FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Materials
Each piece is individually made by Lydia to a high standard using semi-precious gemstones alongside gold-filled components (14k gold on a base metal, see below), sterling silver, and gold vermeil (22ct gold-plate on sterling silver).
Presentation & Packaging
Sizing
If any of the items are not the size you would like then please email us at contact@lydiadesigns.co.uk.
Repairs
We will repair items free of charge (excluding extra materials and postage) within one year of purchase. After one year there will be a repair charge.
Shipping & Returns
Deliveries to the UK
We offer FREE postage to all addresses within the UK with Royal Mail Special Delivery (Next Day Shipping - Insured) This service is for orders of £50 and over in order to insure the jewellery. Royal Mail do not accept jewellery in First Class signed for mail (Standard Shipping - Not Insured) as insurable, even if it is under £50. If you choose to have it delivered this way you are giving your consent and understanding that the package will not be insured.
Jewellery Care
General Care - It is advised that you don't wear your jewellery in the water, this includes showers. Spraying perfume onto beads and stones is very damaging to the lustre so please keep this away from your skin when wearing, this also included essential oils.
Keep your pieces in the beautiful box provided for you when not being worn - this will help ensure your jewels stay in good condition for longer.
Sterling Silver, Gold Filled Chain & Antique Chain
As Sterling Silver (925) and 14k Gold filled chain is not completely pure, overtime it will tarnish. This can be polished easily by hand using a standard silver/jewellery polish, just follow the instructions on the tin. It is advised that you do not wear your jewellery in water, especially salt water as this can speed up the process. Antique bronze/copper chain will stay darkened. Keep your Jewellery in the gift bag/box to ensure safe storage of your piece.
Glass beads/pearls & Semi Precious Stones
Glass beads and pearls can be cleaned with a light damp cloth and then patted dry.
They will lose their lustre if exposed to perfume, essential oils, chemicals, detergents and water.
Semi-Precious stones vary in degrees of hardness some scratch more easily than others so take care when wearing your Jewellery.
Metal
Brass, copper, sterling silver, 14k gold fill or pewter may have been used to create your Jewellery. All metal will oxidise and darken overtime. If you want to bring back its brightness then a simple metal polish will do.
Wooden Jewellery
Your Jewellery may be made from birch, maple or walnut wood. The wood has then been treated with a matt varnish to protect the surface. It is advised that you DO NOT put your piece in water as the Jewellery is a wood based product that can soften and degrade in water if exposed for long periods of time. The crystals are secured using glue or a resin, any heavy knocks, water submersion or misuse of the Jewellery may cause it to break so please look after your lovely Jewellery so that you can wear it for a long time.
Covid-19
At present I am still able to send my jewellery by Special Delivery, usually the guarantee is before 1pm the next working day. Currently Royal Mail are not offereing this service due to the high demand in delivery service but it should still be with you by the end of the working day if not the day after. It still requires someone to be in for delivery for insurance purposes,