FAQ

Frequently asked questions

SHIPPING & DELIVERY

Christmas Orders

We are experiencing LONG delays with Royal Mail and standard/signed for shipping is taking up to two weeks to arrive after dispatch. Due to these delays we have unfortunately had to change our last order dates... Standard / Signed For orders can be placed until end of day November 29th. After this date ONLY our Special Delivery shipping service will be available. We will close for orders and until the new year on December 14th.

We are no longer accepting international orders until the New Year. Our last order dates do not include custom/bespoke work.



Can you guarantee delivery in time for Christmas?

We don't want our customers to be disappointed this year, so we've been extra cautious with our delivery estimates. However please be aware that our last order dates may need to change due to a number of reasons...

We may have to suddenly close to isolate/due to a high amount of orders, Our suppliers may close/we experience a problem with stock or Royal Mail may report further delays.


But we'll do our absolute best to get your beautiful jewellery out to you as fast as we can, please bare in mind that handmade jewellery takes time to create and Little Homebird Jewellery is operating as a one woman business during this holiday season.



How long will it take before my order arrives?

Please note this time frames are for January - October. All our Jewellery is made to order within 7 working days and once dispatched is estimated to arrive within: UK Standard & Signed for = 1-5 working days
UK Tracked = Guaranteed next working day
International Tracked = Within 28 Working Days
***Please allow a little more time for delivery. Royal Mail are experiencing delays due to Covid-19, there may be some that are delayed***

Shipping Estimates are given to us by Royal Mail, once handed over we are not in control of how your parcels are handled.



I need my order super fast - Can you help?

We try to send orders out as quickly as possible - and often dispatch well within our quoted time frame. Although we cannot promise to prioritise every rush order, we will always try to do our best to meet you deadline. If you do require your order sooner please contact us BEFORE placing your order to discuss time frames. Please do not add a rush order request in your order notes at checkout. We create orders in the order in which we receive them, this means we will not be aware of any special requests noted on your invoice until we come to create your order.

If you have added a rush order request without contacting us, we will continue to create your order regardless of any requested delivery date to avoid any further delays. Please be aware that we can only cancel orders if we have not begun to create your piece.



Do you ship internationally?

At this time we currently only delivering within the UK as we have experienced an unusual amount of delays with international orders.

We WILL be accepting orders outside the UK in the new year.



Which delivery service do you use?

All our orders are dispatched with Royal Mail.



Will there be a custom fee to pick up my order?

We are currently not accepting international orders. We will be accepting orders outside the UK in the new year. Unfortunately, customs, tariffs and duties may be imposed by certain countries for overseas purchases. These are at the responsibility of the buyer...Please check with your custom offices for detailed information. We are not in control of such enforcements.

If your order is returned to us due to unpaid Customs Fees, a new delivery charge will be required before posting your order.



Will I be able to track my order?

All International orders are tracked, for UK orders, only our Special Delivery service is Trackable.



SHOPPING WITH US

How is your jewellery made?

Our jewellery is handmade to order using traditional silversmithing techniques, wherever possible, here in our Yorkshire studio in Hull. Your personalisations are stamped using steel punches, one letter at a time and positioned by eye, which means no two pieces will ever be the same. This packs a whole lot of character and charm into your jewellery...



Do you accept custom or bespoke orders?

Yes! If you have something special in mind, we'd love to chat about it. We love to create unique handstamped jewellery, and if we're able to create it - we'll do it!
Contact Us to discuss designs, time frames and pricing.

Please be aware that with our increasing work load in the run up to Christmas, we may not be able to accommodate custom/bespoke order until the New Year. Our last order dates do not include custom/bespoke work.



I'm sending as a gift - can you gift wrap?

All of our jewellery comes ready to gift in a luxury branded white Gift box, with complimentary silver polishing cloth and packaged in a beautiful Silver organza pouch. We don't include any payment information or invoices as standard, and we're always happy to include a sweet little handwritten gift note - so you can send directly to friends and family!



I'm being multiple pieces - do you offer a discount?

Whether you're purchasing for your groomsmen, a class graduation or even if you just want to treat yourself to lots of beautiful jewellery! We're always happy to give a group order price for you... We offer discounts to any purchase of 3 individual items or more - and they don't have to be the same!. So you can create matching bracelets for your favourite girls on your big day, or find gifts for Mum, Dad and the whole gang and get your Christmas shopping done in one go! Get in touch to discuss discounts with us.



I have two coupon codes - can I use both?

Unfortunately only one coupon code can be used - so you'll have to choose!



The piece I like is made with a Cubic Zirconia stones - Can you create jewellery with genuine gemstones?

Most of our birthstones pieces have a selection of different Cubic Zirconia coloured stones, however if you would prefer a genuine Emerald, Sapphire or any other birthstone please do get in touch! We are always happy to source the perfect gemstone for you, whether that is a cut birthstone or a quartz gemstone cabochon. Please Contact Us for availability, timescales and pricing.



Can you swap stacking ring styles in ring sets?

No problem, we're happy to swap styles of stacking rings, or even create a whole new stacking set just for you!

Get in touch to discuss your unique stacking set



Is your jewellery suitable for Children?

Please note that our jewellery is not intended for Children under 5, due to small components. Any jewellery given to Children under 5 is at the responsibility of the buyer. *Our Baby Bracelets are however, suitable*



Will be jewellery be hallmarked?

Any item contain over 7.78g of Silver must be sent to a qualified assay office for hallmarking as this is a legal requirement in the UK. We are proud to have pieces hallmarked at the great Goldsmiths Assay Office in London, where our sponser's mark is registered. As standard, and in accordance with the UK Hallmarking Act (1973), any of our jewellery that is under 7.78g will not be hallmarked. Most of our jewellery is below this weight, and sending pieces to London to be hallmarked can be expensive - this is not a cost we wish to pass on to our customers.
However if you would like your Little Homebird Jewellery piece to be hallmarked (if it is under this threshold weight) we are more then happy to do this for you. This will incur and additional fee, that can be discussed with us. Any individual piece of jewellery over the 7.78g weight MUST be sent for hallmarking - earrings and cufflinks are classed as two individual pieces. For these items, whether in stock, custom or bespoke, the cost will be including in the final sale price. You can find our dealers notice here



PERSONALISATIONS

What is Handstamping?

Instead of using an engraving machine your personalisations are stamped using steel punches, one letter at a time and positioned by eye, which means no two pieces will ever be the same. This packs a whole lot of character and charm into your jewellery...



Will my personalisations fade?

Unlike engraving, handstamping creates deep, long lasting impressions that will only disappear with years and years of wear or some serious filing!



Does my personalisation have to be darkened?

To darken any lettering, we use a safe non toxic blackening agent. We apply this to all of our handstamped impressions as standard, but if you would prefer to not have this darkening agent used on your jewellery just ask!

Over time this agent may fade or discolour with wear or if it comes into contact with household chemicals such as cleaning products, lotions or hand sanitiser. But don't worry we're happy to share our top tips of creating this effect at home using a common household product...



My letters aren't perfectly alligned - can you remake my jewellery?

All our pieces are created using traditional steel punches, letters are hammered into the metal one at a time, by eye. This creates a unique impression that can differ in spacing, depth and alignment.

We don't consider this a defect but a celebration of our handmade processes - we will not offer a refund/exchange due to "imperfectly" aligned text.



I don't like any of the fonts/design stamp symbols available - Can I have something else?

We try to stock a wide variety of font styles and design stamps so you can create a piece of jewellery that's unique and meaningful to you. We're always on the lookout for new and exciting stamps, and even have a stash of larger stamps that we use for unique stamped designs. If you don't see something you'd like we may be able to order this from one of our amazing stamp suppliers - Contact Us to discuss availability, time frames and any additional costs.



Why are some fonts not available for some designs?

As we use steel punches for our personalisations, we are limited to sizes and styles that are available to us. Sometimes certain upper case letters or design stamps are too large for the design, however we may be able to work around the design depending on your specific personalisations...

We're always happy to create something completely unique and design a stamp specifically for you, working with craftsman around the globe to make your design into a steel punch! If you're struggling with which Font style to choose, or want a little more information on each stlye, you can find them all here



My message is too long - help!

Each design will indicate the maximum character count for that design - this is an average count as some of our font styles are wider then others. If your message is a few characters too long, we may still be able to fit this onto the design depending on your desired font style. We're always happy to advise on the best font styles for your design, or if you're not sure which style will look best, just Contact Us to discuss!



How do I tell you to stamp a design stamp in my personalisations?

We have a wide variety of design stamps that you can add to your design to create a unique and special message. Each piece of jewellery will have a photo of the available design stamps (please request these only) for that piece. In your personalisations, place the exact name of the design stamp you would like, within brackets, wherever you would like us to stamp it. E.g.
Jessica (love heart) Andrew We have a lot of different variations of popular symbols, such as stars and hearts. If you are not specific with the design stamp name, for example (heart) or (star), we will select the most appropriate design.



JEWELLERY CARE

How do I care for my Silver Jewellery?

Sterling Silver will tarnish over time, so it's important to know that tarnishing will not damage your silver jewellery, and that this is a natural process.

Tarnishing happens when silver is exposed to sulfur-containing gases in the air, cause the surfaces to darken. This can be removed by polishing your jewellery, and there's lots of tips and tricks to reduce the rate of tarnishing... - When you're not wearing your jewellery, store in an air tight bag to reduce the contact with these sulfur-containing gases. - Avoid contact with harsh chemicals such as Perfume, lotions etc. - Avoid wearing in the Pool or Shower as moisture can accelerate the tarnishing process - Take off to exercise and sleep



How do I clean my Silver Jewellery?

If your jewellery does become a little tarnished, it's easy to re-polish! Use a lint free cloth, or one our Polishing Cloths, to remove smudges, fingerprints and day-to-day tarnishing. Each piece of jewellery purchased from Little Homebird Jewellery will receive a free sample of Town Talk's Silver Polishing Cloth. This soft cloth is impregnated with Silver Polish compound that not only helps remove tarnish but will help protect against future tarnishing. You can use your polishing cloth on all metals, so you can use on all your jewellery, but please do not use on any Plated items. Every so often you may need to send your Jewellery in to the Jewellers for a deep clean.



Will my black lettering fade?

To darkened any lettering, we use a safe non-toxic agent. We apply this to all of our handstamped impressions as standard, but if you would prefer to not have this darkening agent used on your jewellery just ask!

Over time this patina may fade or discolour with wear or if it comes into contact with household chemicals such as cleaning products. But don't worry you can send your piece into us for us to revive this any time (free of charge!) or we're happy to share our top tips of creating this effect at home using a common household product...

Buyers are responsible for returning these items, covering any shipping fees and custom charges incurred for receiving your return. Shipping costs to resend your ring to you will be covered if you are in the UK (standard shipping only), and will incur a small charge if you are overseas.



Will my Jewellery turn my skin green?

Sterling Silver is not known for turning your skin green like costume jewellery.

This reaction happens when the oils in your skin come into contact with Copper, and as all Sterling Silver can contain trace amounts of copper, a small percentage of people may notice a small reaction. This is extremely rare, and will only occur if you are overly sensitive to metals such as Copper. We cannot be held responsible should this reaction occur, please be aware of any sensitivities to metals before ordering.



I have sensitive skin - Can I wear your jewellery?

Silver is a very soft material and so, Sterling Silver contains 92.5% Silver (hence the .925 mark) and 7.5% alloy of other metals such as Copper and Zinc to create wearable jewellery. All of our jewellery is made with Sterling Silver - unless stated otherwise - and is Nickel free. We cannot be held responsible for any reaction to our Sterling Silver jewellery, please be aware of any sensitivities to any metals before ordering.



Do you offer repair work?

All our jewellery is subject to a free 30 day repair warranty. If your treasured piece needs repairing during this time (30 days from delivery) we are happy to repair/rework your jewellery. After this time any damage is attributed to general wear and tear. Please note that our jewellery repair service can only be offered if our jewellery care advice has been followed - we reserved the right to refuse a repair if the jewellery shows signs of excessive damage/manipulation from the wearer. If this time has passed, or you need to send in a previously loved Little Homebird Jewellery piece for a little TLC, we're happy to repair any breakages and give them a good polish for a small charge. Please Contact us for availability, time scales and pricing.
Please note that at this time, we are unable to repair any jewellery that has note been created by Little Homebird Jewellery.



SIZING

How do I find my Ring Size?

Our rings are made to your specified size. We create rings using a UK Ring Size – please ensure that you know this sizing before ordering as we cannot be responsible if the wrong size is ordered.

We recommend heading to a local jeweller to be measured to this specific sizing system or to have a ring measured that you already own.

We do have our own plastic “at home” ring sizers, this gives a close ring size and although this does not guarantee a perfect fit, is a great way to measure at home if a visit to a Jeweller is not possible.

Find our At Home Ring Sizer here



Can you convert my international ring size?

Wherever possible we do not convert ring sizes, however some of our international customers have found this site to be helpful in estimating a UK ring size.

Please do not use a tape measure to measure for your ring size. Circumference and diameter measurements do not convert accurately on UK ring size charts as they not do not consider the style of the band or the thickness of the metal used for your ring band. We are not responsible for any ring size conversions, wherever possible please size for a UK ring size.



My ring has arrived and it doesn't fit - Can I return/exchange it?

If you've been measured at a jeweller, used one our ring sizes, or even tried to source a conversion measurement and your ring has arrived and it's a little snug, or maybe even a size too big. We understand that it is really tricky ordering the perfect fit, especially online. So we're happy to offer a one time free, resize of your personalised ring, just to give you that peace of mind when ordering.

This resizing service is only available to resize rings up or down three sizes. Any larger size difference may incur an additional charge due to extra labour/material costs. Please contact us about your sizing requirements BEFORE sending in your ring, as we may not be able to resize certain designs or bespoke/custom pieces.

All our non personalised rings can be exchanged for any different size. Items must be returned in its original packaging and undamaged.

Buyers are responsible for returning these items, covering any shipping fees and custom charges incurred for receiving your return. Shipping costs to resend your ring to you will be covered if you are in the UK, and will incur a small charge if you are overseas.

Our free resizing service can only be claimed within 30 days of delivery.



Can you resize my ring?

Any ring purchased from us at Little Homebird Jewellery can be resized... If you've ordered recently and have ordered the wrong size, we can offer a one time free, resize of your personalised ring. This resizing service is only available to resize rings up or down three sizes.

For larger size differences or if you'd like us to resize a ring you've purchased from us in the past, Please contact us about your sizing requirements so we can discuss time frames and costings. At this time we are unable to offer a resizing service on jewellery not purchased from Little Homebird Jewellery.



I've ordered the wrong size change length, can I exchange for a different size?

Sometimes you just need to try it on! We're always happy to swap your chain, or bracelet cord for a different size - Just Contact us within 7 days of delivery to organise. Please note items must be returned in its original packaging and undamaged. Buyers are responsible for returning these items, covering any shipping fees and custom charges incurred for receiving your return. Please post your item to us within 30 days and retain a proof of postage. Shipping costs to resend your jewellery to you will be covered if you are in the UK (standard shipping only), and will incur a small charge if you are overseas.



My size isn't in stock - can you make it?

I'm sure we can! We try to offer standard sizes for jewellery to help when you shop, but if you have a specific size requests such as half ring sizes, larger cord bracelets or even the smallest sizes for precious and tiny wrists, we will do our best to make sure we can create it. Just drop us a message and we can chat about it



RETURNS

Do you accpet Returns?

We only accept a return if:
Your item is not Personalised/customised
Your item has arrived damaged/has been made incorrectly

Items must be returned in its original packaging and undamaged. Buyers are responsible for returning these items, covering any shipping fees and custom charges incurred for receiving your return.

We can only process your refund once we receive the item - refunds can take up to 7 working days to show funds in your account. We recommend sending via a tracked/insured service as we are not responsible for any lost items. Only item costs will be refunded - all postage costs are exempt. We can only process a refund to the original payment method. Buyers are responsible for ensuring this payment method is valid at the time the refund is issued.

Please post your item to us within 30 days and retain a proof of postage as we may request a copy of this before issuing a refund.
Contact us for more information and to confirm if a return is possible.

*We reserve the right to decline refund if item is deemed unsellable*



I don't like my order, can I return it?

We want you to be 100% happy with your order, so if you're unhappy please do get in touch so we can resolve the issue.

Any personalised pieces can only be refunded if we have made a mistake with your personalisations, any damaged items will be claimed for via Royal Mail. All our pieces are created using traditional steel punches, letters are hammered into the metal one at a time, by eye. This creates a unique impression that can differ in spacing, depth and alignment.

We don't consider this a defect but a celebration of our handmade processes - we will not offer a refund/exchange due to "imperfectly" aligned text.



My ring doesn't fit - can I exchange it?

We always as our customers to find their UK ring size before ordering - please see our sizing FAQ for more information. However we understand that it is really tricky ordering the perfect fit, especially online. So we're happy to offer a one time, free resize of your personalised ring, just to give you that peace of mind when ordering. This resizing service is only available to resize rings up or down three sizes. Any larger size difference may incur an additional charge due to extra labour/material costs. Please contact us about your sizing requirements BEFORE sending in your ring, as we may not be able to resize certain designs or bespoke/custom pieces.

All our non personalised rings can be exchanged for any different size. Items must be returned in its original packaging and undamaged.

Buyers are responsible for returning these items, covering any shipping fees and custom charges incurred for receiving your return. Shipping costs to resend your ring to you will be covered if you are in the UK (standard shipping only), and will incur a small charge if you are overseas.
Our free resizing service can only be claimed within 30 days of delivery.



I've made a mistake with my order - can it be changed?

Wherever possible we will try to accommodate any changes to your order, however if we have already begun work on your personalisations we are unable to alter these. Please be aware that any personalised items that have been made to your specifications (at checkout) are not eligible for a return/refund.



I would like to cancel my order?

If we have already begun work on your personalised piece we are not able to offer a cancellation as this item cannot be resold. Any non personalised orders can only be cancelled if we have not begun dispatching your order. Once shipped, non personalised piece can be returned, however are subject to shipping costs. Please returns above ^



There's been a mistake with my stamping - can I get a replacement?

Our Jewellery is made by hand and can be subject to human error. It is very rare that we make mistakes - but hey, we're human!

If we do mistakenly stamp your personalisations differently to those requested we are more then happy to remake and resend your piece asap!



My order has arrived damaged - Help!

We put a lot of trust in our postal services to make sure your items are delivered safely and on time. It's really rare that an item arrives damaged, however if this happens, we must be informed as soon as possible. Please contact us within 7 days of delivery, we will require photos of the damaged item and its packaging so we can claim through the appropriate postal service. After this time, any damages cannot be classified as "damaged in transit" as we are unable to claim for them. We of course, are more then happy to remake and resend your piece asap!



My jewellery has broken - can you repair it?

All our jewellery is subject to a free 30 day repair warranty. If your treasured piece needs repairing during this time (30 days from delivery) we are happy to repair/rework your jewellery. After this time any damage is attributed to general wear and tear. Please note that our jewellery repair service can only be offered if our jewellery care advice has been followed - we reserved the right to refuse a repair if the jewellery shows signs of excessive damage/manipulation from the wearer. If this time has passed, or you need to send in a previously loved Little Homebird Jewellery piece for a little TLC, we're happy to repair any breakages and give them a good polish for a small charge. Please Contact us for availability, time scales and pricing.
Please note that at this time, we are unable to repair any jewellery that has note been created by Little Homebird Jewellery.



Not answered your question? Drop us a message...
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram

© 2020 by Little Homebird Jewellery. Proudly created with Wix.com