FAQ & JEWELLERY CARE

Answers to what we are asked most, plus how to look after hand-carved silver and gold. If your question is not here, contact us — we answer.

Is .925 sterling silver real silver?

Yes. .925 means the alloy is 92.5% pure silver; the remaining 7.5% is another metal, usually copper, added because pure silver is too soft to hold a carved edge. Everything in our silver line is made of .925 sterling silver throughout — it is not a plating over a base metal.

Does sterling silver tarnish?

Yes, all sterling silver tarnishes. It reacts with sulphur compounds in air, skin and cosmetics, and darkens over time. This is normal and reversible: a soft cloth brings the polished surfaces back. On our pieces the effect is far less noticeable than on mirror-polished jewellery, because the surfaces are already worked and textured.

What does oxidised silver mean?

Oxidising is a controlled chemical darkening of the silver, applied deliberately. On most of our pieces the surface is oxidised for texture enhancement: the dark settles into the recesses of the carving while the raised faces stay bright, so the form reads clearly. It is a finish, not a coating, and it is part of the design rather than a protective layer.

Will the dark finish wear off?

The high points — the parts your hand touches most — will gradually lighten with wear, while the recesses stay dark. On a hand-carved piece this deepens the contrast rather than spoiling it. If you would rather it stayed uniform, ask us before ordering and we will tell you what is possible for that design.

How do I care for a hand-carved piece?

Wipe it with a soft dry cloth. Avoid polishing compounds and silver dips on oxidised pieces — they strip the darkened recesses, which is the opposite of what you want. Take rings off before heavy manual work; silver is a soft metal and a carved surface can be dented.

What is the difference between .925 silver and 14k gold?

They are different metals at different price points. .925 is 92.5% silver. 14k gold is 58.5% gold, which is why the gold line costs several times more than the same design in silver — the material itself is the difference, not the design or the workmanship.

How long does production take?

Every piece is made to order, not taken off a shelf. Please allow approximately 3–6 weeks for production, depending on current demand. If you need a piece by a specific date, ask us before ordering.

Will my piece look exactly like the photographs?

Close, but not identical. Each piece is hand carved and finished using artisan techniques, so it is unique and may have some deviations from the pictures. On stone-set pieces, individual stones vary slightly in tone and inclusion pattern. This is a property of the way the work is made.

Which finger does a signet ring go on?

Traditionally the little finger of the non-dominant hand, which is where the seal could be pressed into wax without getting in the way. In practice people wear them on the index or ring finger just as often. There is no rule worth following here — wear it where it sits well. Bear in mind that a wide signet face needs a slightly larger size; see the ring size guide.

Can I return a ring that is the wrong size?

No. Because each ring is made to order in the size you choose, the atelier does not accept returns on rings that are the wrong size due to customer error or a change of mind. Please measure carefully first — the ring size guide explains how, and we would much rather answer a question before the order than after it. See also returns.

Do you ship worldwide, and what does it cost?

We ship worldwide and shipping is free. The atelier is in Poland. Duties and taxes outside the EU are the buyer's responsibility — see shipping.

Can I pay with cryptocurrency?

Yes, cryptocurrency payment is available on email request. Contact us before placing the order.

Can I order a design in a different size or metal?

Often, yes. Tell us the design, the size and the metal and we will confirm whether it is possible and what it costs before anything is made. See made to order.