Frequently Asked Questions
How we authenticate Chrome Hearts, what our condition grades mean, and how buying, selling, and showroom appointments work. Something not covered here? Contact us.
Authentication
- How does Once Legos authenticate Chrome Hearts?
- Every piece passes a category-specific inspection checklist before it is listed: stamps and hallmarks (the .925 sterling mark and the Chrome Hearts gothic-font stamp), weight and density, finish and patina, and construction details like clasps, bails, stitching, and hardware. Pieces are cross-referenced against our reference archive of known-authentic examples, and anything that fails is never listed.
- What are the fastest signs of a fake Chrome Hearts piece?
- The most common giveaways are a stamp in the wrong font (too thin, too round, or inconsistent), a piece that feels noticeably light in hand, any Chrome Hearts spelling error, silver that looks plated or uniformly blackened instead of naturally oxidized, and cheap hang tags with fuzzy printing. Any one of these is an automatic reject in our process.
- Why does weight matter for authentication?
- Authentic Chrome Hearts jewelry is solid sterling silver and feels heavy and dense for its size - fakes are almost always lighter. We check rings, chain links, and pendants against logged reference weights for common pieces as part of every inspection.
- Do you authenticate eyewear lenses?
- Frames are authenticated - we check laser-etched markings (printing that can smear is a fake tell), screw-set hinges, frame weight, and style codes. Prescription lenses are aftermarket-acceptable and are not part of authentication; the frame is what we verify.
- What happens if a piece is borderline?
- Mixed signals - for example, correct construction but worn or unusual stamps - trigger an escalation: the piece is documented with photos and gets a second review against references before we will buy or list it. We would rather pass on a piece than list one we are not certain about.
Condition Grades
- What do your condition grades mean?
- We use four grades. Mint: unworn or worn once, no visible wear. Excellent: light wear consistent with careful use, imperfections only visible up close. Good: visible wear that does not affect function, priced 20-35% below Excellent. Fair: significant wear or minor repaired damage, priced 40-50%+ below Excellent with every issue photographed and disclosed.
- What does a listing's condition line look like?
- Every listing shows the grade plus a specific one-line note, for example: "Condition: Excellent - light wear, stamps perfect, no damage." The note comes from the written condition log we record during inspection, so what you read is what you receive.
- Do you sell damaged pieces?
- No. Anything below Fair - structural damage, missing key components, or illegible stamps - does not get listed at all. Fair-grade pieces are still authentic and fully wearable, and every defect is photographed and disclosed in the listing.
- What if a piece is between two grades?
- We grade down. If a piece is borderline between Excellent and Good, it is listed as Good - we would rather under-promise on condition than have a customer surprised.
Buying & Returns
- Are all sales final?
- Yes. Every piece is hand-inspected and authenticated before listing, and because of the nature of pre-owned luxury goods we do not accept returns, exchanges, or refunds outside two specific exceptions.
- What are the two return exceptions?
- First, verified proof of inauthenticity: the item is evaluated by a recognized third-party authenticator and accompanied by a written report stating it is not authentic. Second, item not as pictured: the piece you receive materially differs from the photographs and description on the product page.
- How do I submit a return claim?
- Submit within 3 days of delivery through the contact page, including your order number, photos, and supporting documentation. The item must be returned unworn and in its original condition with all packaging; approved refunds go back to the original payment method after re-inspection.
- Is everything on the site actually in stock?
- Yes - every piece in the vault is physically in hand in New York, already authenticated and graded, and ready to ship. We do not list items we do not hold.
Selling To Us
- How do I sell my Chrome Hearts to Once Legos?
- Start on the Sell To Us page: send photos and details of your pieces and we respond with a same-day offer at top market value. The process is discreet from first message to payment.
- Do you buy single pieces or full collections?
- Both. We buy individual rings and pendants up to entire collections, and we are one of the larger Chrome Hearts buyers in the US - volume is not a problem.
- How fast will I get an offer?
- Offers are same-day. Send your pieces through the Sell To Us page or bring them to a private NYC appointment for an in-person evaluation.
NYC Showroom & Sourcing
- Can I shop in person?
- Yes - we run private one-on-one appointments at our New York City showroom where you can view the vault, try pieces on, sell, or trade. Book through the appointment page.
- How do showroom appointments work?
- Pick a time on the Book Appointment page and tell us what you are interested in. Appointments are private - it is just you and the team, whether you are buying, selling, or both.
- Can you find a sold-out piece for me?
- Usually, yes. Through the sourcing network we track down rare, sold-out, and hard-to-find Chrome Hearts pieces - submit the piece you are after on the Sourcing page and we reach out when we locate it.
Ready to buy or sell? Shop the vault, get a same-day offer, or book a private NYC appointment.