Common Queries
The Info You’re After
Do you do custom orders?
Can I make (think of your item here!) to coordinate with something you own already, even if from another seller? Quite possibly. I love a custom order request.
I like to make sure that I have understood what you want, so I like to send you some photos of options and also progress photos. The more work involved in the item you want, the more often I'll send you a photo. I can do this in a number of ways; such as via Facebook Messenger or email.
Please message me with as much information about your item, including photos and sizing and I'll see what I can do.
Take a look through the gallery to see previous work - I've made pieces to match outfits, reworked sentimental jewellery and recreated logos in silver
If a piece is fully bespoke, it may well be a design / size that is unique to you. If this is the case, then I will ask you to make me an initial part payment, usually up to 50% of the cost of the order, or the full amount if the piece is less than £50. This is to cover me for the outlay of materials and, once I’ve begun making your commission, will not usually be refundable should you change your mind for any reason and wish to cancel or postpone your order. Of course this doesn’t affect your statutory rights should I fail to complete the order in the time or to the design we agreed
Is gift wrapping included?
Not exactly. I will carefully wrap up your purchase in tissue paper, organza gift bag and bubble wrap*, and post it in a box designed to fit through your letter box.
This keeps your postage to the minimum possible, and keeps my pieces affordable. *The bubble wrap is carefully saved from deliveries I've received and the boxes are recycled card, making them compostable / recyclable card.
What is your return policy?
Standard UK / EU distance selling legislation applies here which is for you to return your purchase for an exchange or refund (excluding the cost of delivery) of items that are unsuitable within 14 days, or of course if they arrived damaged. Things excluded from this standard legislation are bespoke pieces and items of a 'personal nature' which means items for a piercing.
I would hate for you to be disappointed in your piece, so do please contact me if it's not up to your expectations.
As mentioned, custom orders aren't covered in the same way by the distance selling regulations. We'll be discussing the item all the way through the process of me making it, and you will receive photographic updates of the process. If your item doesn't meet with expectations, or you have any queries at any stage of the process, please contact me as soon as possible during the process, or if it's after you've received it, within 14 days so we can discuss how I can adjust it - or indeed it might be possible to return it for a refund; not every custom order involves super unique details :-)
How do I know what ring or bangle size to choose?
How to Measure for Bangles or Rings if you don't have a formal sizer or a handy jewellery store
Cut a long strip of card (cereal packs are perfect for this) about a centimetre wide and stick some sellotape to one end so it overhangs a little
Hold your hand as if you were putting on a bangle. Bring all of your fingers together with your thumb and little finger touching.
Take the strip of card and wrap it round your hand at the widest point and stick it together
This will give you a dummy bangle.
Trim most of the excess card, and check that the resulting hoop of card can be moved onto your wrist and off, without it tearing. If it’s too loose, re-stick it a little more snugly. If it’s too tight, loosen it a little.
Once you are happy with the fit, remove it and cut it in two
Measure the length between the two cuts in millimetres and note it down. Be precise
This is the size of bangle you need.
Repeat the principle for a ring - but instead of using a cereal packet, use a strip of stiff paper (envelope paper is perfect) and cut it the same width as the ring you like the look of.
If you are shopping with me, (or indeed another craftperson who's making your jewellery themselves), you can post the paper / card template for your bangle or ring to me and avoid having to measure precisely.
Care instructions
Sterling silver will eventually tarnish / oxidise / patinate. It's a natural process that can be slowed down by regular wear and by keeping unworn items away from the atmosphere. Different atmospheric conditions will affect jewellery differently,as indeed will different areas of your home - anywhere damp, or with increased levels of sulphur (such as kitchens and bathrooms) in the air will speed the process. If you leave your jewellery out on display, this oxidisation will be faster.
You can polish up your items, with a soft cloth, or some silver polish, or a buffing cloth such as Town Talk, which is readily available from any high street jewellers in the UK
Fine silver is 99.9% silver, and because of this the tarnish rate is much, much slower. Again, a buff should do the job for polishing it back up.
If I have patinated your silver already, be gentle when buffing to avoid rubbing off the protective coating of Renaissance Wax !
Apply body lotion and perfume a few minutes before putting on your jewellery to help slow down tarnish.
The gemstones I use have been sold to me by reputable dealers as untreated (unless stated specifically in the listing). They are a natural, organic creation from the earth and each one will be slightly different. You can see examples of this in the gallery and on my social media.
I select the stones that I think go together best for each project, hence my comments that each item is individual.
What's your environmental policy?
In 2021 I bought an Aquaflame. I've named her #SmeltyMelty,. She is a very hot blowtorch, with the flame generated by green hydrogen which in turn is generated using the electricity we generate ourselves through photovoltaic cells we installed in 2009.
All the polishes I use are vegan, all the silver / gold bullion and components I buy are certified recycled by my bullion dealer.
I source gems from reputable UK suppliers; and a selection are reclaimed or vintage (this will be noted on the listing)
I use very few chemicals in my processes, most of which are standard household products from my kitchen such as baking soda and citric acid.
All my packaging is low impact and is either reusable / compostable or in the case of the bubble wrap already reused and foraged from jiffy bags and friends. I use Royal Mail for all orders as they are already in your area delivering.
I'm doing the best I can, in both my business and in our personal lives (for example I have an ethical SIPP, source tools second hand avoiding man-made materials where possible, travel minimally and combine journeys whenever possible to try and reduce further impact and I'm always keen for suggestions for how I can improve
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. These are valid for a year from purchase, and can be used in part payment. I've a few different options in my shop - I'll personalise these fully for you, so give me as much information as you would like when completing your purchase, in the personalisation section.