FAQ
How does a bespoke commission happen?
To create a bespoke commission I would personally meet you and discuss your likes and dislikes of jewellery, your ideas that you would like to incorporate. I ask that you have an idea of budget so I can work out what me talks and stones would be suitable, so you have something perfect within your means. I then will draw out designs with you and consult along the way, showing you mock ups if necessary, and allow you to select stones. Commissions start from £150. A deposit of 50% is required as confirmation of an agreement between both parties for a commission to be undertaken. This deposit is non-refundable. The balance must be paid before delivery or on collection
What metals are used?
I use all precious metals Silver, Gold, Platinum and Palladium. I use high quality 18ct white gold which is alloyed with platinum derivatives to ensure a white colour. This can also be rhodium plated.
How do I look after my jewellery?
Silver will tarnish over time as this is the nature of the metal. To combat this make sure you rub with a soft cloth, use a silver dip, and most importantly wear it! This will keep it looking as it should. To keep all your jewellery at its best, clean it often, use fairy liquid and a soft toothbrush, then rinse in lukewarm water and dry, this will help bring life back to stones. But keep pearls away from liquid and chemicals.
Any finish can be added to your jewellery but all jewellery will experience a certain amount of wear during daily activities. Textured finishes will begin to polish up and polished finishes will matt down, with time both will reach an equilibrium, but this can be redone for you at any time.
All jewellery by Kimberley is made with a great amount of care and attention. If you are participating in an activity which could damage your jewellery, remove it and place it back in the box so it’s ready and looking fabulous when you’ve finished.
When will I receive my order?
After ordering, your jewellery can take between 3-4 weeks to be received as each item is handmade. If you have urgent requirements please email me at studio@kimberleydesigns.co.uk and I will do my best to cater for your needs.
What are your jewellery ethics?
Kimberley is a responsible jeweller, all diamonds used are GIA certificated in accordance to the Kimberley Process. Our suppliers have been on board with the Kimberley Process since it began and guarantee that the diamonds we purchase are from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations resolutions. We therefore guarantee that all our diamonds are conflict free and that they are natural, high quality stones from reliable sources produced under strict ethical and environmental standards.
We hand select all our gemstones and metals from around the world, using reputable suppliers. All jewellery items are made by Kimberley herself so therefore promoting British Handmade design. This not only allows us to be ethically confident about our products but allows us the benefit of creative input to choose and commission unusual and unique gemstones.
What Quality of Diamonds are used?
The 4 C’s of diamond grading Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat.
Cut – There is an ideal cut for each diamond, how well it is cut depends how much fire and sparkle the diamond will give out. A well cut diamond will reflect the light superbly within its well proportioned facets.
There are many cuts of diamonds and there are more being invented. These are the most common:
Colour – Diamonds are generally assumed to be an icy white colour but they do exhibit hints of colour and are graded by the GIA official scale D–Z (applies only to white diamonds). D being the rarest, most highly sought after and hence the most expensive. Descending the scale each letter denotes a fractional change, they begin to show hints of yellow, brown, or grey making the diamond appear murky. (Wondering what happened to A,B,C? They left them free in case they ever found a whiter diamond!). However lower down the scale doesn’t mean that they become a coloured diamond, just not a white one.
Clarity – As all diamonds are natural, each and everyone is unique, just like a fingerprint. Formed hundreds of millions of years ago in the Earth’s crust some mineral elements or tiny fractures in the crystal can become trapped inside for eternity – a diamond’s birthmark, technically known as an inclusion. These are graded from the very rare flawless diamonds (fl) with no inclusions to diamonds with inclusions visible to the naked eye looking like black dots, feathers, or clouds. The diamond scale below shows an idea of the amount of inclusions however you.
Carat – Simply the size of the diamond by weight, 1 carat = 200 milligrams. One carat can also be divided into 100 "points", a 0.75 carat diamond is the same as a 75 points or a ¾ carat diamond. The carat weight actually derived from the carob bean which had a generic weight whatever the size.
What are the birthstones?
- January – Garnet
- February – Amethyst
- March – Aquamarine
- April – Diamond
- May – Emerald, Chrysoprase
- June – Pearl, Moonstone
- July – Ruby
- August – Peridot
- September – Sapphire
- October – Opal, Tourmaline
- November – Topaz, Citrine
- December – Turquoise
How is your jewellery delivered?
Please note that delivery can take up to 4 weeks to 6 weeks depending on stock availability. Each item will arrive in beautiful branded packaging and be sent via special delivery. Please contact us for urgent enquiries.
- A shipping cost will be added to any orders required to be shipped outside UK. This is dependent on weight and size.
- Orders will be sent out (depending on stock availability) as soon as payment has cleared (can be up to 7 working days). If you have an urgent order please contact Kimberley at studio@kimberleydesigns.co.uk or 07879 690 112 prior to placing your order, to discuss possibilities.
What is you returns policy?
- If you would like to return a piece, you have seven days from the date of receipt to change your mind and we will be happy exchange your item, either for another piece or credit note, please note this only applies to jewellery purchased via website. Any commissions undertaken will not be exchanged or refunded, however adjustments can be made.
- Purchases made from stockists must be returned directly to the place of purchase (they will have their own returns policy- please ensure to enquire at time of purchase).
- Items received after the 7 day period will not be accepted unless there is clearly a manufacturing fault. In this instance a repair free of charge or an exchange will be offered. If the item has been damaged or broken and it is not a manufacturing fault a repair will be offered with a charge, which will be quoted depending on the work necessary.
What size do I order?
All rings are sized using the standard British system, using the letters A – Z. An average finger size for a woman is an M; for a man it’s an S. If you are unsure of your finger size, either measure the circumference of your finger, or the diameter of an existing ring for an idea. I can also send you a small ring sizer in which you can measure your own finger.
All pendants and necklaces are to a standard 16″ length and bangles are of an average 7.5cm diameter. If you have any special requirements please email me and I will cater to your needs.
