information

Most information that you need you will find on this page. If you have any further questions, just contact us.

Ring Sizes
All our rings are handmade and come in the following sizes only (unless otherwise stated):

* Small (approx. size M1/2),
* Medium (approx. size Q),
* Large (approx. size T).

Our two finger rings are available in sizes Small and Medium only. Download a ring sizer

Gold
In its pure state, gold is a specific colour, weight & luster. When alloyed with other metals the amount of gold is referred to as 'karat' or 'fineness'. Karat is a measuring system for the purity of gold based on a 24 point scale, with pure gold being of 24 karat or .999 fine. Gold of this purity is too soft to make durable jewellery and so 22 karat (.918 fine) or less is mainly used. 18 karat gold (.750 fine) will easily stand up to normal wear and tear. 9 karat gold (.375 fine) is the minimum British industry standard, whilst 14 karat (.750 fine) is the American minimum industry standard. Ring Leader Urban Jewellery uses a minimum of 18 karat (.750 fine) in all of our solid gold jewellery.

As gold is a soft metal, it is normally alloyed with small amounts of silver or copper to make it more durable. The percentage of these metals used will affect the colour and hardness of gold. When silver and copper are used in equal parts, the gold appears yellow. If more silver is used, the result is a greener coloured gold and when more copper is used, the gold appears a richer red. To produce white gold, the metal is alloyed with either nickel or palledium which also makes it much harder.

Gold does not tarnish, but discolouration does occur when it has been in contact with sulfides as found in sweat, perfumes, soaps etc. It is also advisable to remove any jewellery when swimming or cleaning. You can clean gold with a polishing cloth or by using a very soft/old toothbrush and running under warm water. To store, wrap in acid free tissue paper. Ring Leader Urban Jewellery recommends that you send your gold piece to us for a professional clean.

Gold Fill
Gold fill is a method by which a layer of 14 karat gold is bonded using heat and pressure to a core of brass. The gold layer is much more durable than plated equivalents and will last many years providing it is cared for and does not encounter heavy wear or chemicals. The mark 14/20 GF is used to signify gold fill. To clean, rub very gently with a polishing cloth. Ring Leader Urban Jewellery recommends that you send your gold fill piece to us for a professional clean.

Gold Plating
Gold plating is primarily an electrical process, where silver or another metal is submerged in a plating solution and an electrical current is passed through attracting the atoms of gold onto it. Plated items are very delicate and should be worn with care. It is advisable to wear plated items occasionally, to store them correctly in wrapped acid free tissue paper and to have them re-plated every so often to maintain the items original appearance. Keep plated items away from chemical substances including hairspray, deodorants, soaps, perfumes and chlorines. To clean plated items use warm soapy water and a very soft/old toothbrush to very gently remove dirt. If you use a polishing cloth, use it only very lightly. Ring Leader Urban Jewellery recommends that you send your plated piece to us for a professional clean.

Silver
Silver in its pure form is too soft to make durable jewellery and like gold, is alloyed with other metals for this reason. The minimum silver content for jewellery to be marked/described as silver, solid silver or sterling silver is 92.5%. You often see the marks 925 or 92.5 used. Copper is the most common metal component to make up the remaining 7.5%, which makes the silver much harder, but also makes it tarnish by reacting with air and other substances it comes in contact with. You can clean silver as you can gold, or use a polishing cloth or phosphate free detergent to remove any tarnish. To store silver, wrap in acid free tissue paper or anti-tarnish cloth and place in an zip-lock airtight to slow down the tarnishing process. Silver jewellery which is worn continually develops a lovely patina, worn or weathered look combined with natural oxidisation/tarnishing. If you like this look - leave it alone and don't bother with the cleaning processes. Ring Leader Urban Jewellery recommends that you send your silver jewellery items to us for a professional clean.

Pearls


Orders & Delivery
Once ordered, an item usually takes up to 4 weeks to be delivered direct to your door because every item is a Limited Edition piece and handmade to order. However, a personalised piece such as 'Ring Me' or those with specific finishes, may take up to 6 weeks. You will receive updates on the progress of your piece, during this period, because we value you and our workmanship.

Payments
We accept online payments via Paypal only, where you can use your own Paypal account or a credit or debit card to make payments. Postage & packaging will be also be added to your bill at the cost of Royal Mails's Special Delivery from £4.75 to the UK & Airsure from £7.99 to the rest of the world. Prices shown on the website include VAT. Payment terms are 14 days in receipt of invoice. Payment must clear before items are made & dispatched.

Cancellations
All pieces are handmade to order, therefore we are unable to cancel an order once it has been processed and confirmed by you. This applies to commissions also.

Returns Policy
Please email us immediatly to notify us of your wish to return an item and we will respond with a Returns Form. Jewellery must be returned within 7 days of receipt & must be returned in their original unused condition & accompanied with their original packaging, with a copy of the invoice. Any damaged, scratched, blemished, altered or broken pieces will not be accepted as a return. Please note that we do not give refunds on returned goods, but we are happy to provide you with an exchange or credit note up to the value of the returned item. Commissioned pieces or personilsed items cannot be returned unless faulty. All returns are sent at the expense of the buyer & additional shipping charges will apply to exchanges. We are not responsible for items that you have returned which have been lost or damaged in the post. Please return the items by Special Delivery or equivalent and insure to the appropriate value.

Commissions
Should you wish to commission a piece of jewellery, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can discuss your requirements. Commissions, as with bespoke orders may take longer to produce, sometimes 6 weeks or longer depending on the project. Commissions include any design or personalistation which is not part of the standard ranges shown on the website or in exclusive stockists, unless otherwise stated. Please note that commission quotes/prices are exclusive of VAT and postage and packaging and therefore will be added to your invoice.

Inks
Inks are provided with all typographic pieces, allowing the wearer to print with the item of jewellery onto another's skin or clothing. Two ink pads are normally provided unless otherwise stated. Should you wish to order any more ink pads, please email us accordingly. If your ink pad should dry out, add a couple of drops of water in order to refresh it. The inks can be removed from the skin with warm water and soap and are generally considered to be machine washable under normal conditions. However, Ring Leader accepts no responsibility for any staining, marking or damage that may be caused with use of the inks. All inks provided are FD&C Approved (US), meet ATSM 04236 regulations (US) & are deemed kid safe. Do not use the inks on sensitive or broken skin. Avoid contact with the eyes & mouth. In the unlikely event of an allergic reaction, seek medical advice immediately.

The Environment
Ring Leader is proud to tell the world that we do all we can to have as little impact as possible on the environment. Our jewellery packaging is designed to be minimal, recyclable, re-usable and to have dual purpose where possible. All of our printed material is produced using environmentally friendly printers and we only print on 100% recycled papers or paper which is from FSC certified sources using vegetable inks. We also use recycled materials when shipping, where possible. Please remember to re-use and recycle!

The British Jeweller's Association
Ring Leader Urban Jewellery is a proud member of the British Jeweller's Association. All members of the BJA are entrusted with the responsibility of sale and service of jewellery, watches and related products and services and therefore agree:
  1. To maintain the highest level of personal integrity, honesty and business ethics
  2. To comply with all Government laws and regulations relating to the jewellery, watch and related industries
  3. To support and abide by the Articles of Association and objectives of the BJA and this Code of Ethics
  4. To provide a standard of product and service of the highest possible quality commensurate with price
  5. To establish clearly the guarantee or service policy regarding all merchandise and to fulfil that policy
  6. To provide knowledgeable and competent expertise and clearly indicate the true quality of products offered for sale
  7. To adhere to sound business practices and thus ensure continuing service to customers and supliers alike
  8. To refrain from all forms of design copyright and trademark infringement
  9. To refrain from trading in Conflict Diamonds
ACID (Anti-Copying In Design)
Ring Leader Urban Jewellery is a member of ACID and supports and adheres to all forms of intellectuall property rights, design copyrights and trademarking.

All our products are handmade by skilled craftsman, including our packaging.

Our jewellery is handmade in the UK.

Further Information
Should you require any other information about any of our products or services - give us a shout on the Contact page.