Frequently Asked Questions

RETAIL

To view our unique jewellery pieces in person, see our stockists or find our next market location.

JEWELLERY CARE

Learn how to best care for your Coral Covey bespoke jewellery pieces with our comprehensive guide.

RING SIZE GUIDE

Coral Covey use the UK Standard of ring sizing (where each size is represented by a letter, e.g. ‘M’).

Have a question about our bespoke jewellery pieces or services?

Here is a list of our most commonly asked questions from our clients. If you have a question that is not answered below, please feel free to reach out to Laura by email here.

How do I find out my or my partner's ring size?

The easiest way is to measure a ring that they wear using the Coral Covey size chart. We will post this chart out to you. Please email your postal address to – laura@coralcovey.com.

How long does it take to make my custom request?

The average time for this is 6-7 weeks, however this can depend on the complexity of the piece requested. A timeline will be discussed at your first meeting with Laura.

What is recycled or reclaimed sterling silver or gold, and is it less valuable?

The beauty of precious metals is that they can be recycled again and again, forever. As you may be aware, we use gold and silver to make electronics, coins, cap teeth and in existing jewellery – all these materials can all be recycled. We work with a foundry who specialise in just this process – precious metal refinement. They take these materials, melt them down, refining the metal to its purest form, and we are able to purchase it from them directly.

Recycled sterling silver or gold has the same chemical make up, quality and value as any newly mined gold or silver.

Will you take my old gold and silver to create a new piece?

Yes, we will. A request we often get is the melt down existing jewellery to create a new piece. This can be done, however in order to use the material we need to have it certified and refined. A discount can be offered in exchange for the material.

What does ethical and sustainable jewellery involve?

It’s a fantastic question and one that we are ready to answer. At the core of Coral Covey isan understanding of our environment and passion for creating sustainable jewellery. We have made it our mission to focus on slow fashion and create items that will last lifetimes and leave a very small ecological footprint. Our studio is powered entirely with solar energy, our packaging uses sustainable & recycled materials, and every item created uses 100% recycled/reclaimed sterling silver, gold or platinum. For more information, please click here.

Can you source ethical diamonds and stones?

Yes, we can. We work with a specific group of diamond and precious stone dealers who pride themselves on the highest quality stones from reputable companies with fairly paid workers.

What does the measurement 'carat' mean?

Carat refers to the measurement of weight of the precious stone. The word ‘carat’ comes from the Greek word for the seed of the carob plant. The average weight of a carob seed is 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams, which is the measurement still used today for a carat weight of diamond. Nowadays, we use technology to measure the weight and density of the stones we use, but the measurement remains.

Can I get a refund on items purchased online?

Yes, please contact Laura via email to arrange this.

Note – A 10% charge will be deducted from the sale item to cover administration costs.

What is the difference between 9 carat, 14 carat, 18 carat and 22 carat gold?

Pure gold and pure silver are very soft materials and they will wear away easily, so jewellers have created a tiered system to combine the gold and silver to other metals. The higher the carat, the more pure the metal.

  • 9 carat gold = 37.5% pure gold with 62.5% other materials (either copper, zinc, nickle, silver, palladium or platinum added depending on the colour-rose, yellow or white gold)
  • 14 carat gold = 58.3% pure gold with 41.7% other materials (either copper, zinc, nickle, silver, palladium or platinum added depending on the colour-rose, yellow or white gold)
  • 18 carat = 75% pure gold with 25% other materials (either copper, zinc, nickle, silver, palladium or platinum added depending on the colour-rose, yellow or white gold)
  • 22 carat = 91.7% pure gold with 8.3% other materials (either copper, zinc, nickle, silver, palladium or platinum added depending on the colour-rose, yellow or white gold)
  • Sterling silver = 92.5% pure fine silver with 7.5% parts copper
What is the difference between rose gold, yellow gold, white gold and platinum?

Nothing in terms of quality. The carat of gold is what you are paying for. The colour is determined by the metal used in combination with the gold.

For example, rose gold will have a pinkish colour due to the copper added, while white gold will have more of a silvery tone, due to the nickle, zinc or silver added to the gold.

Can I pay for my piece in instalments?

Yes, this can be easily arranged. Please inform Laura of this, so she can arrange it with the finance team.

Can you clean my bespoke CC piece?

Yes, we are happy to clean any Coral Covey bespoke piece. For information about how to easily clean your jewellery using non-toxic ingredients you have at home click here.

If I live overseas, can I order a bespoke item?

Yes, we work with clients all over the world and pride ourselves on communication. From emails to video calls, digital sketches and videos of the pieces development and finalisation. Each step can be easily communicated and discussed either in person or from afar.

Do you ship interstate/internationally?

Yes, both. All of our items are posted with tracking and sign-on-delivery. Valuable items will be sent with a specific courier.

How can I clean my sterling silver piece?

There are several easy ways to clean your sterling silver easily. Click here for details.

Will I get a full refund on a deposit if I don’t go through with a commission?

Understandably, we are not able to offer full refunds on deposits as correspondence, consultations and quotations take time for us to prepare. Where possible we are happy to provide a partial refund on a case-by-case basis. 

Book a complimentary discovery call with Coral Covey.

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General Enquiry

Thanks for your interest in Coral Covey. Let me know a little bit more about what you are looking for.

None of your personal data will be shared with a third party.

Workshops

Thanks for your interest in my Ring Making Workshops. These are a really fun way to make your own wedding bands or make a ring for a friend.

For this particular workshop we need two half days of approx 3-4 hours. I will guide you both through what is possible, and then I assist you in carving the rings for each other.

– In the first class, we will meet at my workshop in The Nicholas Building and I will size you both and teach you both the art of wax carving the ring to the correct size.
– 2-3 weeks later, at the second meeting, you will learn to file and finish the rings together using classic jewellery techniques, tools and materials.
– You are not required to have any prior skills, materials or tools.
All of this is provided for you.

My price for the two half days is $790. Please note this is for both of you and that these are weekdays, however this does not cover the cost of the rings.

The price of the ring itself will be determined by three factors:
– material
– finger ring size
– band thickness

Custom-made Ring Request

Thanks for your interest in a custom-made engagement ring/wedding bands, but firstly CONGRATULATIONS! Super exciting news that you’ve found someone amazing!

To help me guide you on what design/materials might work best for you (& your partner), please take a moment to fill in as many of the questions below:

Custom-made Piece Request

Thanks for your interest in a custom-made piece. It would be lovely to hear more about your ideas of what this piece could be and who it is for.

To help me guide you on what design/materials might work best for you, please take a moment to fill in as many of the questions below: