What is the difference between Gold filled and Gold Vermeil?

Gold Filled is when a solid layer of gold (we tend to use 14k) is permanently bonded to a base metal like brass or copper. The minimum layer of gold must equal at least 1/20th the weight of the total item. It is hard wearing and, when cared for correctly, the gold should not peel or flake away (unlike gold plating). It is commonly used as a more economical and stronger alternative to pure gold.

Gold Vermeil is simply 925 sterling silver that has been plated with gold (usually 24k). If you have any questions about any of our specific products, please get in touch.

Pearls, a natural product.

Pearls are a naturally formed product and are therefore unique in size and shape to each customer. No two pearls are the same. Pearls have curves and natural markings due to the way they form inside a shell.

With pairs of earrings; while we try to match pearls as close as possible in length and size, they will not be identical and this is not a reason for a return or refund. This also applies to quoted jewellery lengths and sizes; due to pearls being a natural product there may be differences in the quoted earring, necklace and bracelet lengths up to 5mm.

Please do not expect your pearl jewellery to look identical to our product pictures for the above reasons.

Repair Service.

Please contact us via the form on our website if you have damaged your jewellery and would like to use our repair service, the cost of which is worked out on a case-by-case basis. Please tell us your order number, name and proof of purchase when filling out a form. We may ask you for photographs of your damaged jewellery so we can provide a more accurate quote.

We only offer our repair service within the UK.

Returns, Refunds & Exchange.

Due to the handmade and made-to-order nature of our business, all items are final sale and we do not accept returns. If you have any questions about a particular item before purchasing, please contact us via the form on our website and we will be happy to answer any questions for you.

Margaux Studios uses high quality materials and we stress test every single style for weeks prior to selling on our website.

Every single item is checked over thoroughly before shipping to each customer and is presented in a high quality and durable Margaux Studios signature jewellery box, which is posted in a secure and fully recyclable postage box.

Our handmade jewellery is fragile and delicate, so please refer to our care guide upon receiving it. We are happy to repair most manufacturing faults, but we request that you always email a clear photograph of your damaged jewellery (along with order number and date of purchase) so we can discuss options with you.

We do not class the following as a manufacturing fault: Snapped or twisted items, general wear & tear, damage resulting from heavyhandling, oxidisation/fading of metal plating (refer to our care guide on how to avoid this), pearls and beads that have been chipped, scratched or cracked. We reserve the right to deny any request for return, exchange, or repair.

If you purchased a Margaux Studios piece from another retailer, please consult that retailers applicable policies. We are not responsible for items purchased from other retailers.

If your item arrives damaged in the post, you must notify us as soon as you receive your package. We reserve the right to request; Photographic evidence of your faulty item, your name, order number, date of purchase, proof of purchase and a clear description of the issue. If you are returning an agreed faulty item back to us, a refund (including all postage) will be given after inspection of the item. We request that you send back faulty items to us using our original packaging (or in a sturdy protective box) to prevent the item getting crushed or damaged in the post. We also recommend using a tracked, signed and insured postal service and obtain proof of postage (Margaux Studios is not to be held responsible for items lost in transit and cannot guarantee we will receive returned items).

Once we have received your returned items, we aim to process them as quickly as possible. Please allow up to 14 days from the date of your return being received for the refund to credit your original method of payment. Margaux Studios reserves the right to refuse any faulty return requests which do not meet our return policy requirements as stated above. In the event of this happening, we will post the item back to you.

If requested, we will do our best to replace any faulty item, provided the materials for a replacement are in stock and available. We can only replace faulty items for the exact same item. If you wish to be sent a replacement, please make your request clear when discussing the item in question with us.

Caring for your Jewellery.

Please read the following information given to help you keep your jewellery looking in great condition for years to come.

Please note that gold-filled, gold-plated and sterling silver jewellery must be consistently well-cared for if you want it to remain beautiful. It is perfectly natural and normal for gold and silver elements to change in colour, or tarnish over time. Margaux Studios is not responsible for the care of your items after you have received them.

To prolong the life & colour of your jewellery we strongly advise that you avoid wearing in the following environments; High-humidity, moisture, saltwater, bathing & sweating, chlorinated water, when wearing sun lotions & chemical products (creams, deoderants & perfumes) and finally when sleeping and exercising. It is advisable to purchase a jewellery polishing cloth for gold-filled and sterling silver items (available in most Jewellers) and gently wipe metals with a soft, dry cloth after each use. For gold vermeil, we recommend washing gently with warm, soapy water and then allowing to dry naturally on a dry towel.

We also recommend trying to keep your items in your Margaux Studios jewellery box in a cool place, which will keep them dry and stop them getting scratched.

Tugging, vigourously rubbing, dropping and sleeping in your jewellery will cause stress and scratches on the colour, chains, glass elements and metal joins. Please remember to always remove your jewellery before bed, showering, going to the gym or visiting the beach or chlorinated swimming pools.