your questions answered
Q. What type of metal finishes do you offer?
We offer several finishes, depending on the style of ring you choose. The most popular finish is polished, but we often use sandblasting and brushing techniques to apply a matt finish to the jewellery.
Q. Can I use my own stone in your existing designs?
Yes – provided it’s of suitable size and quality. We will advise you against it if we feel the stone’s quality is inferior, because it will detract from the finished piece. Many of our designs require stones to be a precise size or dimension.
Q. What if the ring does not fit my finger?
90% of surprise rings are made to the wrong size! So, if you’re buying a ring as a gift, it’s best to take the ring in stock size, then come back later and we will adjust the ring to fit. This way, we can ensure that the finished ring fits perfectly.
Q. Is it usual to have matching wedding bands as a couple?
Many men now wish to choose their own style of wedding band. Some engagement ring designs don’t really translate into a man’s band, so matches can be made by choosing the same metal and finish.
Q. I am proposing to my girlfriend and would like to present a ring, what if she doesn’t agree with my choice?
Visit our showroom, and we will help you to select the kind of designs she might like. If the ring you choose has to be exchanged for another style (it’s rare, but it does happen!) we will be perfectly happy to oblige. If your partner has specific ideas about the kind of ring she’d like, we also provide a bespoke service. We do not offer exchanges on bespoke engagement rings, due to the personal nature of the work.
Q. Do you have matching earrings and pendants for my engagement ring?
In many cases we do. If we don’t then we can work with you to produce designs that reflect your engagement ring.
Q. Do you accept International Orders?
Yes, we can accept international orders providing a few simple steps are taken. We require full payment in sterling and make a small charge to cover shipping and insurance costs. Refunds are not available but items can be exchanged.
Q. How long does it take to complete an order?
Stock items can be taken directly. Orders for new jewellery take from between three and six weeks depending on the complexity of the piece or number of items. If we are sizing a stock ring to fit, this is usually completed within a week.
Q. Do you repair jewellery?
We only repair our own jewellery; but can advise you where to go depending on the nature of the work you need doing.
Q. Do I need an appointment?
This is not normally necessary, but we can certainly arrange a time to meet and discuss your requirements if you wish. We make appointments to show you stones and designs if you have requested a special item and have a discreet area for your comfort and privacy.
Q. What type of payment do you accept?
We accept all the major credit cards, including American Express; bank transfers and cheques will need to be cleared in full before goods can be collected.
Q. Can I copy a design I’ve seen?
We do not copy existing designs under any circumstances, or use them as a basis for new designs and rigorously defend copy infringement of our designs.
Q. How often should I have my jewellery appraised for insurance valuation?
We supply a Valuation Certificate for insurance purposes at the time of sale. This describes the jewellery and stone content, including information on diamond colour and clarity and specific certification details where appropriate. We strongly recommend you insure your jewellery and note with your insurance company that any jewellery purchased from Nicholas James is only replaced with us. Many household policies have the unpleasant habit of sending you to one of their accredited jewellery partners who will not be able to replace your Nicholas James jewellery like for like, so it is worth reading the small print. Fluctuations in metal and stone prices can have an impact on the value of your jewellery. The good news is this tends to increase over time. We would recommend you contact us every two to three years so we can advise you if your valuation certificates require updating for insurance purposes.
Q. Is your jewellery guaranteed?
We take enormous pride in the quality of our craftsmanship and as such if a problem arises that is not the result of excessive wear and tear or damage, we will put things right without charge.
Q. Can a ring be engraved with a special message?
Yes of course. We offer a hand engraving service for you to add messages or dates to your jewellery should you wish.
