Delivery Info

Delivery Info

All goods shipped are insured against loss and damage whilst they are in transit.

Once you are advised by e-mail that your order has been shipped, we guarantee delivery of all items except in cases where the address supplied is incorrect, illegible, incomplete or if the recipient is away or has moved, in which case you will be liable for payment of the purchase price and shipping of the order irrespective of whether the order arrives on time or not at all.

Free Returns

Free Returns

Gillett's Jewellers are committed to the provision of high quality products. Guarantee: We guarantee that our products will be delivered in new condition without damage or fault in craftsmanship.

If the product was damaged or faulty in its craftsmanship at the time of delivery to you (the customer), you may return the product within 30 days (of the delivery date) and Gillett's will refund the product price or replace the item.*

Free Shipping

Free Returns

Gilletts Jewellers offer free shipping for items over the value of $150.

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FAQ

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Shipping questions

What are the shipping options for delivery to the US?

Delivery to the United States is performed by FedEx express courier with 4 day delivery. For some orders international registered mail delivery may also be possible (for some orders with lower order totals). To see more information about the shipping options for the US please visit our shipping options section.

What are the shipping costs for delivery to the US and Canada?

The shipping costs for delivery to the US and Canada can be seen in the shipping options information page.

What is the delivery time to the US?

The delivery time for our products depends upon:

  • whether your product is in stock (in your finger size)
  • whether we will manufacture a ring for you
  • the shipping delivery time.

We will advise you at the time or ordering (or when asked if you e-mail us before placing your order) if your product is available in stock. If you order a ring, we will let you know if we have your chosen ring in your required finger size in stock or, if we do not have your the finger size in stock to advise the anticipated manufacture time.

To see information about the shipping time please visit the shipping options section of our web site.

Is the express courier shipping fee per item or per order?

The express FedEx shipping fee is per order not per item. So if you order 2 or more items in the one order, only one shipping fee is payable.

What are the shipping costs for delivery to the Australia?

For shipping costs within Australia, please visit our shipping options section for shipping prices and further information.

What are the shipping options for delivery to the UK?

Delivery to the United Kingdom is performed by FedEx express courier with 4 day delivery. To see more information about this shipping option please visit our shipping options section.

What are the shipping options for delivery to the Canada?

Delivery to Canada performed by FedEx express courier with 4 day delivery. To see more information about this shipping option please visit our shipping options section.

Finger sizing and resizing questions

Can I order a ring in any international finger size?

Yes, you can order a ring in American finger sizes, British finger sizes, Australian finger sizes and European finger sizes.To see information about ordering in an international finger size please see our ring sizes information page.

How do I order a ring in a US finger size?

You will see two ring size related boxes under the 'available options' heading on ring pages. One box reads 'please select a ring size' . The box located next to it will show the ring size scale selected. If you are from the US, that finger size scale should automatically appear as the US ring size scale.

If the ring size scale appears as US finger size scale, simply click on the box that reads 'please select a ring size' and select your finger size. If another finger size scale appears (eg. GB, AU or EU), simply click on the second ring size scale box and choose US. The ring sizes will then change to US numerical sizes (from 4 to 15).

To see more information about selecting US finger sizes see the ring sizes information page.

How do I order a ring in a British finger size?

You will see two ring size related boxes under the 'available options' heading on ring pages. One box reads 'please select a ring size' . The box located next to it will show the ring size scale selected. If you are from the UK, that finger size scale should automatically appear as the GB ring size scale.

If the ring size scale appears as GB finger size scale, simply click on the box that reads 'please select a ring size' and select your ring size. If another finger size scale appears (eg. US, AU or EU), simply click on the second ring size scale box and choose GB. The ring sizes will then change to GB alphabetical sizes (from H to Z+).

To see more information about selecting British finger sizes see the ring sizes information page.

How do I order a ring in an Australian finger size?

You will see two ring size related boxes under the 'available options' heading on ring pages. One box reads 'please select a ring size' . The box located next to it will show the ring size scale selected. If you are from Australia, that finger size scale should automatically appear as the AU ring size scale.

If the ring size scale appears as AU finger size scale, simply click on the box that reads 'please select a ring size' and select your ring size. If another ring size scale appears (eg. GB, AU or EU), simply click on the second ring size scale box and choose AU. The ring sizes will then change to AU alphabetical sizes (from H to Z+).

To see more information about selecting Australian finger sizes see the ring sizes information page.

How do I order a ring in a European finger size?

You will see two ring size related boxes under the 'available options' heading on ring pages. One box reads 'please select a ring size' . The box located next to it will show the ring size scale selected. If you are from the Europe, that finger size scale should automatically appear as the Europe ring size scale.

If the ring size scale appears as EU finger size scale, simply click on the box that reads 'please select a ring size' and select your finger size. If another finger size scale appears (eg. US, AU or GB), simply click on the second ring size scale box and choose EU. The ring sizes will then change to EU numerical sizes (from 47 to 73).

To see more information about selecting European finger sizes see the ring sizes information page.

How do I order a ring in a Canadian finger size?

The Canadian finger size scale is the same as the US finger size scale.

You will see two ring size related boxes under the 'available options' heading on ring pages. One box reads 'please select a ring size' . The box located next to it will show the ring size scale selected. If you are from Canada, that finger size scale should automatically appear as the US ring size scale.

If the ring size scale appears as US finger size scale, simply click on the box that reads 'please select a ring size' and select your finger size. If another finger size scale appears (eg. GB, AU or EU), simply click on the second ring size scale box and choose US. The ring sizes will then change to US numerical sizes (from 4 to 15).

To see more information about selecting Canadian finger sizes see the ring sizes information page.

How do I select my finger size?

To place an order, you will need to select your ring size. You will see an option in the 'additional options' section of the ring product pages that reads 'please select your ring size'. You will also see a box called 'ring size scale'. Check to make sure that the 'ring size scale' box displays the correct finger size scale for you (US, GB, AU or EU). Then click on that box to see the ring sizes. You will need to select your ring size from that list. See the ring sizes information section for more information.

How do I measure my finger size?

Some of our rings are resizeable (by a small amount) and those rings can be resized in the future by a local jeweller if needed.

However, some of our rings, particularly the titanium rings, and rings with patterns that run all the way around the ring (for example celtic, wave pattern, woven, engraved and ribbed edge rings) are sometimes difficult or not possible to resize due to the patterns on the ring or the type of metal (eg. titanium cannot be soldered so it cannot be resized).

For this reason, we request that you have your finger size checked by a local jeweller rather than using a piece of paper or string to measure the finger size. If a piece of paper is used, it does not accurately show how the ring will move over the knuckle and does not take into account different ring widths.

If you do order the wrong finger size, you can contact us and discuss your options. If your ring can be resized, you may be able to have your local jeweller resize the ring for you. Otherwise, in some cases you may be able to return the ring to us and have a new one made for a small re-make fee. See the 'wrong finger size ordered by customers' section on the guarantee page for more information.

What happens if I order the wrong finger size?

If you do order the wrong finger size, you can contact us and discuss your options. The ring may be resized or in some cases you may be able to return the ring to us and have a new one made for a small re-make fee. See the 'wrong finger size ordered ny customers' section on the guarantee page for more information.

Can I order in 1/4 sizes?

Yes, you can order rings in 1/4 sizes for US sizes, the finger size scale includes all 1/4 sizes from sizes 4 - 15.

Do you resize your rings, or are they all one size?

Fingers come in all sizes and so must rings. If we have your preferred product in stock we may resize the ring for you, otherwise, we will manufacture a new ring for you in your required ring size.

Does resizing leave a mark/ can you tell when a ring has been resized?

When we resize rings we use the existing join in the ring (you may not see it now but there is a join in rings). We then finely polish the ring so that the join is not visible. The resizing process that we use does not damage the ring.

Engraving questions

Can you engrave rings?

Yes, many of the rings available on this web site can be engraved. Letters, numbers and punctuation symbols can be engraved (in the english language).

The engraving is added to the inside of the ring.

The engraving fees are calculated per letter/character.

If a ring can be engraved, you will see an engraving option on the product page for that ring. When you enter the characters (letters, numbers and punctuation symbols) in the engraving box on the product page, the price for your engraving will appear.

You should ensure that you have your finger size accurately measured by a local jeweller before having the ring engraved.

Please note: Engraving voids guarantee and wrong finger sizes: If a ring is engraved at your request, the guarantee for that ring will be voided and the product may not be returned for refund or exchange.

This also means that if the ring was ordered in the wrong size and a resize of that ring is not possible (due to the ring design, metal type or size difference required) the engraved ring may not be returned for exchange or refund. The reason for this policy is because we would be unable to sell the ring to someone else as it would have your special message on it.

If you are not certain that you have the correct finger size measurement we recommend that you wait until you receive the ring from us to verify the correct finger sizing and then have the ring engraved.

If you wish to avail yourself of the guarantee and remake/resize exchange possiblity we suggest that you wait until you receive the ring and have a local jeweller do the engraving for you.

Can I have my ring engraved if I'm not sure about the finger size I need?

If you are not certain that you have the correct finger size measurement we recommend that you wait until you receive the ring from us, to verify the correct finger sizing and then have the ring engraved.

Please note: If a ring is engraved at your request, the guarantee for that ring will be voided and the product may not be returned for refund or exchange.

This means that if the ring was ordered in the wrong size and a resize of that ring is not possible (due to the ring design, metal type, the size difference required or the position of the personal engraving) the engraved ring may not be returned for exchange or refund.

The reason for this policy is because we would be unable to sell the ring to someone else as it would have your special message on it.

If you wish to avail yourself of the guarantee and remake/resize exchange possiblity we suggest that you wait until you receive the ring and have a local jeweller do the engraving for you.

What happens if I order the wrong finger size for a ring with personal engraving?

If before ordering your ring you are not certain that you have the correct finger size measurement we recommend that you wait until you receive the ring from us to verify the correct finger sizing and then have the ring engraved by a local jeweller.

If you order the wrong finger size for a ring that has personal engraving, you should first check to see whether that ring style can be resized.

If you order a ring that has a personal engraving (engraved by us at your request, or engraved by another jeweller) in an incorrect finger size and you discover that you need a different finger size, the original ring unfortunately cannot be returned for exchange or refund.

Some ring styles however can be resized by a local jeweller or by us. Whether a ring can be resized depends upon the particular type of ring design, the metal type and the difference in sizes required. If your type of ring can be resized to the finger size you need, you can have the ring resized by a local jeweller, or by us. Before returning a ring for resize, you should contact us for return delivery instructions, and for confirmation of resize fees and delivery fees. Depending upon where you live, having the ring resized by a local jeweller may be more cost effective and timely for you, than returning the ring to us for resize (given delivery time and delivery fees).

If your ring style cannot be resized due to the design, metal type or the difference in size required, you will unfortunately not be able to return the ring in exchange for a new ring. A new ring will need to be purchased. You should have your finger size accurately measured by a local jeweller before ordering the new ring (having measurements from two jewellers is best).

As a general guide for determing whether a ring can be resized - titanium rings, celtic rings, rings with ribbed edges and rings with patterns/ gemstones all the way around the band cannot be resized, or can only be resized by a small amount. For advise regarding a particular ring style's ability to be resized, you should contact us with the style number, the finger size of the original ring and the size required.

Will I be able to get a refund or exchange for a ring with personal engraving? - Will personal engraving void the guarantee?

Please note: Engraving voids the guarantee. If a ring is engraved at your request with a personal message, the guarantee for that ring will be voided and the product may not be returned for refund or exchange.

This also means that if the ring was ordered in the wrong size and a resize of that ring is not possible (due to the ring design, metal type or size difference required) the engraved ring may not be returned for exchange or refund.

The reason for this policy is because we would be unable to sell the ring to someone else as it would have your special message on it.

If you are not certain that you have the correct finger size measurement we recommend that you wait until you receive the ring from us to verify the correct finger sizing and then have the ring engraved.

If you wish to avail yourself of the guarantee and remake/resize exchange possiblity we suggest that you wait until you receive the ring and have a local jeweller do the engraving for you.

Can you engrave pendants and bracelets?

Yes, some of the pendants and bracelets available on this web site can have a personal engraving added. Letters, numbers and punctuation symbols can be engraved (in the english language).

Depending upon the specific product, the engraving may be possible either on the front, back or either front or back of the item.

The engraving fees are calculated per letter/character.

If a pendant or bracelet can be engraved, you will see an engraving option on the product page for that product. When you enter the characters (letters, numbers and punctuation symbols) in the engraving box on the product page, the price for your engraving will appear.

Please note: Engraving voids guarantee: If a product is engraved at your request, the guarantee for that product will be voided and the product may not be returned for refund or exchange.

The reason for this policy is because we would be unable to sell the ring to someone else as it would have your special message on it.

If you wish to avail yourself of the guarantee we suggest that you wait until you receive the ring and have a local jeweller do the engraving for you.

Guarantee questions

Do you have a guarantee?

Yes, we have a 30 day guarantee that our products will be fault and damage free when delivered. Please visit our guarantee policy for more information.

Does your guarantee cover if I order the wrong finger size?

We recommend that you have your finger size checked by a local jeweller before ordering. If you order the wrong finger size, you can contact us and we can discuss your options. In most situations the ring may be resized or in some cases we can make a new ring for you for a re-make or resize fee. A refund under the guarantee will not be available if a ring was ordered in the incorrect size.

Does your guarantee apply if we ask for our rings to be engraved with our special message?

The guarantee will be voided and the product may not be returned for refund or exchange if your ring is engraved by us or another jeweller with your special message.

This also means that if the ring was ordered in the wrong size and a resize of that ring is not possible (due to the ring design, metal type or size difference required) the engraved ring may not be returned for exchange or refund. The reason for this policy is because we would be unable to sell the ring to someone else as it would have your special message on it.

If you are not certain that you have the correct finger size measurement we recommend that you wait until you receive the ring from us to verify the correct finger sizing and then have the ring engraved.

If you wish to avail yourself of the guarantee and remake/resize exchange possiblity we suggest that you wait until you receive the ring and have a local jeweller do the engraving for you.

Who pays the shipping costs for returned products or products returned for resize, remake or repair?

The customer is responsible for the payment of all shipping costs to and from our store (and any customs duties). This means that if you return a product to us under the guarantee or because you ordered the wrong size, or for any other reason, you will be responsible for all shipping costs including the return shipping costs and any shipping costs to send you a new replacement product.

Watch questions

How do I know my watch size?

To determine the watch size that you need - you need to measure your wrist or measure a correctly sized watch that you already have.

Measuring Your Wrist: Use the watch ruler below, a tape measure or piece of paper to measure the circumference of your wrist. You should make sure the tape fits snuggly around your wrist. After you have determined your wrist circumference, add 7mm (1/4 inch) for comfort.

Measuring an Existing watch that is already correctly sized: Use the watch ruler below or a tape measure and place it inside the watch with the watch/bracelet closed. Expand the ruler on the inside of the watch until it is snug. Starting at the beginning of the tape, write down the length of the ruler where it first crosses itself. You do not need to add an extra amount to that measurement.

How do I select my watch size on the web site?

For each watch shown on a Gillett's Jewellers web site you will see the option to choose your watch size. The watch size will be selected as 'standard size' by default. To choose a different size, click on the 'watch size' drop down box for the watch that you wish to order. Simply select the required size to the nearest measurement displayed. If you are placing your order by telephone, please tell us the size that you require.

What are the standard sizes of watches?

Most ladies watch bracelets come standard at 17-18cm (6.75-7 inch) and men's are typically 19-20cm (7.5 to 8 inch). The exception to this are dive watches which are designed for use while wearing a wetsuit. If you request a size larger than this for either a men's or a ladies watch you may experience a delay in shipment, of possibly up to a few weeks (as we will need to obtain the extra links/longer strap for your watch). To ensure that there will not be delays, if the watch is a gift for a specific date (Christmas, Valentines, Fathers Day, Graduation, you should either select a standard size length, or, do not request sizing larger than 18cm (7 Inch) for a ladies watch or 20cm (8 Inch) for a man's.

The watch size option is not shown for my watch?

Some watches will not have a watch size selection such as watches with leather straps, rubber straps or fixed bracelet designs. For most rubber strap watches you will be able to size the strap yourself or have a local jeweller size it for you. Sizing the rubber strap yourself may involve cutting off sections of the strap. Once cut, the strap cannot be lengthened again, for that reason its best for you to try on the watch first to ensure that you size to the correct length.

Will the links that were removed be sent to me?

Yes. All of the original links will be sent to you.

What happens if the size I request requires additional links?

If the size that you require needs additional links, when you select your watch size, you will see the additional fee for those extra links displayed next to the size. The fee for the extra links will then be added to the watch price in the shopping cart upon checkout.

Can I have my watch sized by a local jeweler?

Yes you can have your watch sized locally. You will still covered by the full original manufacturer's warranty. However, if your watch is sized by someone other than a Gillett's Jewellers technician, you can no longer return the watch to Gillett's Jewellers for a refund or exchange.

What if the watch received is sized differently to the requested size?

The Gillett's Jewellers sizing team makes every effort to size your watch exactly to your specifications. However, there are some inherent limitations with watch sizing:

1. Sizing to .5cm/.25 inch tolerance is difficult on some watches because the links are larger than .5cm/.25 inches.
2. We measure the internal circumference of the watch to match the measurements that customers provide. Sometimes customers do not follow the watch sizing instructions that we provide and arrive at an incorrect measurement.

From time to time, a watch may arrive sized differently than the customer expected. We provide sizing as a free service and you will receive all the links we have removed, so that further adjustments can be made by a local jeweler if required. Gillett's Jewellers will not subsidize any costs associated with local sizing in any form (nor shipping and associated fees) as our professionals do their best to ensure your watch is sized exactly to your requested specifications.

General product questions

Do you manufacture your rings?

Yes, we manufacture many of the rings appearing on our web site. We also provide rings from other suppliers that we consider to be of the highest quality.

Ordering questions

How far in advance should I order our wedding rings?

The order time frame for our rings depends upon the availability of the product in stock in your finger size and the delivery time. If we manufacture a new ring for you, the manufacture time may vary, depending upon the ring and its intricacy, between 2-5 weeks.

To ensure that your wedding rings arrive in time we recommend that you order a couple of months before your wedding date.

If your wedding date is quickly approaching, don�t panic, just send us an e-mail and we will advise an approximate delivery date/manufacture time for you.

I'm concerned about buying jewellery over the internet - what guarantees/reassurances do you have?

Gillett's Jewellers is a well respected family business which has been operating for over 30 years. Our owner jeweller has 30 years experience and is a qualified valuer. It is very important to us to maintain high quality products and customer service.

For your piece of mind, we provide a guarantee for our products. Please visit the guarantee policy of our web site for further information.

We treat the receipt of your personal details with strict confidence and provide a privacy policy for the security of your personal information and credit card details. We do not disclose any of the information received from you to any outside parties without your permission.

We have our web site tested on a daily basis for security by ScanAlert HackerSafe to ensure the web site is secure. You can see the HackerSafe logo on the top right corner of this page. The HackerSalfe logo shows the date that this web site;s security was last tested.

You are also welcome to telephone us to speak with us in person. The telephone number to call for your region is shown on the top right corner of this page. Please note that due to time zone differences around the world, our store may not be open for phone calls at all times when you telephone. In that case, you can leave a message for us or you can try calling in your evening or early morning (depending on your time zone) to reach us.

Are there any taxes payable for receipt of the product in my country?

There may be fees involved for products received by some international countries. Please visit the shipping duties and taxes of our web site for further information.

Can I order two items in the one order?

Yes, you can order more than one jewellery item in one order. If you would like to order more than one item, simply select your first jewellery item, click on the 'add to shopping cart' button, then click on the 'continue shopping' button. You can then select a second item and click on 'add to shopping cart' button for that product. Once you have finished selecting your jewellery items, you can then view your shopping cart and click on the 'checkout' button to complete your order.

Only one shipping fee applies to each order whether the order is for one item or for several jewellery items.

When will I receive confirmation of my order?

You will receive e-mail confirmation of your order within 24 hours of placement (or on weekends normally within 48 hours). An order confirmation will be sent to the e-mail address provided in your order.

Sometimes customers mis-type their e-mail address in the order form, or a spam filter blocks new e-mail addresses. If you have not received an order confirmation to that e-mail address within 24 hours, please check to see if your spam filter has caught the message. If your spam filter has caught our e-mails, please add our e-mail [email protected] and [email protected] to your friendly list/white list.

If you have not received an e-mail confirming your order please send us an e-mail to check on the receipt of your order to [email protected].

Who should I contact from your store with my questions before ordering?

For any requests for information or questions you should contact us at [email protected] or see the contact information in the 'contact us' section.

Payment questions

What payment methods do you accept?

For Australian customers payment can be made:

  • Visa or MasterCard through the online order form
  • By Bpay
  • You can telephone or fax us to provide your credit card information. See our contact details to see 1300 phone number.
  • By bank transfer (internet banking or by phoning your bank)
  • By PayPal including PayPal echeck, Visa and Mastercard
  • By Layby (with credit card payments).
For American, Canadian, British, Japanese and European customers you can pay by:
  • Visa or MasterCard through the online order form.
  • PayPal e-check or other PayPal payment methods including Visa, Mastercard
  • You can telephone or fax your credit card information to us on our toll free number. See our contact details to see our toll free phone number.
  • By Bank Transfer
  • By Layaway (with credit card payments).

For all other customers from countries besides the countries listed above you can pay by:

  • Visa or MasterCard through the online order form
  • By PayPal including PayPal echeck, Visa, Mastercard
  • By bank transfer (by internet banking or by phoning your bank)
  • You can telephone or fax your credit card information to us on our toll free 1800 number. See our contact details to see our toll free phone number.

I am from the US, what payment methods do you accept?

US customers can pay for orders by:

  • Visa or MasterCard through the online order form.
  • PayPal e-check and other PayPal methods including Visa, Mastercard
  • You can telephone or fax your credit card information to us on our toll free 1800 number. See our contact details to see our toll free phone number.
  • By Bank Transfer
  • By Layaway (with credit card payments).

I am from the UK, what payment methods do you accept?

UK customers can pay for orders by:

  • Visa or MasterCard through the online order form.
  • PayPal e-check.
  • You can telephone or fax your credit card information to us on our toll free 1800 number. See our contact details to see our toll free phone number.

I am from Australia, what payment methods do you accept?

Australian customers can pay for orders by:

  • Visa or MasterCard through the online order form
  • By Bpay (by internet banking or by phoning your bank)
  • You can telephone or fax us to provide your credit card information. See our contact details to see 1300 phone number.
  • By Bpay
  • By PayPal including PayPal echeck, Visa, Mastercard American Express
  • By Layby (with credit card payments)

I don't like using PayPal, is there any other way that I can place an order beside using PayPal?

You can place an order using the PayPal system if you wish, though you do not need to use PayPal. You can pay by Visa or MasterCard through the online order form, without using the PayPal system by simply selecting your prefered credit card payment method, or you can choose one of the other payment methods listed.

Gold and metal questions

What is 9ct Gold?

9ct Gold is 9 parts of 24 pure Gold or 37.5% pure, hence the hallmark stamp 375 found inside pieces made of this alloy. 9ct Gold can be Yellow Gold White Gold or Rose Gold depending on the colours of the other metals used in the alloy. 9ct is a good durable alloy which can tarnish more easily than 18ct

What is the difference between 18ct and 9ct gold?

9ct gold is 9 parts of 24 pure Gold or 37.5% pure, hence the 375-hallmark stamp

18ct Gold is 18 parts of 24 pure Gold or 750% pure hence the 750-hallmark stamp

The real difference between the two alloys is more than these numbers suggest the real difference is 9ct Gold is 62.5% not gold while 18ct is only 25% not gold.

This is why 18ct tarnishes less than 9ct, also because Gold is so heavy and dense 18ct has a heavier feel.

What is the difference between white gold and platinum?

While they look much the same there are substantial differences.

It is not commonly known that there are two commonly used Platinum Jewellery metals, Platinum 950 and Platinum 600. Platinum 950 is 95% Platinum the remaining 5% is made up of Copper and small amounts of other base metals. It is without a doubt the best Jewellery Precious metal, Platinum 600 is 60% Platinum the other 40% is often made up of other hard metals including Tungsten, Cobalt, Rhodium and Palladium. These alloys are hard durable white and non-allergic which makes them very suitable for mens wedding rings.

The Platinum metals require no special treatment as they age, only a polish as they become scratched.

The White Gold alloys 18ct 14ct and 9ct are made up of pure Yellow Gold alloyed with other metals mostly white metals like Silver, Palladium, Zinc, with some Copper. The best White Gold alloys have a higher percentage of Palladium, which makes them more expensive however they age without the yellow tone that older or less expensive White Gold alloys sometimes have.

Regardless of the alloy, the appearance of White Gold Jewellery deteriorates with age, to restore it to it's former glory it should be re-polished and undergo a process called Rhodium plating, where the article is coated with Rhodium a very hard precious metal from the Platinum metal family ( yes that's right Platinum has a family, Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Iridium, Osmium and Ruthenium) the Rhodium is the hardest and whitest but is too brittle to be used on its own, however is perfect as a hard white protective electronically deposited coating.

To keep them looking White Gold rings should ideally be Rhodium plated every 2 years depending on the environment they are worn in.

What is the difference between white gold and yellow gold?

Yellow gold and white gold both contain gold. The difference between the two metals is the other alloys that are used with the gold. White gold uses more white metals as alloys. The white metals used in white gold produces the white color of white gold. Rose gold uses copper as one of the alloys, which produces the rose red color of rose gold.

The carat (karat) or gold indicates the gold content of the metal.

The same carat of gold will contain the same proportion of gold even if the color of the metal appears different. For example, 18ct yellow gold contains 750 parts gold per thousand parts. 18ct white gold contains 750 parts gold per thousand parts. 18ct rose gold contains 750 parts gold per thousand parts. So, as you can see 18ct white, yellow and rose gold each have the same proportion of gold content.

This is also the same for 9ct yellow, white and rose gold, which each have 375 parts gold per thousand parts.

Yellow gold, white gold and rose gold are all measured using the Vickers scale, and as the same carat of yellow gold has the same gold proportional content as white gold and yellow gold, each of these metals has the same Vickers score value (that means that 9ct yellow gold, 9ct rose gold and 9ct white gold each have a Vickers score of 120; and 18ct yellow gold, 18ct rose gold and 18ct white gold has a Vickers score of 125).

What is the difference between white gold and titanium?

White Gold and Platinum are completely different to Titanium.

White Gold and Platinum are White, Titanium is a steely grey colour.

Titanium is harder than both White Gold and Platinum.

Titanium is less expensive than White Gold and Platinum.

Titanium rings can not be easily resized, most often they can be made 1 to 1 and a half sizes larger but can not be made smaller, most people notice their fingers become a little larger as they get older so this is not normally a big problem.

Titanium rings are very hard and extremely tough so they can withstand more abuse than White Gold and Platinum, while still being able to be cut off in an emergency.

Titanium rings will still scratch however can be re-polished or re-satined.

Titanium has the remarkable property of colouring to different colours as it is heated, as the temperature increases the colour changes from steel to brown – light blue – dark blue – green – yellow, these colours are on the surface only and will scratch off unless they are in recessed in grooves.

Opal Questions

All Opals are beautiful in their own way but there are many options and many price variables.

There are Solid opals, obviously Opal all the way through.

Opal doublets, a slice of opal on a backing, the backing can be anything from common opal, glass or ironstone boulder.

Triplet Opals basically a doublet with a clear glass dome on top, triplets have a thinner slice of opal than doublets

Boulder Opals are opal that has formed as a vein or layer on an ironstone boulder, regarded by many as the most beautiful opal, and only found in Queensland Australia

Black Opals have a dark grey to black background, found at Lightning Ridge in New south Wales.

Crystal Opals have a translucent appearance with floating flashes of colour.

Milk Opals are normally less expensive and have a milky white background.

What effects value, apart from the size and type of Opal value is judged on the brightness, number of colours and vividness of colours and the pattern of the flashes.

Diamond questions

What to look for when buying Diamonds

Ok it may appear difficult and intimidating but really, buying a Diamond is quite simple and should be a fun and exciting experience not a drama.

These are the things that affect the cost.

SIZE - simple enough, the bigger it is the more it costs.

CUT - this refers to the quality of the cutting not the shape, how well the shape is proportioned and how well it is polished. Cuts are grades Excellent, Very Good, Fair Poor. Visually there is little difference between Excellent and Very Good, but poor will look noticeably less bright and less attractive.

COLOUR - ironically the colour means the lack of colour, and the grades are shown as Alphabetical letters starting at D as the purest, the more untainted transparent the Diamond is the brighter it is, visually there is marginal difference between the first 4 colours D, E, F, G, as go down to I and below the Diamond becomes increasingly darker.

CLARITY - is the measure of natural growth marks called inclusions (flaws) I don't like to call them flaws because they are measured under a microscope and often under the microscope are quite beautiful, all diamonds have inclusions, a flawless graded Diamond is a Diamond that has no visible inclusions under a 10-power microscope, increase the power and you will find inclusions.

Visually the first 8 grades are the same Flawless, Internally Flawless, Vvs1. Vvs2, Vs1, Vs2, Si1

Below this Si2 possibly if you have very good eyes you may see a dot or something. Then below this I1 you can see something, I2 easily see marks, I3 rubbish, my suggestion where possible Si1 and above.

SHAPE - the shape of the Diamond does affect the price, the difference varies from time to time but really just choose the shape that you like most and spend what you can afford.

FLUORESCENCE - Some Diamonds have fluorescence under ultraviolet light, a Diamond with a strong fluorescence can appear a little oily looking especially in daylight.

Things to BEWARE of

There are synthetic Diamonds that are physically the same, look the same but cost much less.

Diamonds can have treatments and coatings – affects value and durability.

Diamonds can have surface holes filled with glass -affects value and durability.

Diamonds that have large internal flaws can be laser drilled then the dark flaw etched out and filled - affects value and durability.

Diamonds can be heat and pressure treated to affect their appearance - affects value and durability.

Diamonds can be irradiated to change their colour – affects value not durability.

Conclusion - Don't stress, don't take a risk, deal with someone that you trust or ask friends for their recommendations.

A Diamond ring is a landmark purchase not an investment, it can bring a lot of joy and pride, it lasts a long time, spend a reasonable amount that suits your circumstances, not more than you can afford.

And above all enjoy the experience.

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