Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Information
What type of jewellery do you create?
I specialise in handcrafted silver jewellery, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and custom pieces. Each design is unique and made with care, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.
What materials do you use?
I primarily work with sterling silver (92.5% silver) and may incorporate gemstones, gold accents, or other metals upon request. If you have specific material preferences, feel free to ask!
Is your jewellery handmade?
Yes, all my jewellery is carefully designed and finished by hand in the UK. I use the lost wax casting method to create intricate designs. While the actual casting process is outsourced to a trusted specialist, I handle the wax sculpting, final finishing, polishing, and detailing to ensure the highest quality.
Made-to-Order Pieces
What are made to order pieces?
Made-to-order pieces are jewellery items crafted specifically for you after an order is placed. This allows me to tailor each design to your preferences, such as size, material choice, or other customisation options.
How long do made-to-order pieces take?
Made-to-order jewellery typically takes 4–8 weeks to create, depending on the complexity of the design and my current workload. I’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
Can I make adjustments to a made-to-order design?
Yes, minor adjustments like ring size, metal choice, or stone selection can often be accommodated. Let me know your preferences when placing your order, and I’ll confirm what’s possible.
Custom Orders
Do you accept custom orders?
Yes, I love working on bespoke designs! Whether it’s a personalised gift, a wedding band, or a one-of-a-kind statement piece, we can collaborate to bring your vision to life.
How do I place a custom order?
1. Contact me via email or the contact form on my website with your idea.
2. Include any sketches, inspiration photos, or descriptions to help me understand your concept.
3. I’ll provide a design proposal, timeline, and quote for your approval.
How long does it take to complete a custom piece?
Custom pieces can take 2–6 months, depending on the complexity of the design and my current workload. During our consultation, I’ll provide an estimated timeline and keep you informed throughout the process.
About the Lost Wax Casting Method
What is the lost wax casting method?
The lost wax casting method is an ancient technique used to create intricate jewellery designs. Here’s how the process works:
1. I sculpt the design in wax by hand, shaping and detailing it with precision.
2. The wax model is sent to a trusted casting specialist, who creates a mould and casts the piece in sterling silver (or your chosen material).
3. Once the casting is complete, the raw piece is returned to me, and I handle the finishing processes: filing, polishing, setting stones, and ensuring every detail meets my high standards.
This method combines the benefits of traditional craftsmanship with expert casting to deliver high-quality, unique designs.
Hallmarking
What is hallmarking, and do you hallmark your jewellery?
Hallmarking is a legal requirement in the UK for silver items weighing over 7.78 grams. It verifies the metal’s purity and is stamped by an Assay Office. All eligible pieces I create are sent to a UK Assay Office for hallmarking to ensure they meet the required standards.
For smaller items that do not require hallmarking, I still work with high-quality sterling silver (92.5%). If you’d like a hallmark on a lighter piece, I can arrange this for an additional fee.
Sizing and Care
How do I find my ring size?
I recommend visiting a local jeweller to have your finger professionally measured. If that’s not possible, I can provide a sizing guide or advice on how to measure at home.
How do I care for silver jewellery?
To keep your silver jewellery looking its best:
• Avoid exposing it to chemicals, perfumes, and prolonged water contact.
• Clean it with a soft cloth or a silver polishing cloth.
• Store it in a dry, airtight container when not in use to prevent tarnishing.
Shipping and Returns
Do you ship within the UK and internationally?
Yes, I ship across the UK and worldwide. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on the destination.
How long will it take to receive my order?
• Ready-made pieces: Ship within 3–5 business days.
• Made-to-order and custom pieces: Take 4–8 weeks (for made-to-order) or 2–6 months (for custom) to create before shipping. Delivery times depend on your location and shipping method.
What is your return policy?
• Ready-made items: Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery, provided the item is unused and in its original condition.
• Made-to-order and custom pieces: Unfortunately, these cannot be returned unless there’s a defect.
Repairs and Adjustments
Do you offer repairs?
Yes, I offer repair services for my jewellery. Fees depend on the type of repair. Contact me with details and photos of the damage to get a quote.
Can I resize a ring I bought from you?
In most cases, yes. Please reach out to discuss resizing options and costs.
Contact
How can I reach you?
You can contact me via:
• Email: disirjewellery@gmail.com
• Contact Form: Available on my website
• Social Media: @disirjewellery
If you have any questions not covered here, don’t hesitate to reach out!