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Frequently Asked Questions

On this page you will find answers to many common questions our customers have asked. However if you cannot find the answers to your questions on this page, please feel free to get in touch with us, we're a friendly bunch and always happy to help!

Caring for Your Jewellery

How do I clean my jewellery?

Gold, palladium and platinum jewellery can be cleaned with hot water, a mild detergent and a soft bristled toothbrush before rinsing thoroughly with hot water. Ultrasonic jewellery cleaners can also be purchased and used at home.

Silver jewellery will naturally tarnish but can be instantly restored using 'Silver Dip' as instructed before cleaning with hot water and a mild detergent.

For a thorough clean, please see information on our Jewellery Rejuvenation.

How do I maintain finish on my jewellery?

Maintain matte finished jewellery* by gently rubbing the surface with synthetic wire wool (green scouring pad) in one direction.

*We advise that any item that contains soft stones, i.e opals, Emeralds or pearls are returned to us for refinishing. If in any doubt, please contact us for further advice.

To instantly restore polished jewellery, use a jewellery specific polishing cloth.

For a straight out of the shop finish, please see information on our Jewellery Rejuvenation Service.

What is the jewellery rejuvenation service?

We offer our customers exclusive access to our jewellery rejuvenation service, where we will assess the condition of your jewellery while you wait, advise you of any concerns and give it a thorough clean and finish. On the rare occasion that repairs are advised, we will provide you with details and a no obligation quote.

Can I have my jewellery repaired?

Our handcrafted jewellery is made to the highest standards, but should a repair, due to a manufacturing fault occur within 12 months, we will repair it free of charge. Beyond this timeframe, we will assess your jewellery and provide a quote based on the work required.

Unfortunately, our repair service is only available for customer’s of James Newman Jewellery and we cannot repair jewellery purchased elsewhere.

To book in a repair appointment please click here, or alternatively if you have any questions please contact us.

Wear and Tear?

As with all things, metals are subject to wear and tear. Constant wear and contact with hard and rough materials can damage and accelerate this natural process and so it is important to keep a check on your jewellery.

We offer our customers an exclusive jewellery rejuvenation service for jewellery made by us. We will check for wear and tear, clean and refinish your jewellery and provide a quote for any recommended work.

Ring Sizing

How do I find out the correct ring size?

By far the most accurate way would be to visit us in store to have your finger measurement taken or have us take a measurement off an existing ring that fits well. If this is not possible, please try our online sizing guide.

If you want to surprise a partner but don't know their finger size, we are happy to advise you, before purchase, with regard to resizing.

What if I get the ring size wrong?

Bespoke rings will be adjusted at the final fitting to ensure a perfect fit. Rings from our collection, with the exception of eternity rings, can usually be resized within reason.

Resizing price list:
- Bespoke rings within 3 months of purchase: Free
- Collection rings within 3 months of purchase: At our discretion, depending on individual assessment
- All rings beyond 3 months will be individually assessed and a quote provided.

Gemstones

What Gemstones do you use?

In addition to ethically sourced natural and laboratory grown white and coloured diamonds and precious and semi-precious gemstones stones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires, you will also find unique jewellery featuring our hand picked ‘rare finds’ - extra special, hand-picked precious stones that simply cannot be found anywhere else.

As an environmentally conscious jeweller, we also encourage our customers to reuse existing and heirloom stones to create their jewellery.

How can I find out more about diamond grading?

The quality and value of a diamond is based on the 4 C's: Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat. To find out more, we recommend browsing the GIA’s informative webpage.

What are laboratory grown diamonds?

Laboratory grown diamonds are real diamonds, but grown in a laboratory using a process that exponentially accelerates their growth.  A natural diamond takes over a billion years to grow, in comparison, laboratory grown diamonds take around a month.  To find out more about laboratory grown diamonds, we recommend browsing the GIA’s informative webpage.

Bespoke Jewellery

What types of bespoke jewellery do you make?

We specialise in wedding and engagement rings, tiara rings and cocktail rings, but have been commissioned to make everything from cufflinks to objects d’art. With over 25 years experience in creating bespoke jewellery, our catalogue of unique pieces is extensive. To view examples of our previous work, please visit our bespoke gallery.

Can you reuse my own jewellery/metals/stones in a bespoke piece?

Yes, as an environmentally conscious jeweller, we are very happy to reuse metals and stones from existing pieces and will happily talk you through the possibilities.

Will my jewellery be hallmarked?

Our jewellery is hallmarked at Birmingham’s Assay Office within the current legal guidelines, and features our unique maker’s mark and the Birmingham anchor. Find out more about hallmarking.

How much does a bespoke piece of jewellery cost?

Typically our bespoke commissions start from £500, with the overall cost very much dependent on your requirements. If you have a budget in mind we will advise you about what is possible within it and source metals and gemstones to suit. Before commencing any project, we will always agree a price with you.

Do I need an appointment?

If you would like to discuss a bespoke commission with a member of our team, we recommend that you book an initial bespoke consultation so you can be assured of our undivided attention. Otherwise, feel free to drop by and have a look around, you will always find a warm welcome!

Delivery & Returns

How long will my order take to arrive?

Items that are instock will be posted to you by insured special delivery and in most cases will arrive the next day..

Jewellery that we make to order will usually take between 2-6 weeks to arrive, though if you need your jewellery by a specific date, please include this in your order notes - we will always do our best to accommodate special requests.

Delivery for bespoke jewellery will be agreed during the initial consultation.

For all UK deliveries, we use Royal Mail's insured special delivery service and use recommended carriers for shipping worldwide.

How do I return an item?

Returned items must be shipped using Royal Mail's Special Delivery service. Please always keep proof of postage so that items can be tracked.

How do you calculate postage costs?

Postage charges vary depending on the weight & value of your packaged jewellery. We have chosen to use Royal Mail as our UK carrier. International charges can be advised but not guaranteed.

Do you sell worldwide?

Yes we do. Please message us directly for any enquiries.

How will my jewellery be packaged?

Jewellery is packaged in a stylish, James Newman Jewellery branded jewellery box. We also offer premium boxes.

My order hasn’t arrived, what do I do?

Please check your despatch confirmation email from us - this will contain your Royal Mail Special Delivery tracking information. Follow the link to track your jewelIery if it is taking longer than expected. If in doubt, you can always contact us.

Sustainability

Where do you source your materials?

We use ethically sourced gemstones and precious metals where possible, mostly sourced from the local area. We also work with small scale gemstone dealers, who in turn work work with ethical small businesses.

Do you actively try to reduce your carbon footprint?

Environmental concerns are very much part of the fabric of James Newman Jewellery. We continue to reflect on our practices and are committed to a process of improvement. To find out more, please see our environmental policy.

Non-Conflict Diamonds?

We source materials from reputable suppliers with honest, ethical policies and who adhere to the Dodd-Frank Act (Conflict Mineral Provision) and the non-conflict diamonds Kimberley Process.

Other Policies & Resources:

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