F.A.Q
DESIGN & MAKING
Are all the designs by Emily? Yes, Emily is the sole designer of her jewellery - every Emily Nixon design has been created by Emily in her Cornwall studio.
How is each piece of jewellery made? Every design is first handmade by Emily in wax. Each wax is then sent to be cast. Lost-wax casting requires specialist equipment so this happens out of the studio. Emily works closely with a small lost-wax casting foundry in Cornwall and at a specialist lost-wax casting workshop in the midlands. Once the waxes have been cast they are returned to Emily’s studio where Emily and her small team of skilled goldsmiths meticulously finish the pieces and carefully select quality diamonds and fabulous gemstones which are securely set by hand.
What do the following terms mean?
- One-of-a-kind: a one-off, unique piece of jewellery, of which only one will ever be made.
- Bespoke: a custom-made piece of jewellery that has been specially commissioned.
- Re-imagined: when a client’s heirloom jewellery is re-designed and Emily creates a new piece in her distinctive style to be worn and loved again.
What is lost-wax casting – and how does it make Emily’s jewellery different? Lost-wax or investment casting is a method where molten metal is poured into the space left as the wax form melts away. Imagine it as a way of creating a metal duplicate of a wax form - the molten metal replaces the wax that Emily has moulded. Emily has adopted the lost-wax process to make her jewellery as it gives her the freedom to sculpt in miniature. Wax is malleable so Emily can shape her designs by hand, intuitively, using the unique, bespoke tools she has developed in the studio. The artful, organic forms and beach textures that she creates in her jewellery are replicated in metal thanks to the lost-wax process picking up on every intricate detail she has handmade in wax.
PAYMENT, POSTAGE & RETURNS:
What methods of payment do you accept? We can accept Visa, Visa debit, Mastercard, Amex and BACS transfer. We are sorry but we can no longer accept cheque payments.
What is your returns policy? We hope you are delighted with your Emily Nixon jewellery, but if you aren’t entirely satisfied for any reason, we are happy to offer a full refund or exchange if the piece is returned to us in its original unworn condition within 90 days of receipt of your order. Items exempt from this refund and exchange policy (unless structurally faulty) are as follows:
- Bespoke commissions.
- Customised designs using clients' own stones.
Read more about our returns policy on our delivery & returns page.
Do you ship internationally? Yes we do - we can ship anywhere in the world, International shipping will automatically be selected when you enter a non-UK address. The cost of postage to non-UK addresses is: £25 Europe, £40 rest of world. Postage is free on orders over £1000.
How will my jewellery arrive? Your jewellery will be packaged in a beautiful, environmentally friendly pebble box, stamped with the Emily Nixon logo. This will be popped inside an unbleached Emily Nixon cotton bag. We will secure your order inside a plain kraft cardboard box and send it by Parcelforce or Royal Mail Special Delivery (UK) and DHL (overseas). All packages are fully insured in transit and will need signing for on delivery. We are happy to post to an alternative address if required, please get in touch and let us know.
SIZING:
How do I find my ring size? We are very happy to send you a ring sizer, alternatively pop into a reputable high street jeweller and ask for your finger to be sized. Fingers do change size with the weather! So we recommend you have your finger measured a few times to get an average - for instance if you measure on a very hot day your finger size can go up a whole size so it’s possible your ring will end up too big if you don't get an average.
What bangle size should I choose? Emily’s bangles are made in small 60mm, medium 65mm or large 70mm. This is the measurement across the inside width of the bangle.
What if it's not the right size? If when you receive your Emily Nixon jewellery you discover the size isn't quite right we offer a complimentary resize or exchange.
I want to make a secret purchase but I don’t know the size? We often have conversations with clients choosing a secret gift or engagement ring but who are unsure of the correct size. We can help in lots of ingenious ways to help discover the size to order without an actual measurement - and frequently get it right. But if it isn’t the perfect size, we will always put it right free of charge.
CARING FOR MY JEWELLERY:
How can I keep my Emily Nixon jewellery looking its best? Emily has developed a unique sea-worn finish that characterises her jewellery. Slightly matt, under polished but with a glowing, smoothed surface, Emily’s tumbled soft gold or stone white silver finish distinguishes her coastal designs. As with any finish, metal will naturally wear over time. Silver can become tarnished and gold will return to be naturally shiny as it buffs and rubs against other metals and surfaces. Whilst the metal will develop its own natural patina, treated with care your Emily Nixon piece will last a lifetime and beyond. For information about how to keep your Emily Nixon jewellery looking its best please read our jewellery care page.
Do you offer repairs? If you accidentally damage your Emily Nixon jewellery, we offer a full jewellery repair service (for Emily Nixon jewellery only) at our Hayle studio in Cornwall. Pieces requiring maintenance are assessed by our skilled goldsmiths and you will receive a quote detailing what work is required.
VISITS & CONSULTATIONS:
Can I visit you at the studio? We would love to see you at the studio, our doors are open but currently by appointment only. Please email studio@emilynixon.com or ring us to arrange a time on 01736 887599.
What about booking a video call? Video calls with us at the studio have been hugely popular over the past weeks. We can show you pieces in the collection close up and being worn (we’ll try jewellery on for you during the call so you can see it on) using Zoom or FaceTime. We have a super HD camera so you can see in perfect detail. So you can now connect with us in our little part of West Cornwall from anywhere in the world - a virtual consultation is friendly, relaxed and of course there is no commitment - buying a precious piece of jewellery needs careful thought so we encourage you to browse and ponder with no pressure. Email us to arrange a time, we’d love to show you around.
Can I try before I buy? If you would like to see jewellery in person and try anything on, we are happy to send pieces on approval. We ask for full payment against the jewellery we send to you, which is then refunded upon return, providing items are returned in their original condition.