FAQs

Here we've tried to provide answers to our most frequently asked questions, but if you don't find what you're looking for please contact us by email or phone

Repairs

Do Thorpe & Brown do repairs?

At Thorpe & Brown, no job is too small. From chain repairs to ring resizing and cleaning and polishing, we endeavour to repair your loved but unworn jewellery because we believe jewellery is for wearing! If you are able to visit our showroom, please do so with your jewellery so one of our expert staff can advise further on the nature of the repair. For further information please contact us via telephone or email. 

What is the repairs process?

For repairs, resizing, alterations and cleaning & polishing we will always quote first in writing. If you are happy with the quotation we will go ahead once a 50% deposit or full payment has been made (a link will be sent for payment). The workshop can take 5-10 working days to complete the work unless we have advised otherwise.

How long does it take to provide a quote?

If you have dropped an item in to us we will be in touch with your quotation within 5 working days. Please keep an eye on your emails or Whatsapp.

What does it mean to have your rings polished rather than cleaned?

The difference between a quick clean and a full polish is quite substantial! Jewellery cleaning brings back the sparkle to dull diamonds and gemstones making the ring appear shiny on the surface. Whereas, a complete buff and polish removes any scratches - obtained from general wear and tear - to leave a ring that looks brand new!

Can my ring be resized, and how much will it cost?

A plain precious metal band can usually be resized. However a stone-set ring is more tricky. If your ring is stone-set and you are able to visit our showroom, please do so with your ring so that we can advise whether a resize is possible. For further information please either visit our showroom or contact us via telephone. 

How do I find out my ring size?

Visiting our showroom and enabling us to measure your finger professionally is by far the best way to determine your ring size accurately. If you are unable to do this however, please feel free to use our sizing chart as the next best option. 

Can you value my piece of jewellery?

With over 15 years experience in valuing jewellery, we offer a full valuation service, providing valuations for single items, or schedules for multiple pieces. Each come with full details and photographs to give your insurer and up to date information and you, piece of mind!ou peace o

How does Salvage work?

We can cash in your gold to use against work we are doing for you, or we can provide the monetary value for this. Once you have visited us and we have taken the necessary information please allow 5-7 working days to assess your items and prepare a value for you. We will be in touch with next steps once you are happy with the values quoted.

Remodelling & Commissons

What is Bespoke?

At Thorpe & Brown bespoke means beginning with an initial design, offering our knowledge and expertise to inspire confidence in hand-crafting a design that is truly yours. Your personal jeweller. 

What is the difference between White Gold and Platinum? And how do I choose a Diamond?

We've put together some information on precious metals, diamonds & gemstones here

Are your Diamonds Ethically sourced?

Yes - our Diamonds are all purchased from legitimate sources, that are conflict free in compliance with United Nations Resolutions

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Workshops

How do I book a workshop?

You can book one of our Jewellery Making Workshops online here, or give us a call or send a message, and we'll be happy to help.

What if all the dates I'm interested in are full?

You can contact us and we will try and accommodate your booking - we can sometimes add a specific date for you, so it's always worth getting in touch.

What can I make at a workshop?

Your options for our standard workshops are:

  • Silver Stacking Ring – £80
  • Silver Initial Ring – £95
  • Silver Spinning Ring – £135
  • Silver Stacking Bangle – £115
  • Silver Hooked Bangle – £145
  • Silver Cuff Bangle – £165

We also do private group workshops if you have a special occasion, as well as our Wedding Ring Making Workshops.

Can we make our own Wedding Rings?

Do you offer private workshops?

Shipping & Returns

Can I return my order?

If you are not happy with your Thorpe & Brown jewellery, or if somebody has chosen the wrong piece of jewellery for you, it can be returned provided it is unworn and not scratched or damaged. Due to hygiene reasons, earrings cannot be returned or exchanged. All goods can be returned to us within 14 days of purchase and online orders must be returned in the original packaging at your own cost. If you are posting the items back to us, we recommend using a secure, trackable method and insure the item as we will not be liable for the item lost in transit. 

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship internationally! Contact us for further information about postage costs and delivery.  

How much is delivery?

We offer 3 delivery options, as well as in store pickup;

Royal Mail 48 hour tracked £4.95

Royal Mail 24 hour tracked £6.95

Royal Mail Special Delivery £9.95

Can I collect my order?

Absolutely - you can collect your order as soon as it is ready, during our opening hours. We will let you know via email as soon as your order is ready.

General

Does my jewellery come with a guarantee?

All purchases come with a 12 month warranty. During the warranty period of 12 months from date of purchase, we will repair or replace (at no charge) any item that proves defective because of improper material or workmanship under normal use and care.

Do you have all your products listed online?

Yes, we have all of the beautiful pieces you see in the showroom online to make it even easier for you to select the perfect piece of jewellery at the click of a finger! However, for custom made pieces it is best to pop into the showroom or contact us via telephone so we can further advise.

How do I care for and clean my jewellery?

To ensure the longevity of your jewellery, we would recommend you avoid wearing your jewellery when participating in sports, sleeping or swimming. Avoid applying creams or make-up or spraying perfume onto your jewellery as this can discolour precious metals, including silver. Household chemicals and bleaches are also to be avoided. To prevent mis-shaping we would recommend storing your jewellery carefully, laying jewellery flat or hanging chains up. Refrain from running charms along chains or bangles as this will wear away the silver. If your jewellery is looking a little dull, you can purchase a microfibre Jewellery cleaning cloth over the counter. Alternatively pop into the showroom with your jewellery where we can clean and polish it for you to bring back the sparkle!  

Can my item be personalised?

From traditional engraving, to fingerprints and your own handwriting, we provide a professional engraving service. Using diamond cutting machinery we can add almost any design to your jewellery, patterns such as grooves and beading. Contact us for further information. Please note that items that have been personalised cannot be returned. 

The gold-plating on my item is wearing off - what can be done?

All of the gold plated pieces sold at Thorpe & Brown are handcrafted in sterling silver and finished with a layer of gold plating. Please note that as this is only a thin layer of gold deposited to the surface, therefore we do not advise you wear plated rings or bracelets every day due to increased rate of wear and tear. Gold plated earrings and necklaces are fine to wear more regularly. However, if you should notice that the plating is wearing off at an excessive rate please bring the jewellery back into our showroom. 

Can I order by telephone?

At Thorpe & Brown you can order exactly as you’d like to and if this is over the telephone then one of our friendly staff are on call to help assist in making this possible. To place an order via telephone call, 01455 635088.

How do I buy or redeem a voucher?

Vouchers can be purchased online or in store, and likewise redeemed online or by visiting our showroom. Thorpe & Brown vouchers can be used against any of the gorgeous pieces we showcase in store, our team are always happy to assist you in selecting the perfect piece of jewellery. Alternatively, vouchers can be used to offset against the price of a workshop. 

Salvage

Can I salvage my old jewellery for cash?

Can I trade in old broken jewellery?

What types of metals can I salvage?

Can I use old jewellery to remodel?

Can I use small amount of gold within a new design?

Do you buy diamonds?