FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are all of your pieces handmade?
Yes. Every piece of Sara Rothwell Jewellery is handmade and finished with care.We work in small collections, with some pieces ready to ship and much of our jewellery made to order. The nature of handmade jewellery means there may be subtle variations in texture, finish and form. These are part of the character and individuality of each piece. What does made to order mean?Made to order pieces are created especially for you once your order has been placed. Making times vary depending on the piece and the processes involved. An estimated timeframe will be given wherever possible. If you need something for a particular date, please contact us before ordering and we will let you know what is possible.
Do you make bespoke jewellery?
Yes. Bespoke work sits at the heart of what we do. We can create a piece entirely from the beginning, work around a particular stone or idea, or transform jewellery and precious materials you already own. The process begins with a conversation. You do not need to arrive with a finished design. We can begin with a feeling, a story, a stone, an object or simply an idea of what you would like the piece to hold.What is Heirloom Gold Alchemy?
Heirloom Gold Alchemy is our service for transforming existing gold into something that can be worn and lived with again.
The gold may have been inherited, belonged to someone you love, come from jewellery associated with another part of your life, or simply have been sitting unworn for many years. We work with the material and its history to create a new piece, allowing its story to continue and, in the case of inherited gold, perhaps adding a new chapter to your family mythology.
How does the bespoke process work?
We begin by talking about what you would like to create, along with any materials, stones, heirloom jewellery or references you would like us to consider.From there, we develop the design and provide a quotation. Once the design and quotation are agreed, a 50% deposit secures your commission and allows the making process to begin.
The remaining balance is payable on completion, before your finished piece is collected or dispatched.
Can you melt down my old gold?
In many cases, yes. We will first need to assess your jewellery, including its carat, condition, construction and any stones or other materials it contains. Some pieces are more suitable for direct remaking than others, and occasionally additional gold may be required.
We will talk you through what is possible before any work begins.
Can I use gold from several different family members?
Potentially, yes, and this can become a beautiful part of the story of the finished piece.
Whether different pieces can be combined will depend on their carat and composition. We will assess everything first and advise on the best way to work with the material.
Can you reuse the stones from my existing jewellery?
Often, yes. Stones will need to be assessed individually before we can confirm whether they are suitable for removal and resetting. Some older, worn or fragile stones may carry a greater risk during the process, and we will discuss this with you before proceeding.
I’m using my own gold. Why is there still a significant cost?
Your gold is one part of the cost of creating a piece. Each commission also includes the design work, craftsmanship and the specialist processes involved in repurposing your existing metal, from testing, melting and preparation through to making, setting and finishing the new piece.
With the value of gold today, reusing your own metal can often significantly reduce the cost compared with making the same piece in newly sourced gold. We take the gold you bring us into consideration when preparing your quotation and will always explain what can be reused, whether anything additional is needed, and how this shapes the final price.
What is Memento Mori jewellery?
Our Memento Mori jewellery is created as a way of carrying memory, love and connection with you.A piece can become a small, precious container, made to hold something of the person or being you are remembering. Ashes can be incorporated or held within the jewellery, alongside other intimate materials such as hair or small keepsakes, depending on the design.
The piece is created around what you wish to carry and how you would like to carry it, becoming something deeply personal that can be worn close to the body. We understand the significance of entrusting these materials to another person.
Everything you bring to us is received, held and worked with with the utmost care and respect throughout the making process.
Can I commission memorial jewellery after someone has passed?
Yes. We understand that deciding what to do with jewellery, ashes or other precious materials belonging to someone who has passed can take time. You do not need to know exactly what you would like to make before contacting us.
We can begin with a conversation, talk about what you would like the piece to hold, both physically and personally, and allow the design to emerge from there.
How much does bespoke jewellery cost?
Every commission is different, so bespoke work is quoted individually. The final price depends on the design, materials, stones, weight, complexity and making processes involved. Working with your own gold can contribute towards the materials required, although the value of a commission also reflects the design, craftsmanship and time involved in creating it.We will always provide a quotation before proceeding.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Flexible payment options are available on the website through Klarna, PayPal Pay in 3 and Clearpay, subject to each provider's eligibility requirements and terms.For bespoke, Heirloom Gold Alchemy and Memento Mori commissions, a 50% deposit is required before work begins.In some circumstances, we may also be able to arrange an individual payment plan. Please contact us before beginning your commission if you would like to discuss this.
Can bespoke or made-to-order jewellery be returned?
Bespoke, personalised, Heirloom Gold Alchemy and Memento Mori pieces are created specifically for you and therefore cannot usually be returned or exchanged unless faulty. Different conditions may apply to non-personalised pieces purchased from our collections. Please see our Returns Policy for full details. Your statutory rights are not affected.
How should I clean my jewellery at home?
For most plain gold and silver jewellery, and pieces set with robust stones such as diamonds, a gentle clean at home is often all that is needed. Add a small amount of mild washing-up liquid to warm water and allow the jewellery to soak briefly. You can then gently clean around the settings and harder-to-reach areas with a soft, old toothbrush. Rinse carefully and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.Silver can also be brought back to life with a good-quality silver polishing cloth. Please never dip your gold or silver jewellery into chemical jewellery-cleaning solutions or silver and gold dips.
These can be too harsh for certain finishes, patinas and gemstones. A polishing cloth is a much gentler option.Some stones, including pearls, opals, emeralds and other delicate or porous materials, need different care and should not necessarily be soaked. If you are unsure, please ask us before cleaning your piece.
Can you professionally clean my jewellery?
Yes. If your Sara Rothwell Jewellery piece needs a little more attention, you are very welcome to send it back to us for professional cleaning and refreshing for a small charge.Please contact us before sending anything so that we can advise you on the process and cost.
How should I care for my jewellery day to day?
Our jewellery is made to be worn and to become part of your life.A little care will help it age beautifully. We recommend removing jewellery before swimming, using household cleaning products or doing anything likely to cause significant impact or abrasion. Perfume, cosmetics and chemicals can affect certain stones, metals and finishes, so it is best to allow skincare and fragrance to settle before putting your jewellery on.
Will my jewellery change with wear?
Yes, gently.Precious metals develop their own patina over time. Surfaces soften, finishes evolve and a piece begins to carry the marks of being worn.For us, this is part of the life of jewellery. The piece continues to gather its own history as it moves through the world with you.
Do you offer repairs, resizing or alterations?
We are happy to discuss repairs, resizing and alterations to Sara Rothwell Jewellery pieces.For jewellery made elsewhere, please contact us with photographs and details first. We will let you know whether the work is something we are able to undertake.Do you offer re-plating? Please contact us with details and photographs of your piece. Re-plating may be available depending on the jewellery, metal and existing finish.
Do you ship internationally?
Please check the delivery options available at checkout or contact us before ordering if you are unsure whether we can ship to your destination.International customers are responsible for any customs duties, import taxes or local charges that may apply on arrival.
How is my jewellery packaged?
Every piece is carefully prepared and packaged for its journey to you, whether it comes from one of our collections or is a piece we have spent months creating together.If your jewellery is a gift, please let us know when ordering.
I have an idea, but where do I begin?
That is absolutely enough. Some of our most personal pieces begin with little more than a feeling, an inherited ring, an unworn chain, a stone, a memory or the sense that something is ready to change. Tell us what you have and what you are drawn towards. We can begin there.