FAQ's
OUR MATERIALS
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What’s the story behind your diamonds?
I deal with the same small selection of reputable diamond suppliers that I did when I first started out in the business 15 years ago. All mined diamonds are sourced in the most ethical and environmentally responsible manner, adhering to the Kimberley Process. I also offer lab grown diamonds and gemstones if you wish to make a more ethically and environmentally traceable choice.
Each stone that I use has been individually selected for its unique beauty, including its inclusions and perfect imperfections. Please keep this in mind as the stones used in your jewellery will also be unique and will vary slightly in size and colour from other pieces that have been made or photographs you may have seen.
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Do you provide certification for your diamonds?
This is a case by case subject. Most larger diamonds will come with GIA certification, as well as all engagement ring collection pieces. However our bespoke pieces have diamonds sourced dependent on the commission budget and requests so certification will be discussed in the bespoke process.
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Tell us about your gold?
I use 100% recycled gold from our independent precious metal supplier. The majority of this gold is refined from post-consumer materials, such as jewellery, industrial-use metals, and electronics components. All of my jewels are hallmarked and bear my unique ‘Maker’s Mark’ to British hallmarking regulations. I can work in Fairtrade Gold on request, please enquire about this as it does affect price.
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Are all of your jewels unique?
Each of my jewels is completely handmade in my Cornwall studio, and therefore each piece is unique. Due to this, please note that small variations will occur resulting in slight differences from photographs you may have seen. Stone and metal colours may vary slightly and sizes are accurate within reason. No two pieces are ever exactly alike.
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ORDERING ONLINE
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Why do the stones in my jewel look different from those on the website? Why is the finish a little different?
I celebrate the unique character and natural qualities of the diamonds and gemstones that we work with. Slight variations in colour can be expected as they are natural minerals. As each piece is hand made, small differences in the finish is to be expected, it's what males your jewel so unique.
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I don’t live in the UK, do you ship internationally?
Yes I ship worldwide, please refer to my DELIVERY INFORMATION page for more details
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How long will it take for my order to arrive?
Delivery time varies depending on the item ordered. For my silver collections I endeavour to dispatch within 2 weeks, This is due to all items being made to orer. However if I have the piece in stock or can produce quicker I will of course let you know. Engagement rings are a little longer at 3-4 weeks. Maximum delivery time is 8 weeks if the item is made to order, we will inform you if that is the case.
If you have left it a bit late and need something sooner than the delivery time stated, or by a specific date, then please get in touch so that I can confirm availability on the items and prioritise their dispatch.
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How will my order arrive?
Your order will be dispatched in a discreet padded envelope or postage box. The jewellery is packaged in a branded Laura Basham Bespoke jewellery box, which is protected by tissue paper. If you would like a personal message to accompany any gift orders, please inform me upon order.
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Do you cover customs fees and import duties?
Unfortunately I do not cover customs fees incurred by exporting my jewels to international destinations. my customers are responsible for any duties and taxes according to their jurisdiction, however I can often advise you of what this cost might be based on my shipping provider’s estimates. US import duties in particular tend to be around 7% of the price of the jewel.
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What is your online returns policy?
I hope that you will be absolutely delighted with your jewellery., however if for any reason you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase I am happy to offer an exchange or credit note within 30 days of purchase. Alternatively we will refund a sale made through this website if it is returned to me unworn, in perfect condition, and in its original packaging within 14 working days of your receipt of the order. Purchases exempt from both the refund and exchange policies, unless they are structurally faulty, are:
— Commissioned pieces (bespoke)
— Customised pieces
All sales are final for any items purchased at a discounted rate and no exchanges or refunds will be made on discounted items.
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How do I return an online purchase?
To return an online purchase, please contact info@laurabashambespoke.com for further details, including international return shipping. Please include your order number in the email.
I am unable to accept responsibility for the non-arrival of returned goods and therefore recommend that UK items be sent by insured Special Delivery, and international items be sent using a secure and swift fully tracked courier service. Please note that the cost of shipping is not refundable. In the interests of fraud prevention, your refund will be issued by the same method by which you paid.
If you are not based in the UK and would like to return an item, please note that a customs declaration form will be required on shipping. The goods will need to be correctly detailed as ‘RETURNED BRITISH GOODS’ in order to ensure that no additional customs fees are incurred on re-import to the UK. In the instance that an item is incorrectly marked and a customs fee is incurred, this may be passed onto the customer. This may also delay the returns process.
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CUSTOMISATION, BESPOKE AND RE-SETTING COMMISSIONS
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Can you personalise one of your existing designs for me?
Each piece in my collections can be specially made-to-order and customised with a preferred type, colour or size of stone and preferred precious metal alloy. I am happy to guide you through the collections and possibilities that can be explored to make one of my existing designs more personal to you.
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What about commissioning an original bespoke item?
If you’re looking for something completely unique, tailored to you and your individual story, I offer a private consultation with me personally, either in my studio or at a convenient Cornwall location, via video chat, email or over the phone. This is an exclusive opportunity to learn about my creative process and bring to life an inspired, original design. Please get in touch to make an appointment.
Bespoke commissions take in the region of 8-10weeks from start to finish, though I do endeavour to finish the projects as quickly as I can as I know my customers are excited to receive their finished jewels.
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Do you offer a re-setting/ melt and roll service?
I adore working with heirloom stones that carry a special story and sentimental value, re-working them into a new and meaningful piece of jewellery that can be enjoyed and worn once again. To include sentimental materials to you, be it stones, or metal, brings me such joy as I know it means so much to my customers.
I offer a melt and roll service where your family gold can me melted down and remade into a custom piece.
If you are able to visit my Cornwall studio with your stones or metal for a personal consultation, please contact me to make an appointment. If you are not based in Cornwall, please contact me to arrange a video call or phone consultation and to find out details of posting your jewels safely to me.
During your consultation I will work with you to establish the most successful design to pursue, taking into account your tastes and preferences as well as the dimensions and type of stones and the possibilities they present.
Re-setting/ melt and roll projects take in the region of 8-10 weeks from start to finish, though I do endeavour to finish the projects quicker if possible..
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I’m not based in Cornwall, can I commission a piece remotely?
I am happy to work remotely with my customers and take pride in service I'm able to provide to my customers based all over the world. I can discuss commissions over video call, email or over the phone. Please contact me at the studio to arrange a remote consultation.
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What are your payment terms for customised and bespoke pieces of jewellery?
For bespoke and customised orders I require a 50% deposit as confirmation of your order before production can begin. Your deposit acts as a commitment to the order, if you change your mind after the deposit has been paid I reserve the right to retain your deposit to cover design time and gemstone sourcing. The remaining balance will be due before collection or dispatch of the order. Payment can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfer. Goods remain the property of Laura Basham Bespoke until paid for in full.
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Do you offer engraving?
Yes I do offer an engraving service. Please note that this incurs an extra charge and will be quoted on a case by case basis. Please leave details of your desired engraving in the ‘Additional Details’ section on checkout and I will contact you via email with further details including font options and a separate invoice.
APPRAISALS AND WARRANTIES
Do you offer a warranty on your jewels?
My pieces are designed to be worn and loved, but as with all fine jewellery they should be treated with care. I provide a one year warranty on all of our jewellery from the date of purchase, provided it has not been worked on by another jeweller or if the damage goes beyond accepted patterns of wear. Beyond the warranty period we will quote for any necessary repairs on a case-by-case basis.
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Do you offer valuations and appraisals on your jewels?
Although I can provide a valuation letter for insurance purposes once your purchase is complete, I cannot provide a formal appraisal. This requires an independent assessment by a certified appraiser.
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REPAIRS + RECONDITIONING
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Do you offer repairs?
Yes I am always happy to repair my pieces. I assess repairs on a case-by-case basis, please get in touch with me for more information. I am committed to making my customers happy so please contact me as soon as possible if you experience any issues with your jewellery.
Please contact me BEFORE shipping an item back for repair so that I can guide you on how to do so. If you are not based in the UK and would like to send me an item for repair, please note that a customs declaration form will be required on shipping. The goods will need to be correctly detailed as ‘RETURNED BRITISH GOODS’ in order to ensure that no additional customs fees are incurred on re-import to the UK. In the instance that an item is incorrectly marked and a customs fee is incurred, this may be passed onto the customer.
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Do you offer a re-conditioning service?
Although my jewels are designed to change with wear, moulding and adapting to the wearer’s lifestyle and habits over the years, I am happy to recondition items and return their original finish and lustre. Gold vermeil items will eventually loose their plating, so I offer a re-plating service at cost price as I want you jewels to remain looking their best always. Textured surfaces on the precious metal are superficial, gentle matte finishes will smooth out with wear. Please contact the studio if you’d like to bring the jewel’s original finish back to the surface.
REFINISHING?
I want my jewels to always look their best so I offer a free yearly refinish and setting check on my engagement rings and fine jewellery. As for gold vermeil pieces, I offer a cost price re-plating service to ensure your jewel looks stunning forever.
FAMILY GOLD/ STONES?
A core part of my business and one I love is working with my customers sentimental gold or gemstones. If you have some items you would like reworked into a new design please get in touch.