A. Yes, but it is always a good idea to look at our range of makers to get an idea of what appeals to you.

Choose a maker whose work is closest to what you have in mind and then they can tailor it to your specification.

A. White gold is often confused with platinum – this is because white gold is often plated with a metal called rhodium to make it look more like platinum.

Natural white gold is in fact a warm grey colour in its original form although colouring may vary according to the alloys used.

Platinum is the most expensive white metal, because of its rarity and the fact that it is harder to work with. Some designs are not suited to platinum.

We offer a large range of rhodium plated, natural white gold and platinum pieces.

A. Yellow gold is available in a range of carats from 9 through to 24, the higher the carat the more expensive and softer the metal.

The colours of the carats also vary, depending on the alloys used in the mixing.

Some of our makers offer a range of gold colours, with red and green gold now being popular choices.

A. You can choose from many different finishes applied to the selected metal.

Hand forged, or hammered finishes are popular, and rings can also be polished or made matt.

A. Diamonds are available in many different cuts, with Princess, Brilliant,and Baguette being among the most popular.

Prices of these cuts vary according to the wastage when the stone is cut - for example a square Princess cut stone is more wasteful than a round.

A good cut gives the diamond its brilliance, the angles and finish determine the stone’s ability to reflect light. In recent years rough cut diamonds have also become popular in contemporary rings.

A. These terms describe the clarity of the stone, clarity being another factor affecting the value of diamonds.

Flawless diamonds are rare and their price reflects this; most diamonds have small flaws or ‘inclusions’ such as carbon specks.

Most of our makers do not use any stone lower than SI (slightly included) and the inclusions within this range cannot be seen by the naked eye.

A. Diamonds are available in a range of subtle shades, with natural diamonds being by far the most expensive, with pink, blue, yellow, and sherry close behind.

Black diamonds also are in demand. Colourless or near colourless diamonds are colour graded, with the most colourless being graded at D downwards alphabetically.

Diamonds may also be dyed or heat treated to alter their colour.

A. Diamonds will become dull when greasy or if dirt is trapped behind the stone.

This is easily remedied by cleaning with a soft toothbrush and washing up detergent. Or if you are close by bring it to us for cleaning. Matt finishes will polish in time but the metal can be easily re-matted by returning to our makers for re-finish.

This service is free of charge, but a charge will be made to cover postage and insurance.

A. You should expect to get a lifetime’s wear from your ring, so its design and materials need to be suited to your lifestyle.

A. Firstly get an idea of how much you want to spend and what sort of styles you like – we carry a wide range of makers and you can either browse in store or online.

If you see a design in our gallery or on our website you like but feel it is beyond your budget – don’t panic! We are happy to discuss your needs and can often tailor the size of the stone and the metal used to meet your requirements.

If the ring is being bought as a surprise we suggest you buy our stock size, then return with your partner to be measured for the correct fit. The stock ring should be returned unworn.

A. This depends on which designer you select, and how complicated the design is. For a ring to be made to your own design, allow at least six to eight weeks.

For wedding bands, a month is the usual time, but orders can sometimes be quicker during quieter times of year, or if the company has a substantial workforce.

A. We always take a 50% deposit on orders, with the balance payable when the ring is collected.

You can also use the Own Art scheme with £2,000 credit available Interest Free if you meet the criteria necessary to qualify.

A. Yes, once only and within a month of purchase with the receipt; we offer an exchange or credit note for the value spent.

If the goods are faulty, a refund can be requested in line with the current Sale of Goods Act.

A. You have seven days to notify us of your intention to return the goods. Inform us of your chosen method and date of return.

The goods must be returned as new, unworn, with the original price tag attached and receipt.

A. Yes, you can request up to three items to be sent on approval [with no obligation?].

We may ask for a deposit to cover the costs, which will be reimbursed when a purchase is made.

A. We will offer a refund if this proves to be the case, provided the ring is received back as new, [within one month of purchase and with receipt?].

A. We will do our best to restore your piece to as new by returning it to the maker for repair.

In some cases we can repair in house. On items damaged accidentally or purchased over a year ago, a charge will be made at the maker’s cost plus postage.

A. In most instances we can get a replacement made at the cost of half a pair, plus postage.

A. We like to think so, and hope you agree. If you have bought from us and have been delighted with your purchase we would like to hear from you.

Similarly if you have been disappointed with us we also would like to hear from you, as we value your custom and will use your comments to improve our service.

A. Yes we actively support emerging designers who care about quality and design, and appreciate how difficult it can be to establish themselves in a most competitive field.

We care about the ethical issues surrounding jewellery production, and we deal with makers who use conflict free diamonds.