Frequently Asked Questions
1. Bespoke Commissions & Studio Process
How does a bespoke commission work, and will I work with you directly?
Yes. You deal directly with me, Iain Sainsbury, at my Cambridge bench - there are no sales associates or commercial intermediaries. We begin with an in-studio or video consultation to discuss your vision, story, and material preferences. I then guide you through design sketches, gemstone sourcing, and silver prototyping, sharing direct bench updates as your piece takes shape.
How long does a custom commission take from start to finish?
Bespoke commissions typically take between 4 and 8 weeks from initial design confirmation and deposit payment. This timeframe allows for precision hand-fabrication, custom material Sourcing, silver test fitting where required, and independent assay hallmarking (Edinburgh Assay Office).
What are your payment terms for bespoke work?
Bespoke orders require a 50% non-refundable deposit upon design approval to secure your precious metals, gemstones, and bench schedule. The remaining 50% balance is due upon completion, prior to dispatch or in-studio collection.
2. Sizing & Remote Fitting
How do I ensure my ring will fit correctly, especially if ordering remotely?
For remote clients or complex bespoke designs, I create custom silver test prototypes matched to your ring's exact proportions and scale. Shipped directly to your door, these physical test rings allow you to test the size and daily comfort in real life before I begin casting or setting in final gold.
What length of necklace chain or pendant length do I need?
Chain lengths depend on your desired neckline and pendant proportions (see here). Standard options include:
16 inch (40cm): Rests close to the collarbone.
18 inch (45cm): The standard classic length, sitting just below the collarbone.
20 inch (50cm): Plunges lower, ideal for larger sculptural pendants.
During your consultation, I will help you select the exact chain gauge and profile to ensure structural harmony with your pendant.
Can bespoke rings be resized after completion?
Most standard ring profiles can be resized up to one full size up or down. However, highly textured sandcast surfaces, asymmetric forms, or continuous flush-set gemstones may not be resizable without remaking the band. Using my silver prototyping service before final bench casting eliminates sizing guesswork.
For information on how to find your ring size please head to this page.
3. Materials, Ethics & Sentimental Topography
What precious metals and gemstones do you use?
I work exclusively with materials that honour both structural integrity and environmental stewardship:
Single Mine Origin (SMO) 14ct and 18ct Gold: Yellow, white, and rose gold traceable directly to responsibly managed mine sites.
100% Recycled Silver: For less expensive commissions and for prototyping pieces I use silver collected from Medial X-rays by AgAIN.
Ocean & Traceable Gemstones: Ocean Diamonds gathered by hand off the seabed, alongside ethically mined sapphires and coloured gems.
What is Sentimental Topography, and can I use my own beach sand?
Sentimental Topography is my signature sandcasting practice.
You can gather sand or earth from a coastline, mountaintop, or family land that holds personal meaning. Packed into foundry casting flasks at my bench, this sand forms the mold into which I pour molten SMO gold or silver -imprinting the raw texture and grain of that location permanently into your piece.
Can you re-melt my inherited family gold or reset my legacy diamonds?
Yes. Through my circular goldsmithing practice, I re-melt customer-supplied ancestral gold down at my bench to forge new wedding bands or reset antique gemstones into contemporary, architectural settings—preserving 100% of your family provenance.
4. Hallmarking & UK Compliance
What is a Hallmark, and why are your pieces assayed?
A hallmark is an official mark stamped on precious metal items after independent chemical or XRF testing to verify their purity. In full compliance with the UK Hallmarking Act 1973, all of my gold, platinum, and silver creations exceeding statutory weight limits are independently tested and hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office before delivery.
5. Shipping, Returns & International Orders
How will my finished piece be delivered?
All UK orders are dispatched using Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed® (Next Day by 1pm). Deliveries are fully insured, tracked end-to-end, and require an adult signature upon receipt. Further details may be found here.
What is your returns policy?
Ready-to-Wear Stock: Unworn, standard stock items purchased directly through the website can be returned within 14 calendar days of receipt for a full refund (excluding pierced earrings for hygiene reasons).
Bespoke & Sandcast Commissions: Under UK consumer law (Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013), custom-made, personalized, altered, or sandcast pieces are exempt from statutory returns once work or material sourcing has commenced.
Do you accept international orders outside the UK?
My primary focus is serving clients within the United Kingdom. However, international commissions are considered on a strict case-by-case basis, depending on whether your country recognizes UK Assay Office hallmarks and current tariff/customs regulations. If accepted, international clients are responsible for local import duties, taxes, and shipping surcharges.
Have a Question Not Covered Here?
Whether you wish to discuss a bespoke commission idea, ask about heirloom gold re-melting, or arrange a private studio consultation in Cambridge, I invite you to get in touch directly.
