Shipping and Returns

1. Dispatch & Delivery Lead Times

Every piece leaving my bench is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail.

  • Ready-to-Wear & One-of-a-Kind Pieces: Once payment is received in full, ready-to-wear or stock pieces are prepared, final-polished, and dispatched within 1 to 2 weeks.

  • Bespoke Commissions & Remodelling: Lead times for custom commissions, sandcast pieces, and heirloom remodelling are agreed upon during our private consultation (typically 4 to 8 weeks from deposit payment), as these require custom material sourcing, bench fabrication, and independent hallmarking at the Edinburgh Assay Office.

I will always do my utmost to deliver your item as quickly as possible without ever compromising on craftsmanship or care. I will keep you updated on your piece's progress via email or messaging throughout the build.

2. UK Delivery Method & Rates

To ensure absolute security and peace of mind when shipping precious metals and fine gemstones, all orders are dispatched exclusively within the United Kingdom using:

  • Carrier: Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed® (Next Day by 1pm).

  • Security & Tracking: Fully insured up to appropriate values (with Specialist Insurance if it exceeds Royal Mail cap), tracked end-to-end, and requiring a signature upon delivery.

  • Shipping Charges: Shipping costs are calculated transparently at checkout based on order value, weight, and parcel dimensions.

3. International & Overseas Orders

While my studio primarily serves clients within the United Kingdom, I consider overseas commissions and deliveries on an individual, case-by-case basis.

Acceptance depends on several regulatory and logistical factors, including whether your country recognises UK Assay Office hallmarks and the complexity of current tariff, duty, and customs requirements. If an international order is agreed upon:

  • Delivery will be arranged via a fully insured, tracked international courier service.

  • A tailored shipping and administrative quote will be provided before your deposit or payment is accepted.

  • You will be strictly responsible for any local import duties, taxes, or handling fees levied by your country's customs authority upon arrival.

If you live outside the UK and wish to discuss a piece, please contact me at enquiries@iainsainsbury.com prior to placing an order to assess feasibility for your location.

4. Returns & Cancellations (Ready-to-Wear Stock)

I want you to be delighted with your piece and cherish it for a lifetime. If you are purchasing a non-bespoke, ready-to-wear item directly from the website:

  • 14-Day Cooling-Off Period: You have the right to cancel and return unworn, standard stock items within 14 calendar days of receiving your order for a full refund.

  • Exclusions (Hygiene): For hygiene and safety reasons, earrings or pierced body jewellery cannot be returned or refunded once the packaging has been opened or worn, unless faulty.

  • Return Conditions: Items must be returned unworn, in their original condition, and in their original presentation packaging.

  • Return Authorization: No returns are accepted without prior written authorization by email. Please contact me at enquiries@iainsainsbury.com before posting any item back.

  • Return Postage: The customer is responsible for return delivery costs. Returns must be sent using Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed (fully insured) to ensure the item is protected in transit.

5. Bespoke, Custom & Altered Orders (Exemptions)

In accordance with UK consumer law (Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013):

  • Bespoke, custom-made, sandcast, or altered items (including rings made or sized to customer specifications, heirloom re-melts, and personalized engravings) cannot be cancelled, returned, or refunded once work or material sourcing has commenced, unless the item is genuinely faulty or incorrect.

6. Ring Sizing & Resizing Terms

Accurate ring sizing is essential before work begins at the bench. If you are unsure of your finger size, please contact me prior to ordering—I am happy to guide you on professional measurement or arrange a silver test prototype for remote fitting.

When you provide a ring size for a bespoke or ready-to-wear order, the ring will be engineered to that exact specification:

  • Resizing Capacity: If a ring does not fit, I may be able to resize it for you. This is typically limited to a maximum of one full size up or down.

  • Design Limitations: Asymmetric designs, sandcast textured bands, flush-set gemstones, or continuous pattern settings may not be resizable without remaking the band.

  • Discretion & Remaking: Whether a ring can be resized without compromising its structural integrity is at my professional discretion. If a ring cannot be resized due to design limits or an incorrect size provided by the client, I offer to remake the ring in the correct size at a heavily discounted bench rate.

  • Postage for Resizing: The customer is responsible for return postage costs for discretionary sizing adjustments (sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery).

7. Faulty or Damaged Items

In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged or develops a manufacturing fault:

  • Please notify me immediately at enquiries@iainsainsbury.com with photos and details of the issue.

  • Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund for defective goods returned within 30 days of receipt.

  • Where an item is confirmed to be faulty or incorrect due to a bench error, I will reimburse all reasonable return shipping costs incurred via Royal Mail Special Delivery.