FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

While I do have a few items available for immediate despatch, most of my jewellery designs are made to order. This allows me to keep an eye on quality and ensure your jewellery will last a lifetime with normal wear. It also helps me to not make excess stock and create waste.

The time it takes to make an item will depend on the design but most pieces will be ready to deliver within 2-4 weeks.  You will be notified by email of approximate making times. If you need an item urgently, please get in touch to discuss. I may be able to fast track your order. Please note: if your item requires hallmarking this takes roughly 1 week to complete and this time is included in the delivery time. 

Of course, sometimes what you buy just isn't as you imagined it to be. I am happy to accept returns as long as the circumstances adhere to my Returns Policy.

I hallmark all jewellery according to the Hallmarking Act of 1973 which outlines that if the weight of a metal used in the making of a piece of jewellery reaches a specific threshold, it must be hallmarked by law. The thresholds are as follows;

  • Silver – 7.78g
  • Gold – 1g
  • Platinum – .5g
  • Palladium – 1.g

I do occasionally also hallmark items weighing less as well to highlight the overall quality of the piece. All items will clearly state in their description if it is or will be hallmarked.

In the UK a hallmark is a series of symbols stamped or laser engraved into the metal of a piece of jewellery or other item made with precious metals. The hallmark indicates the type of precious metal, the carat of that metal (fineness), when the item was hallmarked, where it was hallmarked and the person who made it. The hallmark also indicates that the item was independently assayed (tested) and the metal is genuine silver, gold, platinum or palladium. You will often see, for example, .925 or 18ct stamped on silver or gold, these are usually stamped onto the piece by the maker or manufacturer. These are not considered to be legal hallmarks as they have not been independently tested  and there is no guarantee of the genuine-ness of the metal. You can read more about Hallmarking here

I've written a detailed blog about the differences between gold, gold-filled and vermeil as well as plate. You can read it here.

In general I only occasionally use gold-filled metal in my jewellery designs.

Accurate ring sizing is very important . Many of my designs are difficult to resize and may require completely remaking the ring – therefore considerable added expense. So the following information is to help you measure your ring size as best as you can.

I do have a ring sizing worksheet that you can use, but be aware of the limitations as mentioned below. You can download this here.

While a bit cheeky, you can also pop over to a High Street jeweller and ask them to size your finger.

Tips for getting your ring size

  • Avoid sizing your finger when hot or cold as your finger size will change. Try to measure your finger at ambient room temperature.
  • If you are buying a ring for someone else as a gift or surprise, try to measure an existing ring. Measure one that will be worn on the same finger on the same hand. Fingers on a dominant hand are usually larger than those on the non-dominant hand .
  • A wide band (more than 4mm) ring will likely require a larger size than a narrow band as it will cover more of the finger. You may need to order up to a full size larger.
  • If you have larger knuckles, try to find an adjustable ring design
  • Plastic ring sizers give an approximation of ring size and may vary by half a size or more. Use them with a bit of caution as they may not be perfectly accurate.

Jewellery should be stored as separately as you can. Silver and gold are relatively soft metals and can be easily scratched. Likewise, many gemstones can be scratched by household dust, so a bit of care when you are not wearing your jewellery will help it maintain its beauty.

Only put your jewellery on once all make-up, lotions and perfumes have been applied and have dried as these chemicals are capable of tarnishing silver and damaging other sensitive patinas. Jewellery should not be worn when exercising, gardening or swimming for the same reason.

Click here for more tips.

Caring for the environment is important to me and I make every effort to make sure I use recyclable, compostable, plastic free or sustainable packaging. All postal packaging are fully recyclable and from sustainable forests. Jewellery boxes are made with sustainable materials. I am continually looking for ways to make my packaging more environmentally friendly.

You can read more here

I use recycled Silver and Gold in most of my jewellery designs.

The exception is my use of ethically sourced gold. This gold is mined by small scale artisanal miners who rely on mining for their survival.

I also use ethically sourced gemstones - the gemstone can be traced back to the actual mine and miner. As well as responsibly sourced gemstones where the gemstone supplier has a responsible sourcing policy to ensure its gemstones come from workshops and factories they have visited, and are confident that the people employed are treated well and fairly for the different countries they are based.

In addition I will occasionally use recycled gemstones

I prefer to use Lab grown diamonds to minimise the environmental and ethical footprint of my jewellery. Read more below.

There is also the option for clients to re-cycle the value of their unused jewellery by selling it as scrap and putting the money against the cost of a new commissioned piece.

In some cases I can melt down and use a client's old jewellery to make a new commission. I can only do this with jewellery which bears a full UK hallmark. Items stamped for example with .925 or 18ct are not a full and legal UK hallmarks. I can test them for purity, but cannot guarantee as such. If a client insists on their use, they cannot assume they will pass assay.

Are your diamonds conflict free?

It is illegal to sell or buy diamonds that have been used to fund conflict. The Kimberly Process was created to combat this issue and ensure diamonds are conflict free up to the point of polishing and cutting. Thus there is a small chance that a diamond may come into the supply chain after cutting and polishing. To avoid this, I will

  • Use lab created Diamonds, which are real diamonds in every sense, except they are not mined from the earth. This is my first choice.
  • When I do use mined diamonds I only buy from reputable dealers who have adhered to the Kimberly Process, which assures diamonds have not come from conflict zones up to the point of cutting and polishing. My current supplier of melee diamonds (small diamonds) can also trace the diamond back to the original mine. This also helps in assuring ethical mining practises.
  • Occasionally I will use recycled/reclaimed diamonds
  • And finally I may use Diamond simulants such as Moissanite
  • Each of these stones will be clearly identified in the description.

Because I create all jewellery myself in my small studio I am not able to take wholesale orders except in very rare circumstances. Most of my pieces are one off designs and/or produced in limited quantities.

I do provide product samples for photo shoots and other marketing events. Please see my terms and conditions for details

No, I don't have a physical shopfront which enables me to be more flexible in how I create your jewellery!

Pop over to my privacy policy to see what information we keep and what we don't. We will never sell or give your personal details to anyone.

In the first instance, please check your spam folder and spam settings. Sometimes our emails get caught in your spam filter. If you still can't find anything, please get in contact at info@inaridesigns.com

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me on info@inaridesigns.com