FAQs
We understand that any bespoke piece is a big commitment and one that you want to get right.
We have put together a list of our most asked questions to help you in the process, as well as guides on choosing the right stone, cut and metal.
If you don't see the answer to your question here or would like to enquire about a bespoke piece, please contact us.
ABOUT THE PROCESS
What should I put in a bespoke enquiry form?
Bespoke enquiry forms let us know what you are looking for, so the more detail you can put in the quicker we can quote and get back to you.
Things to include are:
The item are you looking for (e.g. engagement ring)
Your rough budget
Your gemstone/ diamond choice
Any design ideas you may have, including pictures
Metal choice
Time frame
Can I use my own stone?
We know that a lot of clients have heirloom stones that they may like to use in a bespoke piece. We can use your own stone but each stone must be assessed on a case-by-case basis to see whether it is viable to be re-set into a new piece. If your stone can be used then a discretionary setting fee will be charged.
Can I reuse metal I have myself?
Unfortunately we do not re-use metal.
What is CAD?
CAD stands for ‘computer aided design’ and is a fantastic way that you can see exactly what your final piece will look like on your screen before it is produced. If this isn’t enough we can also print out a 3D model of your piece for you to try on.
How long does the bespoke process take?
The standard time for a bespoke piece to be completed is 6-8 weeks from approving the final design.
What if I have a really tight deadline for a bespoke piece?
If you have a tight deadline please do still get in touch, we will do everything to make sure that we can bring your piece to life in time. However, this is on a case by case basis, as it depends on workshop capacity and the complexity of the piece.
PAYMENT
What price do bespoke pieces start at?
Bespoke pieces start at £500, the cost of the piece will depend on the complexity of the design, as well as the stone and metal choices.
How do you structure payment?
For all bespoke pieces we ask for a minimum of a 50% deposit before we begin the CAD process. This deposit is fully refundable up until the point that the CAD image is approved.
MATERIALS
What metals do you use?
We use all standard metals found in the UK: silver, 9ct gold, 18ct gold and platinum.
Where do you source your diamonds?
All of our diamonds are sourced from reputable diamond dealers in Hatton Garden. We cannot certify the origin of every diamond as most aren’t tracked from mine to consumer and may have first been mined hundreds of years ago!
If you are specifically interested in an ethical diamond then we can source a Kimberly certified or Canada mark diamond, which ensure that the diamond was ethically mined.
Are your gemstones ethical?
We work with suppliers all over the world and can track the majority of our gemstones from the mine to our store, thus ensuring they are ethical. If you would like to be guaranteed that your gemstone is ethically sourced please let us know and we will be sure to only show you stones we can assure meets this criteria.
LOCATION
Do you offer in-person consultations?
A Bespoke Life was born as an online bespoke jewellers and therefore we do not offer in-person consultations as a rule, however if you feel you would be more comfortable meeting in person then please do get in touch and we will try to accommodate you.
Do you have a physical store?
A Bespoke Life is a purely online business and does not have a physical store.
Where is your jewellery made?
All of our jewellery is made by fine jewellery experts in Hatton Garden, London.
RING SIZES
What if I don’t know mine/my partner’s ring size?
After years of working as bespoke jewellers we have a pretty good knack of guessing partners ring sizes from photographs, but if you can find a sneaky way to figure it out then that is always a plus.
REFUNDS & RETURNS
Does my piece come with a warranty?
All Bespoke Life pieces are made of the highest quality and built to last, as such we have no issue giving three years warranty for any piece. Although we recommend you drop the ring in once a year for a complimentary service.
What is your refund/ return policy?
We offer a 14 day return policy for any stock item purchased. However, bespoke items are non-refundable once the piece has been given the go-ahead, unless it is not as described or faulty.
POSTAGE & PACKAGING
What couriers do you use to send my piece?
For domestics goods we use Royal Mail to send our items, which ensures all packages are tracked, signed for and insured.
For international shipments our preferred courier is UPS.
How will my piece be packaged?
All of our bespoke pieces come in luxury suede and lacquered wood A Bespoke Life jewellery boxes.
ADDED EXTRAS
What does my new bespoke piece come with?
All our pieces come in one of our luxury jewellery boxes.
Engagement rings also come with a complimentary hand painted image of the ring for your keepsakes.
If you have selected a certified gemstone/ diamond to be used in your piece, then it will also come with a physical certificate for that stone.
INSURANCE
Do you offer insurance valuations?
We can offer insurance valuations for any piece that we produce, however this comes at an additional cost of £80, and is not included in the 6-8 week time frame usually given for bespoke work.
If you would like an insurance valuation please do let us know and we can provide one for your piece.