Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conscious of the immense environmental problem of over-production, I only produce small quantities of pieces. Therefore, most of my pieces are made to order. Once they have been made, I have to send them to the Assay Office in London for hallmarking. The time-frame of this process is unfortunately very unpredictable but can take up to 2 weeks.

Once your order is placed I will let you know, if I have the piece in stock and when you can expect to receive it.

Should you need a piece at short notice or for a specific time or event, please get in touch, as I can sometimes rush through orders or have a piece in stock for immediate dispatch.

While I am unable to provide refunds for change of mind, I am more than happy to offer an exchange of equal value.

Regarding commissioned pieces, as they are specially made to individual specifications, I regret to inform you that exchanges or returns are not possible.

For more details, please refer to my designated page on Order Information and Returns.

For your (and my) piece of mind, I offer free Royal Mail Special Next Day Delivery within the UK, ensuring that your jewellery reaches you securely and promptly. Upon completion of your order, I will get in touch with you to ensure someone will be at your delivery address to receive the parcel.

I do not currently offer shipping to countries outside of the UK, but this may change in the future. Please check back here for more details.

Each piece will be presented in a natural light brown box, embellished with a reusable silver elastic bow. While all boxes have a uniform appearance, I currently use two types. One set is crafted entirely from recycled materials, while the other features an FSC certified 70% mix. To learn more about these packaging materials, you can find detailed information here.

Inside the box, you will find an insert that is either made from foam or FSC certified black cardboard. The black cardboard insert has a velvety surface, created from viscose, a natural by-product of wood production. The type of box I use will depend on the pieces of jewellery in question.

Along with your piece, you will receive a complimentary polishing cloth to remove tarnish as well as a leaflet explaining how to care for your jewellery.

To ensure secure shipping, each box containing the piece of jewellery is carefully cushioned with recycled black tissue paper and placed within a cardboard box. The cardboard box is made from 100% recycled materials, making it not only eco-friendly but also 100% compostable or curb-side recyclable. The box is securely closed with brown paper tape.

I take great pride in the craftsmanship and durability of my jewellery, striving to create pieces that will stand the test of time. However, accidents can happen, and I want to assure you that I am here to help. I firmly believe in the value of repairing rather than discarding, which is why I am delighted to offer repairs to ensure that the beauty of your jewellery is retained. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance in this regard.

To ensure that your jewellery remains in its pristine condition, each piece is accompanied by a leaflet that provides detailed instructions on how to care for it. Additionally, I include a small polishing cloth designed to remove tarnish from silver pieces. If you have any questions or need guidance, please feel free to contact me, and I will gladly share tips and advice to help you preserve the beauty of your jewellery.

For further resources, you may find valuable information on my website. I have written insightful blogs that cover various topics, including tarnish removal techniques and detailed explanations of the creation process.

Yes, I do. Some of my existing ear studs lend themselves beautifully to be made into clip-on earrings for those without ear piercings. Please see for example this pair.

Other designs can of course also be adapted to accommodate a clip-on mechanism. Please get in touch by email and I look forward to discussing the options with you.

Finding the perfect fit for your ring is essential to ensure comfort and longevity. To assist you, I have written a blog on how to size rings correctly. It provides detailed guidance and tips on measuring your finger accurately. I recommend referring to this Blog to determine your ring size before making a purchase. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Necklace length can greatly influence the overall look and style. To help you select the perfect necklace length, I have written a Blog specifically dedicated to explaining and showing the different lengths available for some of my necklaces. I encourage you to explore this blog to find the ideal necklace length that suits you best.

I am happy to offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation via Zoom. Whether you have questions about any of my pieces or require personalised guidance, please get in touch to schedule a convenient time.

I am delighted to offer bespoke commissions, creating unique pieces tailored to your individual style and preferences. Please feel free to contact me and we can discuss your ideas.

I am currently in the process of creating a dedicated commissions page on my website.

To provide you with complete peace of mind, each of my pieces undergoes a hallmarking process at the London Assay Office upon completion. This ensures that the metals used in the creation of your jewellery are verified and of the highest quality. Look for my distinctive maker's mark, HBM, which serves as a testament to the authenticity of your piece.

The London Assay Office offers helpful guides on this subject, providing further insights into the hallmarking process. Additionally, I have written a Blog specifically addressing this topic, which you can read here.

Two of the more unusual techniques I use in my work are the Korean gold foil technique Keum-Boo and the Japanese silk braiding technique Kumihimo.

I have dedicated a specific Blog to explaining in detail the processes involved in using the Korean Keum-Boo technique, which you can access and read here.

In addition to Keum-Boo, I also incorporate the fascinating and ancient Japanese technique of Kumihimo silk braiding into select pieces of my jewellery. This method involves using a specialized braiding stand called a Marudai, along with bobbins onto which the silk threads are carefully wound.

The thin, flexible, and soft silk braids I create by using Kumihimo produce truly unique patterns. By randomly changing the patterns, each piece becomes an exquisite, one-of-a-kind work of art in its own right. I incorporate these stunning silk braids into my necklace and brooch designs, tastefully combining them with silver or gold elements. The infusion of colours and distinctive patterns through this textile technique adds an extra layer of interest and beauty to my pieces.

To provide a glimpse into this intricate process, I have included a short video demonstration in the techniques section.

I believe in the importance of constantly striving for improvement, as I recognize that my ethical practice is an evolving journey. While I am dedicated to sourcing ethical materials and ongoing examination of my processes, I acknowledge that achieving perfection is a continual pursuit.

I am committed to the following principles in my practice:

1. Ethical Materials & Processes:

Materials: I believe in responsible sourcing practices. Most of the accessible silver is now available as recycled silver. I currently use Sterling silver, but have in the past also used Argentium silver. Read here more about this metal.

The 24ct gold foil I use in the Korean technique of Keum-Boo is also recycled. This gold foil is responsibly obtained through a smelting company in Japan, specializing in recycling electronic and dental waste.

Additionally, the 18ct gold I currently use is Single Mine Origin (SMO) Gold, sourced from Betts Metals. While my ultimate goal is to offer Fairtrade or Fairmined gold, I must acknowledge that, at this moment, it is not financially feasible for my small business. Nonetheless, I remain dedicated to continually exploring sustainable options and working towards offering ethically sourced materials in the future.

Processes: I strive to continually improve my practice and search for alternatives. I have detailed my efforts in my Vision, Mission & Values Section, which I invite you to read here.

2. Learning: I hold a strong belief in the value of ongoing learning and exploration, which extends to various facets of my practice. This encompasses investigating new techniques and processes, as well as continually striving to enhance the sustainability and ethical aspects of my practice. I am dedicated to staying curious and evolving, ensuring that my work remains fresh and unique while upholding my values.

3. Design: At the heart of my work lies the design process, which I hold as one of the most crucial aspects of my work. I am deeply passionate about pushing my ideas, and myself, seeking to create unique designs that stand out.

The interplay of patterns and textures plays a vital role in my designs, as they add depth and visual interest to each piece. Starting with drawings, model-making and design development, I finally translate these concepts into (usually) precious metals, bringing my artistic vision to life. I am driven by a curiosity that fuels my continuous learning and experimentation, allowing me to create jewellery that is distinctive, elegant, and truly one-of-a-kind.

4. Handmade: Each of my pieces is meticulously handcrafted with utmost care and attention to detail. I take immense pride in the design and craftsmanship that goes into creating each piece, resulting in elegant and high-quality jewellery. The handmade process ensures that no two pieces are exactly alike, making each creation truly unique and distinctive.

5. Giving back: Since 2018, I have had the privilege of teaching jewellery making, sharing my knowledge and passion with others. As part of my work for a British charity, I conducted over 50 craft workshops between 2018-2020, specifically tailored for refugees and vulnerable individuals. Witnessing women come together, chatting whilst engaging in craft activities and being able to forget their worries for a while, has been a humbling experience. It was wonderful to witness their confidence blossom and their pride in the beautiful pieces they have created.

In 2020, I took on a new opportunity as a jewellery tutor at Rachel Jeffrey jewellery school. This role allows me to nurture creativity and guide students through regular term-time classes, as well as engaging taster sessions and masterclasses.

To provide further insight into the classes and the workshop facilities at Rachel Jeffrey Jewellery School, I have written a blog [here](insert link) (to be published in July), which also features an interview with Rachel Jeffrey herself.

In addition to teaching, I privately support various charities such as Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and The Wildlife Trust. I am passionate about making a positive impact and actively participate in local community initiatives. From joining litter-picking initiatives to taking part in tree planting campaigns, I feel strongly about creating a better and more sustainable environment.