Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
HOW DO I ORDER?
You can order directly from my website. Payments are processed securely using Stripe or Paypal. If you would like to split the payments you can do so using Paypal Pay in 3, or I can invoice you by email.
For wedding rings and bespoke enquiries a deposit will be required, with the balance due prior to posting or collection. An invoice will be sent to you for these payments.
CAN I SHOP AT YOUR STUDIO?
As my work is made to order I do not regularly have stock available to view at my studio. The exception is rings as I have a selection of samples available to try. All studio visits are by appointment only.
There is a selection of my silver pieces available for purchase at the Glasgow Gallery at 182 Bath Street, G2 4HG.
HOW LONG WILL MY ORDER TAKE?
It depends on what you order. As I make to order I do not usually keep a large amount of stock. Pendants and earrings can be 5 to 10 working days, silver rings 1-3 weeks and wedding rings approximately 4-6 weeks. If your piece is required by a particular date, please send me an email prior to ordering to check that I can do this for you by your deadline.
Bespoke orders can be from 8-12 weeks.
CAN I HAVE AN ITEM ENGRAVED?
Yes! I don’t do it myself but I use a local engraver. This typically takes around 1-2 weeks on top of my lead time, so if you are looking for an engraved piece please order well in advance. Prices vary depending on the number of letters but will usually be an additional £25-30 for a ring.
HOW CAN I WORK OUT MY RING SIZE?
I have a ring sizing guide here. If you still need further assistance then please do get in touch.
HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT SIZE FOR A PROPOSAL OR A SURPRISE PRESENT?
This is a bit more tricky, but there are a number of ways to work this out or get a close estimate. Have a look at my guide here.
METALS AND FINISHES
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR METAL FROM?
I buy 100% recycled sterling silver and gold bullion, and Single Mine Origin gold from trusted suppliers in Birmingham and London.
The keumboo I use is fully recycled from jewellery and electrical waste.
If you would prefer to order a piece in Fairtrade or Fairmined metals please send an email to me at rhona@rhonamccallum.com.
CAN I USE MY OWN GOLD?
If you have old jewellery that you longer wear this can be remodelled into a new piece. This is a great way to recycle and I have used customer’s inherited jewellery to create wonderfully sentimental wedding rings. While this reduces the material cost of the piece, the time involved in remodelling customer’s gold is vastly higher. For this reason my remodel jobs typically start at around £500, though this will always be judged on a case by case basis. Please send an email to rhona@rhonamccallum.com if you’d like to discuss this any further.
WILL MY SILVER TARNISH?
All sterling silver tarnishes, but taking good care of your jewellery can keep it looking at its best for a long time. Please don’t apply cosmetics, lotions, perfume, sunscreen or hairspray after putting on your jewellery. Do not wear your jewellery if you’re going swimming.
Keeping your jewellery in a box or pouch when it’s not being worn, and always putting it on last when getting ready are my top two requests.
WHAT IS OXIDISED SILVER?
Oxidised silver is dark grey in appearance and is the result of a chemical process that affects the surface of the silver. I then add a layer of wax to protect the surface. This is not permanent, and so I do not recommend an oxidised finish for a ring that is to be worn daily.
WHAT IS KEUMBOO?
Keumboo is a traditional Korean gilding process where a fine layer of 24ct gold is fused to the surface of silver. It is thicker than gold leaf and gold plating, and so with care can last well. As it is a fine layer, I do not recommend using keumboo on a ring to be worn daily. You can view care instructions here.