Care & Service — Frequently Asked Questions

My white gold ring has turned yellow. Is it fake?

No — and this is the question we are asked most. White gold is naturally a warm grey and is finished with a thin rhodium plating to make it bright white. That plating wears away with normal use, revealing the tone beneath. Your ring is exactly what it was sold as. Re-plating restores the white finish, and we can do this for you.

Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. A lab grown diamond has the same chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness and optical properties as a mined diamond. Gemmologically it is a diamond. The only difference is how it was formed — grown in controlled conditions rather than deep in the earth. It is not cubic zirconia, which is a different material entirely and is easily distinguished.

Can my ring be resized?

Usually. Plain bands and rings with stones only across the top adjust readily. Full eternity and memoire rings, set with stones all the way around, generally cannot be resized because there is no plain section of metal to work with — these would need remaking.

How often should jewellery be professionally cleaned and checked?

Once a year for anything set with stones, and more often for a ring worn daily. The cleaning restores the sparkle; the inspection is the part that actually matters, because it catches a worn claw before you lose the stone.

Why has my diamond lost its sparkle?

Almost always a film of skin oil, soap and hand cream on the underside of the stone, where light enters. A diamond cannot dull or scratch in normal wear. Clean behind the setting with warm soapy water and a soft brush and the brilliance returns.

Can I wear my jewellery in the shower, pool or sea?

We would rather you did not. Chlorine damages gold alloys over time, salt water is corrosive, soap leaves a dulling film, and cold water shrinks fingers — which is how rings are lost at the beach.

Is it safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner at home?

Not for most pieces. Ultrasonic cleaners can loosen stones in worn settings and can crack emeralds, opals, pearls and any treated or fractured stone. Diamonds set in solid gold generally tolerate them, but if you are unsure, warm soapy water is safe for everything except pearls.

What should I do if a stone falls out?

Keep the stone somewhere safe and stop wearing the piece — a setting that has released one stone will often release another. Contact us and we will assess whether it is a warranty matter or a repair.

How should I store my jewellery?

Separately. The single most common damage we see is scratching caused by pieces kept loose together in one box — a diamond will scratch every other stone and every metal it touches. Use individual pouches or a lined box with compartments.

Do you service jewellery I did not buy from you?