What are the timescales for…
Commissions: Dependant on item…3 weeks to 8 weeks but can always work to tight deadlines so always ask! Miracles can happen.
Choosing from the window: Immediate!
Sizing of rings: A couple of hours to 10 days. Dependant on item.
Repairs: Dependant on item. Sorry to be vague but we always need to see the item to assess damage and what repair work needs to be carried out therefore giving an accurate timescale.
Valuations: 1 week (if more than a couple of items could be longer)
Restringing of pearls: 7 to 14 days
Opening Hours:
Bristol
10.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday
Cirencester
9.45am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday
What if the gift I buy isn’t right?
We are always happy to exchange the item or make a commissioned piece either up to the value of the item purchased or if a higher priced item is chosen the outstanding amount paid.
If the item is less a credit note will be issued
Thus ensuring you get the perfect item.
Are your diamonds Conflict Free?
The diamonds we buy are bought within the Kimberley Process
The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme that regulates trade in rough diamonds. It aims to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds, while helping to protect legitimate trade in rough diamonds.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) outlines the rules that govern the trade in rough diamonds. The KPCS has developed a set of minimum requirements that each participant must meet.
The KP is not, strictly speaking, an international organisation: it has no permanent offices or permanent staff. It relies on the contributions – under the principle of ‘burden-sharing’ – of participants, supported by industry and civil society observers.
Neither can the KP be considered as an international agreement from a legal perspective, as it is implemented through the national legislations of its participants.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipment of rough diamonds as ‘conflict-free’.
The Kimberley process started when Southern African diamond-producing states met in Kimberley, South Africa in May 2000 to discuss ways to ensure that diamond purchases were not funding violence and to end the practice. The Kimberley Process (KP) participants are states and regional economic integration organizations that are eligible to trade in rough diamonds. As of November 2013, there are 54 participants representing 80 countries, with the European Community counting as a single participant. The participants include all major rough diamond producing, exporting and importing countries.
The diamond industry, through the World Diamond Council, and civil society groups (Global witness, Partnership Africa Canada) are also integral parts of the KP. These organisations have been involved since the start and continue to contribute to its effective implementation and monitoring.
An alternative option would be to choose a Canadian diamond. They come from a picturesque area in the Arctic Tundra of North Western Canada.
Canadian diamonds are ethically mined keeping disruption to the surrounding areas as small as possible; they are also certificated and audited to verify the complete chain of each diamond, ensuring the best practices in the diamond industry. They also meet and exceed the requirements of the Kimberly Process ensuring your stone is conflict free.
Every Canadian diamond we sell comes accompanied with a certificate of authenticity which states the region and its unique serial number as well as a G.I.A. certificate and is laser etched on to the girdle of every diamond with both these numbers. We have a wide selection of these rare and special diamonds ranging from D-F colour, VVS-SI clarity, and we have them available in many shapes, with weights ranging from 0.25ct to over 1.00ct.
Do you offer the choice of Fairtrade Fairmined Gold?
When thinking about buying an item of jewellery, it’s the thought that counts, which is why at John Titcombe Fine Jewellery we are pleased to be amongst the first jewellers in the world licensed to offer jewellery made with certificated Fairtrade gold.
Fairtrade is the world’s first independent ethical certification system for gold and precious metals from artisanal and small-scale miners. This means we can offer you, the customer the guarantee of a product which has been mined responsibly and gives a future to the miners and their families in which they can improve their livelihoods.
For further information on what is available contact the Clifton No3 store on 0117 973 3178. Please visit the Fairtrade Foundation for more information on Fairtrade gold.
Before I purchase an engagement ring do I need to know the finger size?
It helps but is not necessary as we find a few questions concerning your intended is good enough to give us a gauge on finger size and when we have been given finger sizes they are usually wrong!
We always ask for you both to come in so see us after the occasion so we can check the sizing and amend if necessary.
We make the sizing as speedy as possible as once the recipient has had the ring we understandably find they are very reluctant to give it back to us!
I don’t know anything about diamonds or choosing an engagement ring. Can you guide me?
Arm you with knowledge for your mission
From what can seem like a minefield in a sea of sparkly stones it is our job to guide you and talk to you about the science and technical information given on diamonds but also show you their incredible beauty and see why they are the number one choice for engagement rings.
We are more than happy to help with this very important and meaningful purchase and have been regularly told we make it all too easy!
Our objectives aren’t clouded by commission and our sole aim is to help you walk away, delighted with the perfect piece of jewellery for your beloved (and your wallet!)
Aftersales Care…
Cleaning: We gladly offer to clean any jewellery that has been purchased from us as we like it to look sparkly and at its best.
Checking: We always like to see jewellery we have sold. Think of it as a little MOT where we can check over settings and the stones.
Valuations: We offer an Insurance Valuation with your engagement ring purchase.
- Your jewellery item will carry large emotional and sentimental significance to you, never-the-less; it is made up of small pieces of metal and small stone in comparison to all the other things it will come into contact with in this world.
- Gemstones are “Precious”. They should be looked after and handled with care.
- Remember! Your rings are not indestructible! Be sensible: watch out for metal door handles, keys, pots and pans etc.
- Never wear your rings when playing sport, gardening, doing rough work or when using harsh materials…think! If you wouldn’t wear your Sunday best to do it in don’t wear your ring!
- Cleaning your Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire & Tourmaline rings at home is simple: all you need is hot water, a mild detergent and a soft toothbrush to gently clean the settings… little and often does the trick!
- We do NOT recommend cleaning at home gemstones such as Emerald, Opal, Tanzanite & Pearls always bring these in for a Professional clean. If in doubt regarding other gemstone please call & ask us for advice.
- Periodically drop your rings into us for a free professional ultra-sonic clean where we will check over the stone and its setting. One Hour is usually adequate- you’ll be amazed how twinkly the stones will look afterwards!
- We will polish all platinum and yellow gold rings purchased from us for free for the life of your ring. We will also polish white gold rings for free however a rhodium plating fee will apply.
- Your pearl Jewellery will stay cleaner if you put them on after you’ve applied your makeup and perfume.
- Wipe your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as you take them off. The cloth can be dampened with water or it can be dry.
- Don’t store pearls with your other jewellery because they can be easily scratched when metal or gemstones rub against them.
- For silver Jewellery minimize tarnish as well as scratches by storing your jewellery in individual small plastic bags, as well as separate compartments in your jewellery box.
- One of the best ways to clean your silver jewellery is with a professional jewellery polishing cloth. The cloth is treated with cleaning chemicals and not only will the cloth last a long time; it will give you an amazing shine each and every time.
- You should never wear any jewellery in chlorinated water as this will destroy the metal.
- Insure your items- your receipt should be sufficient for your insurance company or we can recommend the services of a specialist insurance company.
- Keep your receipt and any certificates in a safe place.
Most of all enjoy wearing it!
John Titcombe 