Caring for your Jewellery
Sterling + Fine Silver
Sterling silver will tarnish if not worn regularly or if it has been kept out in the open or in a jewellery box. To bring it back to its former finish, a gentle polish with a silver cloth should do the trick.
Fine silver shouldn't tarnish, but if a little discolouration occurs through lack of wear, following the above steps will restore your piece to its former glory.
Please don't be tempted to clean silver with stones in a silver dip as this will damage the stones. If you are unsure what to do, please contact me.
Brass + Copper
I occasionally produce a small range of jewellery using brass or copper. After their final polish, I use Renaissance Wax to give a protective coating to the pieces. Both copper and brass have the tendency to naturally tarnish to a darker colour over time, giving the metal its own unique patina. Copper may even turn green. This is, to me, the charm of both materials and has been considered as part of the overall design and textures used. However, if you would prefer to keep it a glowing bright use a regular brass or copper polish will return it to this state.
Gold
Gold can tarnish with lack of use but not to the extent of silver. To restore its sheen, clean with gentle soapy warm water and gently polish with a clean cloth.
Repairs
All my jewellery has been made with the utmost care and I hope that you never have a problem with it. Should one arise, I offer a complimentary repair service on any jewellery bought from me, valid for one year from the date of purchase. If you purchased your jewellery from one of my retail partners, please provide your proof of purchase when sending your item back to me. If your jewellery has not been cared for properly, or has been altered by another jeweller, I am afraid that this will have made this complimentary service invalid.
Sizes
Rings
I don't currently make rings to order, instead I produce rings for my supplier partners and fairs in a range of fits for you to try on in person. If you really would like a ring you see made in your size, then please get in touch.
Bangles
I make my bangles in three sizes: 6cm, 6.5cm and 7cm in diameter with 6.5cm being the most popular size, however I can make bangles to fit exactly as you would like. Please get in touch.
Necklaces & Chains
Generally the chains I use for necklaces are either 16 inches, 18 inches or 22 inches with each length considered for the piece. However, this is often personal taste so if you would like an alternative length chain on your necklace, please let me know before you place your order.
Hallmarking
Hallmarking is a legal requirement for all items of jewellery that containing 7.78g or more of silver or 1g or more of gold. Items that weigh less may also be hallmarked, however to keep my jewellery affordable, I don't tend to hallmark my pieces that fall under the legal weights.
I am registered at the London Assay Office at Goldsmiths' Hall in London as 'Melanie Lucas'.
Shipping, Delivery & Returns
Shipping
Sale items are held in stock and are ready for dispatch within three working days.
Items in my monthly shop updates are also held in stock and are ready for dispatch within three working days.
You will be emailed an estimated dispatch date shortly after placing your order, and I will always keep you informed of the progress of your order.
If you need something urgently I will always do my best to help. Please contact me before placing your order.
Jewellery purchased as a gift can be wrapped, a personalised message added to a gift tag and sent directly to the recipients address. Please contact me once you have placed your order if you wish to add this option.
* * * * * * * * * *
Postage
Orders below £50.00 - £3.50 within the UK
Orders above £50.00 - free shipping within the UK
International - £5.00
UK orders of £70 and above are sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery as standard. This service guarantees delivery by 1pm the day after dispatch and requires a signature on delivery.
UK orders below £70 are sent by Royal Mail 1st class Signed For, which requires a signature on delivery.
Non-EU parcels require a customs form to be attached. Any customs fees incurred are the customer's responsibility. Please ensure you are familiar with customs charges for your country before you place your order.
* * * * * * * * * *
Returns
I take every possible care to ensure that your jewellery reaches you in a good condition, but if there has been damage caused in transit please contact me within 14 days of receiving your order. I have taken great care in making my jewellery and I hope that you will love it as much as I do, but if this is not the case, please within 7 days to organise its return. I am happy to offer an exchange on a different piece. Regretfully earrings are not eligible for return for a refund or exchange.
As per the latest UK Distance Selling Regulations, please note the following:
- Goods must be returned within 14 calendar days of cancellation.
- Refunds will be processed within 14 calendar days of the return of the goods and payments made using the same method as you used to pay for your order.
- Return postage costs can only be refunded if the item was faulty or the incorrect item was sent.
- Please remember to get proof of posting and please note that jewellery is only insured in transit when posted using Royal Mail’s Special Delivery service. Any other method is at your own risk.
- You are liable for any diminished value of the jewellery resulting from handling in any other way than what is necessary to establish its nature, characteristics and functioning while you are responsible for it. This includes when the jewellery is in transit back to me.
- Items made to a requested size not generally listed on the website, with requested stones, made in gold or made to commission are not eligible for refund or exchange.
- No refunds can be given for gift certificates.