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).
Sometimes brass is used and this will be made clear in the product's description.
Stringing: For it's durable properties, nylon coated stainless steel is used to string the beads. There are varying thicknesses used depending on the size of the stone's holes and this will again be made clear in the product's description.
Sterling silver: In the UK is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, most likely copper. This means that sterling silver can tarnish over time but with a silver polish this can be remedied easily.
Gold Vermeil: 22ct gold-plate on sterling silver.
Gold-filled: Gold-filled jewellery is composed of a solid layer of gold bonded with heat and pressure to a base metal such as brass. Gold-filled items are 5-10 times thicker than regular gold plating. Gold-filled items, with daily wear, can last up to 30 years, making them long lasting and durable.
Presentation & Packaging
Each piece of jewellery is packaged in a recyclable card box that has the Lydia Lotus Designs lotus logo in gold on the top with acid free tissue paper and dried flowers.
The gemstone properties will be sent with the item that Lydia hand writes herself.
A care card is also included to ensure the best treatment of your jewellery.
If you would like to add a gift card with a personal note then please leave this in the additional comments box at checkout.
Sizing
If any of the items are not the size you would like then please email us at contact@lydiadesigns.co.uk. Send clear images of the product to enable us to solve the issue as accurately as possible.
The cost of the re-size will depend on the amount of extra materials required. They will vary depending on what is required.
Examples of additional materials; extender chains, replacement seed beads or stones, jewellery findings and sterling silver/14k gold fill wire to re-make clasps, re-stringing an item because it is too large or small.
A flate rate labour fee of £30/hr is required for the re-size with additional material and postage costs.
Postage is always sent as special delivery.
The cost of the re-size will be quoted to you once the enquiry has been sent to contact@lydiadesigns.co.uk along with supporting images. This will be confirmed before the details are given for you to send the item back.
Please note that Lydia Lotus Designs is not responsible for postal charges on re-sized items and we advise that you send it back by a tracked and insured delivery to ensure a safe return.
Repairs
We will repair (this does not include re-sizing - see Sizing section of my FAQ) items free of charge (excluding extra materials and postage) within 6 months of purchase. After 6 months there will be a repair charge of £30/hr with the aditional costs of materials and postage .
Email contact@lydiadesigns.co.uk if you wish to discuss a repair further. This will need to be done before you send it back.
Please note that Lydia Lotus Designs is not responsible for postal charges on repair items and we advise that you send it back by a tracked and insured delivery to ensure a safe return.
Shipping & Returns
Deliveries to the UK
Due to current restrictions in post offices please allow 5-7 days for delivery as I will only be visiting the post office once a week.
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 £60 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.
Both delivery methods require a signature upon delivery and provide electronic proof of delivery. For security reasons all parcels must be signed for on receipt, so please state a delivery address, where you will be present at the time of delivery (home or work). In the event that no-one is available to receive your item a card will be left providing you with the option to have the item delivered at a later date or to collect your parcel from your local collection depot.
For more information on my Shipping and Returns Policy please go to the separate page at the top of my website and click on 'Shipping and Returns' there you will find a more detailed outline for overseas customers, late deliveries, returns & repairs.
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,
'Signing for and receiving items In order to protect both our people and customers as much as possible, we are minimising contact during delivery. We will not be handing over our hand-held devices to customers to capture signatures but instead log the name of the person accepting the item. Additionally, for all customers where we need to deliver any item that won’t fit through your letterbox, we will place your item at your door. Having knocked on your door, we will then step aside to a safe distance while you retrieve your item. This will ensure your item is delivered securely rather than being left outside.'
If you would like to know more about the posting service please follow this link by copy and pasting into your search bar - https://www.royalmail.com/d8/coronavirus-changes-service.
Any other queries then please email me at contact@lydiadesigns.co.uk