Frequently Asked Questions
Have a look at the FAQ’s below and if you’ve any further questions please get in touch.
General
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?
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. The Assay Office have an “emergency service”. It costs approx £50 per item and if necessary, I can take them rather than putting them in the post. This does work out rather expensive though – 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?
Is your white gold rhodium plated?
Can you make a piece from one of your collections in another metal or different size?
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 find me an antique diamond to use in a ring?
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?
What's the difference between a "classic" bespoke design and a bespoke "story" design?
My “story” pieces are contemporary designs that take your story as inspiration. These 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. 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 4 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. Made exactly as you’d like it and again, you can make an appointment to see samples.
Classic bespoke pieces – when you know exactly what you want. No extensive design input needed from me, I’ll just make whatever you ask for, e.g. a pair of diamond studs or a wedding band. Straight forward and fuss free.
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 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?
How do you make your jewellery?
Do you repair jewellery?
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.
Is hand made jewellery more expensive?
Is a bespoke piece of jewellery more expensive?
Classic bespoke designs, e.g. wedding bands, a solitaire engagement ring or diamond studs, start from around £1500.
My unique bespoke “Story” pieces of jewellery, in 18ct gold or platinum, set with diamonds or gemstones will typically start around £5500. 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.
Bespoke designs can be made in silver and 9ct gold too and you’re welcome to reuse old jewellery.
Please get in touch to find out more
Are ethical and traceable stones more expensive?
Remodelling