Frequently Asked Questions
Have a look at the FAQ’s below and if you’ve any further questions please get in touch.
General
I'd like to buy a ring online and I'm worried about getting the size wrong, can you help?
If the ring is for you, the best way to find out your ring size is to nip into your local jewellers and ask them to measure your finger. Jewellers usually have wide and narrow ring sizers, so if the ring you want is wide, make sure you’re measured for a wide ring and vice versa. Alternatively, you can send me a ring that fits the finger you intend to wear your new ring on, and I can take a measurement from that.
If it’s a surprise, then it’s a little more difficult. As above I can take a measurement from an existing ring, or you could ask a friend to help. There’s more info in the engagement ring FAQ’s. Many rings can be re-sized but it’s better to get it right first time if possible.
How soon will my jewellery be ready?
Small silver items from the collections are usually in stock. Pieces made in gold/platinum are made to order. Wedding and engagement rings from my collections usually take 4-6 weeks from order to delivery, pieces from my collections that have been customeised usually take 6-8 weeks. I operate a waiting list for bespoke and remodelled pieces, usually around 4-5 months. You can find out more here
If I need something really quickly, is that possible?
Sometimes, yes. It really depends on what you want and how soon you need it.
If I need to work outside of normal working hours to make your jewellery more quickly, then I will charge time and a half for doing so.
All jewellery is required by law to be hallmarked. Hallmarking usually takes 5-7 days, however, the Assay Office also have an “emergency service”. It costs approx £50 per item and if necessary, I can take them rather than putting them in the post. If I do need to take them to the Assay Office it does work out rather expensive – about £375 for my time, hallmarking and travel.
Expedited postage, where available, will be charged at cost price.
Can I buy your jewellery if I live outside of the UK?
Can I return a piece of jewellery I bought online?
I love your jewellery, but my budget isn't huge. What's the best way to buy a piece of your jewellery?
The most cost effective way is to purchase a piece from my collections. You might also want to think about customising a piece from my collections. A simple bespoke design might be a possibility – keep it delicate or slim in design. The heavier a piece becomes, the more complicated the design and the more stones you add, the more expensive it will become. Also, consider having something made in 9ct gold as opposed to 18ct gold or platinum. You might prefer something unique and bespoke in 9ct rather than a simple piece in 18ct gold – only you know whether your priority is metal or craftsmanship. I’m happy to have a quick chat by phone or email, just get in touch
Is your white gold rhodium plated?
No, my white gold isn’t rhodium plated. 9ct white gold is a warm silver colour. For 18ct white gold I use a high palladium white alloy (16%pd) that’s a bright white gold all the way through (as opposed to rhodium plating which is just bright white on the outside). Rhodium plating is used on cheaper white gold alloys to improve the whiteness of a pale yellow alloy, which is why when rhodium plating begins to wear off, you see patches of pale gold underneath. It’s more expensive, but is a much better option, rhodium plating can need re-doing as often as every 6 months.
Can you make a piece from one of your collections in another metal or different size?
Can you find me an antique diamond to use in a ring?
How accessible is your shop/studio?
You can usually park close to the front door, there are no specific parking places but plenty of on street parking. We have a portable ramp that can be placed at the front door allowing access for wheelchairs or for anyone who would struggle with the step up from the street. There is a low level threshold at the door, approx 15mm high. Once inside the shop, everything is on one level, the flooring is wood, with coir rugs. There is a reasonable amount of space to accommodate a wheelchair. There is a toilet on the same level, however it is not big enough to accommodate a wheelchair. We aim to offer a warm welcome to everyone, if there is something that you need, in order to make it possible to visit, do please get in touch. We will do our very best to help.
Could you pop a loop on the top of a single earring for me and turn it into a pendant?
It is possible to have this kind of remodelling done, but this is not something that I offer, prefering instead to concentrate on more creative projects. Your local high street jeweller may be able to do this for you.
Do you repair jewellery?
I only repair jewellery I have made.
I know exactly what I want, can you make it for me?
I only make bespoke and remodelled pieces that are based on my collections or your life story. I find that the most successful, beautiful pieces are those where each element of the design has been carefully considered alongside the story or inspiration behind it. However I always take into account your preferences when I design a piece, so for instance if you tell me you want a 4 claw oval engagement ring, I can do that, but as part of the design process.
I can't find the dimensions for a piece of jewellery on your website, can you help?
Can I have this pendant on a different type of chain?
Can you tell me how long the earwire is?
Can you give me a ball park price for a ring please?
I can’t I’m afraid, it’s not that simple unfortunately. There are so many different factors that affect price. The design, the materials, complexity, the time it will take to make, the number of stones, their size, quality and colour. Typically my customers will spend between £1500 and £7500 on a remodel and between £3000 and £15000 on a bespoke piece of jewellery. If you have a set budget, feel free to get in touch, tell me what you have in mind and ask me what I can do, I’m always happy to have a chat 🙂
How do you make your jewellery?
Is hand made jewellery more expensive?
Yes, it is. Many many hours go into hand making a piece of jewellery, not to mention the ongoing skills development, design & development time and the sourcing of materials. When I hand make a piece of jewellery I start from scratch, melting down the metal grain into an ingot, rolling the metal into sheet or wire, then forming, forging, piercing drilling, creating settings, filing, sanding, polishing and finally setting the stones. It’s an incredibly skilled but time consuming way of making jewellery. If hand making isn’t your priority, a cost saving can be made using CAD/CAM.
Isn't all jewellery vegan - surely it's just metal and stones?
I don’t use any of these things in my workshop, I’ve been a vegan for 20 years now and my jewellery will always be vegan.
Remodelling
What exactly is jewellery remodelling and redesign?
When I remodel a piece of jewellery I remove any stones before having the metal refined. Once refined the metal can be re-alloyed into any colour or carat and is then reused to make your new jewellery. I can use the metal and precious stones in a completely unique bespoke story piece design, or you can ask for it to be made into something from, or inspired by, my collections. You can use just the stones, just the metal or both.
Which metals can I have remodelled?
From a technical perspective, jewellery made from any metal can be remodelled. However I only remodel jewellery made from gold and platinum. This is because the costs involved in refining and remodelling the metal far outweigh the value of silver.
I’ve lots of old/broken/inherited/unworn jewellery, can it all be reused?
What's refining?
Refining is a chemical process where pure gold is separated from any other metal it’s been alloyed with. Precious metals are alloyed to give them different properties such as colour, carat and strength. 24ct is pure gold, all other metals are alloys. For instance, 18ct gold is hallmarked 750, this means it is 75% pure gold. It’s then alloyed with other metals to make it harder), e.g. copper or palladium (24 carat is so soft that if it was a ring, it would squash). Copper gives rose gold its colour, whilst palladium produces a white gold. You wouldn’t mix white and yellow gold together if you were melting them down. Instead you’d refine the metals back to pure gold and then alloy them again to whatever colour and carat you require. Refining also removes any harmful metals that may be present in old jewellery, e.g. cadmium, lead and nickel. New regulations strictly govern the use of these metals in modern jewellery as they are harmful to health. An XRF report from the Assay Office can also show whether these metals are present in your jewellery. Refining gives you peace of mind that your metal is not contaminated, won’t be harmful to health and will hallmark to the purity you expect. We can discuss this in further detail when you come to see me. Currently platinum refining is not available, so any platinum pieces that are remodelled will be treated as “customers own metal” and will not be eligible for hallmarking.
Can I remodel/recycle all different carats of gold etc?
Hallmarked gold and platinum can all be reused. Gold jewellery goes for refining first, this ensures that the metal meets current hallmarking standards and doesn’t contain elements such as lead and cadmium which were often used in solder in years gone by. This means that different carats and colours of gold can all be reused as once refined they will be alloyed to your preferred colour and carat.
The refining of customers own platinum is not offered in the UK, so the process for platinum is slightly different. I’m happy to discuss in more detail when we meet.
Can I re-use any of the gemstones from my old jewellery?
What type of jewellery can my old rings/pendants be made into?
What do I need to think about if I want to remodel my old jewellery?
Decide first how you’d like to work with me. Do you want to commission a bespoke piece inspired by you and based on your stories or would you like to have your old jewellery made into one of the pieces in my collections or a customised version of them? Have a look at my “work with me” page and then give me a quick call or drop me an email if you’d like to discuss anything. Then, once you know how you want to work with me, make an appointment to come and see me and bring along your old jewellery. I’ll have a look at it all and tell you how much you have and in what carat (9, 18ct etc). We’ll have a chat about what you’d like and take it from there. I only create bespoke and remodelled pieces in gold or platinum.
What exactly has to be done to reuse my old jewellery?
The process can differ, depending on what type of metal we are reusing. I firstly need to dismantle your jewellery and remove any stones. Your gold will then be refined, this goes to a specialist refiner, where it is treated with acids that turn your metal into a pure gold sludge! This is then filtered and the pure gold melted down, before being re-alloyed into whatever colour or carat of gold you’d like. In the studio, I will melt your metal down in a ceramic crucible using a gas torch. Once molten, the metal is poured into an ingot mould. It’s allowed to cool, is cleaned of any oxidation and then I’ll begin to roll it into sheet or wire, using a rolling mill. Once the metal is the right shape or thickness, I’ll then fabricate, cut, form and manipulate the metal into whatever piece of jewellery has been decided upon. Alternatively your metal might be cast into a new piece of jewellery using the lost wax casting method or into one of my existing designs. It will then be polished and set with any stones. Engraving is also available.
Will I need to add any extra gold/platinum to what I already have?
Will remodelling/recycling my old jewellery save me money?
It might, but it really depends on what you decide to have it made into. The processes involved in reusing your old jewellery are time consuming so unless you have a lot of platinum, 18 or 22ct gold, the time involved will generally outweigh the value of the metal. You can of course choose to reuse just your gemstones or diamonds. Using your metal and/or stones in a piece from one of my collections or choosing a simple design are the best ways to keep costs down. I generally advise that you only re-use your metal where it is of sentimental value. However it’s also very environmentally friendly to reuse and recycle.
Can you give me a ball park price for a ring please?
I can’t I’m afraid, it’s not that simple unfortunately. There are so many different factors that affect price. The design, the materials, complexity, the time it will take to make, the number of stones, their size, quality and colour. Typically my customers will spend between £1500 and £7500 on a remodel and between £3000 and £15000 on a bespoke piece of jewellery. If you have a set budget, feel free to get in touch, tell me what you have in mind and ask me what I can do, I’m always happy to have a chat 🙂
Bespoke
Is a bespoke piece of jewellery more expensive?
In general, yes. When you commission a bespoke piece you need to factor in all the time we spend discussing your jewellery, the research and development that goes into a design in order to come up with a concept, the technical problem solving, the sourcing of stones and materials, even before the making part begins which in itself could be lengthy.
My unique bespoke “Story” pieces of jewellery, in 18ct gold or platinum, set with diamonds or gemstones will typically cost between £5500 and £15000. The amount of gold, number and quality of gemstones and complexity of design will all have an impact on the investment you’ll need to make.
If you are choosing to remodel your own jewellery into one of these pieces typically you’d be spending between £3000 and £10000 depending on what metal and gemstones you already have.
Bespoke designs are only made in 9 or 18ct gold or platinum.
Please get in touch to find out more
If I need something really quickly, is that possible?
Sometimes, yes. It really depends on what you want and how soon you need it.
If I need to work outside of normal working hours to make your jewellery more quickly, then I will charge time and a half for doing so.
All jewellery is required by law to be hallmarked. Hallmarking usually takes 5-7 days, however, the Assay Office also have an “emergency service”. It costs approx £50 per item and if necessary, I can take them rather than putting them in the post. If I do need to take them to the Assay Office it does work out rather expensive – about £375 for my time, hallmarking and travel.
Expedited postage, where available, will be charged at cost price.
How soon will my jewellery be ready?
Small silver items from the collections are usually in stock. Pieces made in gold/platinum are made to order. Wedding and engagement rings from my collections usually take 4-6 weeks from order to delivery, pieces from my collections that have been customeised usually take 6-8 weeks. I operate a waiting list for bespoke and remodelled pieces, usually around 4-5 months. You can find out more here
Can I pick the exact stone I'd like in my jewellery?
Can you use my own gemstones?
Do you use laboratory created diamonds in your jewellery?
If I pay for CAD drawings and don't order the design from you, can I take the drawings to another jeweller and ask them to make it?
Could you pop a loop on the top of a single earring for me and turn it into a pendant?
It is possible to have this kind of remodelling done, but this is not something that I offer, prefering instead to concentrate on more creative projects. Your local high street jeweller may be able to do this for you.
I know exactly what I want, can you make it for me?
Not usually, I only make bespoke and remodelled pieces that are based on my collections or your life story. I find that the most successful, beautiful pieces are those where each element of the design has been carefully considered alongside the story or inspiration behind it. However I always take into account your preferences when I design a piece, so for instance if you tell me you want a 4 claw oval engagement ring, I can do that, but as part of the design process.
What are the "Story" pieces?
My “Story Pieces” are contemporary, usually hand crafted designs, that take your story as inspiration. These are carefully considered pieces where each element of the design will have been specifically chosen. They are creative, collaborative pieces, that are designed exclusively for you and where you are central to the design process. We’ll spend a lot of time talking and part of the process includes the creation of mood boards and sketches. Once we have a design, I source a range of gemstones for you to choose from, before finally, crafting your unique piece. Story Pieces are available in gold and platinum only. If you’d like to find out more about these very special pieces, please get in touch.
Which metals are "Story" pieces available in?
My “Story Pieces” are available in 9 and 18ct gold or platinum. If you’d like to find out more about these very special pieces, please get in touch.
What happens if I commission something and when it's finished I don't like it?
Before you think of working with any jeweller, I’d advise you take a good look at their website and social media. The first thing to ask yourself is do I like their style/aesthetic and what’s their ethos? If what they are making/how they’re making it isn’t what you want, then they aren’t the one for you, so keep looking.
If you do like what they do, have a look at their testimonials. Do they have happy customers? Do their pieces look well made, what’s their level of skill and experience? If you’re still happy, then have a chat by phone or email and make sure you get on and find them easy to talk to. Ask them how they work. Does that fit with what you want? Everything ok? then you should be good to go.
If you like the style, aesthetic and quality of what your chosen jeweller is making, there’s no reason to feel you might be unhappy with a finished commission. If you’re still unsure, think about customising an existing design rather than going all out on a bespoke piece. Or if it feels less risky, why not work with them on something smaller first.
I work with my customers in 3 ways:
You can buy a piece from my collections – no worries here about not liking it, it’ll be as you see it in the photos. You can even make an appointment to see samples.
You can ask to customise a piece from my collections e.g. a different gemstone, or use my collections as a starting point for something similar. Made exactly as you’d like it and again, you can make an appointment to see samples.
A bespoke story piece – these contemporary design led pieces are a collaboration and are inspired by your stories. We’ll work together to come up with a concept for the design, you’ll get to see the mood board and some indicative sketches. You choose the metal, any stones, we’ll note any likes and dislikes and you’ll be involved throughout. Once you’re happy with the direction the design is going in, I’ll begin to make it and the concept will develop into the finished piece. These pieces are all about you and the design process and because we’ll be working so closely together, it’s really unlikely you’ll be disappointed with your jewellery.
You did a little pencil sketch for me when I came to my design appointment, but I'm still not sure. Can you do some more drawings?
Can you give me a ball park price for a ring please?
I can’t I’m afraid, it’s not that simple unfortunately. There are so many different factors that affect price. The design, the materials, complexity, the time it will take to make, the number of stones, their size, quality and colour. Typically my customers will spend between £1500 and £7500 on a remodel and between £3000 and £15000 on a bespoke piece of jewellery. If you have a set budget, feel free to get in touch, tell me what you have in mind and ask me what I can do, I’m always happy to have a chat 🙂
Engagement Rings
I'm buying an engagement ring and I'm worried about getting the size wrong, can you help?
How soon will my jewellery be ready?
Small silver items from the collections are usually in stock. Pieces made in gold/platinum are made to order. Wedding and engagement rings from my collections usually take 4-6 weeks from order to delivery, pieces from my collections that have been customeised usually take 6-8 weeks. I operate a waiting list for bespoke and remodelled pieces, usually around 4-5 months. You can find out more here
If I need something really quickly, is that possible?
Sometimes, yes. It really depends on what you want and how soon you need it.
If I need to work outside of normal working hours to make your jewellery more quickly, then I will charge time and a half for doing so.
All jewellery is required by law to be hallmarked. Hallmarking usually takes 5-7 days, however, the Assay Office also have an “emergency service”. It costs approx £50 per item and if necessary, I can take them rather than putting them in the post. If I do need to take them to the Assay Office it does work out rather expensive – about £375 for my time, hallmarking and travel.
Expedited postage, where available, will be charged at cost price.
Can I buy your jewellery if I live outside of the UK?
Can I return a piece of jewellery I bought online?
I love your jewellery, but my budget isn't huge. What's the best way to buy a piece of your jewellery?
The most cost effective way is to purchase a piece from my collections. You might also want to think about customising a piece from my collections. A simple bespoke design might be a possibility – keep it delicate or slim in design. The heavier a piece becomes, the more complicated the design and the more stones you add, the more expensive it will become. Also, consider having something made in 9ct gold as opposed to 18ct gold or platinum. You might prefer something unique and bespoke in 9ct rather than a simple piece in 18ct gold – only you know whether your priority is metal or craftsmanship. I’m happy to have a quick chat by phone or email, just get in touch
I'd like a different type of gemstone, can you source other stones?
I can source the following coloured gemstones:
Sapphires, Rubies, Emerald, Spinel, Garnets, Tourmalines, Zircon, Chrysoprase, Topaz, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Smokey Quartz, Citrine, Moonstone, Opal, Peridot, Tanzanite, Chalcedony and some Scottish stones.
Many of these stones are available in a multitude of colours, sapphire for instance comes in pink, blue, yellow, orange, green, peach, purple and white.
Because these stones are sourced responsibly, what is available at any one time will depend on what’s being mined and potentially the season. The rainy season in Sri Lanka for instance, will often stop the mining.
All of these stones will meet the principles of fair trade, be responsibly sourced and be traceable to one of a handful of mines/miners.
I’m happy to source any gemstone for you, all you need to do is ask. Please just email me and let me know what you’re looking for. Once I have the details, I can check what’s available and provide a quote.
Can I pick the exact stone I'd like in my jewellery?
Do you use laboratory created diamonds in your jewellery?
I know exactly what I want, can you make it for me?
I only make bespoke and remodelled pieces that are based on my collections or your life story. I find that the most successful, beautiful pieces are those where each element of the design has been carefully considered alongside the story or inspiration behind it. However I always take into account your preferences when I design a piece, so for instance if you tell me you want a 4 claw oval engagement ring, I can do that, but as part of the design process.
What happens if I commission something and when it's finished I don't like it?
Before you think of working with any jeweller, I’d advise you take a good look at their website and social media. The first thing to ask yourself is do I like their style/aesthetic and what’s their ethos? If what they are making/how they’re making it isn’t what you want, then they aren’t the one for you, so keep looking.
If you do like what they do, have a look at their testimonials. Do they have happy customers? Do their pieces look well made, what’s their level of skill and experience? If you’re still happy, then have a chat by phone or email and make sure you get on and find them easy to talk to. Ask them how they work. Does that fit with what you want? Everything ok? then you should be good to go.
If you like the style, aesthetic and quality of what your chosen jeweller is making, there’s no reason to feel you might be unhappy with a finished commission. If you’re still unsure, think about customising an existing design rather than going all out on a bespoke piece. Or if it feels less risky, why not work with them on something smaller first.
I work with my customers in 3 ways:
You can buy a piece from my collections – no worries here about not liking it, it’ll be as you see it in the photos. You can even make an appointment to see samples.
You can ask to customise a piece from my collections e.g. a different gemstone, or use my collections as a starting point for something similar. Made exactly as you’d like it and again, you can make an appointment to see samples.
A bespoke story piece – these contemporary design led pieces are a collaboration and are inspired by your stories. We’ll work together to come up with a concept for the design, you’ll get to see the mood board and some indicative sketches. You choose the metal, any stones, we’ll note any likes and dislikes and you’ll be involved throughout. Once you’re happy with the direction the design is going in, I’ll begin to make it and the concept will develop into the finished piece. These pieces are all about you and the design process and because we’ll be working so closely together, it’s really unlikely you’ll be disappointed with your jewellery.
You did a little pencil sketch for me when I came to my design appointment, but I'm still not sure. Can you do some more drawings?
If I pay for CAD drawings and don't order the design from you, can I take the drawings to another jeweller and ask them to make it?
I can't find the dimensions for a piece of jewellery on your website, can you help?
Can you give me a ball park price for a ring please?
I can’t I’m afraid, it’s not that simple unfortunately. There are so many different factors that affect price. The design, the materials, complexity, the time it will take to make, the number of stones, their size, quality and colour. Typically my customers will spend between £1500 and £7500 on a remodel and between £3000 and £15000 on a bespoke piece of jewellery. If you have a set budget, feel free to get in touch, tell me what you have in mind and ask me what I can do, I’m always happy to have a chat 🙂
How do you make your jewellery?
Is hand made jewellery more expensive?
Yes, it is. Many many hours go into hand making a piece of jewellery, not to mention the ongoing skills development, design & development time and the sourcing of materials. When I hand make a piece of jewellery I start from scratch, melting down the metal grain into an ingot, rolling the metal into sheet or wire, then forming, forging, piercing drilling, creating settings, filing, sanding, polishing and finally setting the stones. It’s an incredibly skilled but time consuming way of making jewellery. If hand making isn’t your priority, a cost saving can be made using CAD/CAM.
Can you use my own gemstones?
Gemstones and Diamonds
I'd like a different type of gemstone, can you source other stones?
Sapphires, Rubies, Spinel, Garnets, Tourmalines, Zircon, Chrysoprase, Topaz, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Smokey Quartz, Citrine, Moonstone, Opal, Peridot.
Many of these stones are available in a multitude of colours, sapphire for instance comes in pink, blue, yellow, orange, green, peach, purple and white.
Because these stones are sourced responsibly, what is available at any one time will depend on what’s being mined and potentially the season. The rainy season in Sri Lanka for instance, will often stop the mining.
All of these stones will meet the principles of fair trade, be responsibly sourced and be traceable to one of a handful of mines/miners.
I’m happy to source any gemstone for you, all you need to do is ask. Please just email me and let me know what you’re looking for. Once I have the details, I can check what’s available and provide a quote.
I'm looking for an alternative to a rough diamond, can you suggest anything?
Can you use my own gemstones?
Are ethical and traceable stones more expensive?
I can't find the dimensions for a piece of jewellery/gemstone on your website, can you help?
Yes of course, just drop me an email letting me know what you need and I’ll reply as soon as I can.