken & Dana Design? We’d love to hear what you think! Whether it was good or not-so-great, your feedback can help others make informed decisions. Got questions? Drop them in the comments — we’re here to chat and share!