Jewellery Care and Information

Please click on the links below for more information or see below for answers to some of my frequently asked questions.

HOW DO I WORK OUT MY RING SIZE?

The surest way to know your ring size is to try on some rings. This is especially important if you are choosing a wide band ring as you will probably need to go up by 1/2 to a whole a ring size. However if this is not possible, then please do get in touch to discuss the ring you're interested in and I can offer advice/arrange to send you a ring sizer.

HOW DO I CONVERT MY INTERNATIONAL RING SIZE?

If you know your ring size in another country's sizing system, please use this chart to convert it to UK sizing.

Ring Sizing Conversion Chart (pdf)

WHAT IS ETHICAL JEWELLERY?

Good question! And one everyone should be asking. For me, being ethical means knowing the provenance of my materials, minimising my impact on the environment and using my purchasing power to be a force for positive change.

When you purchase a piece of responsibly sourced jewellery (or any other product for that matter), you are exercising your consumer right to demand higher standards of production. In the case of jewellery, this means being able to track your jewellery from the mine to the finished piece.

Please read my ethical policy to learn more about my business and workshop practices.

I'VE SEEN A PIECE THAT I LOVE BUT IT'S ALREADY SOLD! CAN I ORDER ANOTHER?

Yes! I'm happy to re-make a piece to your bespoke requirements. This could be identical to the one you've seen, or altered slightly to suit you. Please see my Commissions page for more information and then send me a message.

Please note: many precious stones are unique. I may be able to source similar but not exactly the same shape/size/colour of stone used in previous work. We will work together to find the something that is just right for you.

HOW SHOULD I STORE MY JEWELLERY?

When you’re not wearing your jewellery it is best to store it in a soft pouch or jewellery box where it can’t scratch or be scratched by other jewellery. For silver jewellery you can include a small square of anti-tarnish paper in your jewellery box/pouch to help minimise (but not completely prevent) the metal reacting to air.

HOW DO I CLEAN MY JEWELLERY?

To clean your jewellery you can simply soak the piece in warm soapy water for half an hour and then dry with a soft clean dry towel. This should get rid of light tarnish and loosen any dirt in stone settings. You can use a cotton bud or soft toothbrush to clean any hard to reach places. If you want to invest, you can buy sonic cleaners pretty inexpensively which will make stones sparkle.

Please note: not all stones like getting wet or survive a sonic cleaner – it can crack them! This mainly applies to very soft/delicate/porus stones. If in doubt, please ask.

WHAT WEAR AND TEAR SHOULD I EXPECT?

Everyday wear will show as scuffs and scratches on any metal over time. The speed at which this happens will depend on the type of metal, how often the piece is worn and where the jewellery is worn, e.g. rings worn everyday will wear quicker than pendants as they come into contact with lots of different surfaces. Try to remember to take your jewellery off when exercising, gardening, showering and when applying any lotions/perfumes.

You will find that a highly polished finish will dull over time whereas a brushed/satin finish will become more shiny with wear. These finishes can be re-applied - please contact me for advice and to arrange a free re-finish.

If your silver jewellery very suddenly tarnishes/turns black, it has reacted to something it's come into contact with. This could be a cleaning product, perfume or it could simply be you - diet or medications may mean that silver jewellery is best avoided for you. I'm happy to help, please just ask if you have any queries or concerns.

HELP! MY LOVELY POLISHED/BRUSHED/SATIN FINISH HAS GONE! CAN I GET IT BACK?

If you would like your jewellery to be returned to it's original finish, please get in touch for advice. It may be that you can achieve this yourself or I'm happy to refinish for you (free, other than the cost of postage)

WHAT SIZE BANGLE DO I NEED?

If you're interested in commissioning a bangle or cuff with a fixed width, you need to measure the distance between the knuckle of your little finger and your thumb knuckle. Put your hand out flat and tuck your thumb under your hand, then measure. Here are the minimum diameters you will need to fit over your hand:

Extra Small - 57mm
Small - 60mm
Medium - 63mm
Large - 66mm
Extra Large - 69mm

WHICH METAL IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Different metals have different properties and characteristics. To answer this question please see my Metals page to learn more.

Whichever you choose, and wherever you decide to finally buy your jewellery from, please ensure it's hallmarked. It's your guarantee.

CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT DIAMONDS AND GEMSTONES?

Yes! I have some information on my Diamonds and Gemstones page, including information about types of gemstones, the MOHS scale, birthstones and how to grade diamonds.