Below you'll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. There are some extra, more legally worded bits on our terms and conditions page, but otherwise happy reading and do get in touch through the contact page if there's anything else you'd like to know.
WORKSHOPS
I’D LOVE TO BOOK/HOST A WORKSHOP. HOW DOES IT WORK?
If you're keen to attend one of our stand-alone Somerset workshops, head on over to our to our Workshop Tasters page to see where and when we're next hosting a session. New dates are added all the time so keep checking back. If you'd prefer to host a private workshop for you and some friends, check out our Private Workshops page for more information and click on ‘Enquire’ to find out about availability. We’ll be in touch to make sure our diaries match!
WHERE DO THE WORKSHOPS TAKE PLACE?
That’s entirely up to you! Whether you’re a couple of housemates who fancy doing something different or you’re hosting a weekend hen party for a group of friends, we run regular workshops in Somerset so there's normally a date that will work with your diary. Alternatively, if you'd prefer something a little more private, we can take the hassle out of organising a venue by coming to you. We provide all the tools and materials needed – you provide the space! Check out our Private Workshops page for more info. (Minimum of three people required.)
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING WITH ME TO MY WORKSHOP?
We request that anyone with long hair brings something to tie it back with. In addition, if you wear glasses or contact lenses for close up work, we’d highly recommend you wear them too. Jewellery (in case you hadn’t guessed already) can be quite fiddly! Other than that, a willingness to try something new is all you need.
I’M HOSTING A PRIVATE WORKSHOP. WHAT DO I NEED TO PROVIDE?
A sturdy, straight-edged table (that is at least 2cm deep) as well as enough seats for the number of people in your booking are the main things you’ll need. Access to hot and cold water will also need to be provided. We’ll bring everything else!
ARE THERE ANY OTHER HEALTH AND SAFETY ASPECTS I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?
We begin all of our workshops with a quick health and safety briefing outlining the potential risks involved in silversmithing and what to do in the highly unlikely event of an accident. If you've organised a Private Workshop, you as the host will be considered responsible for all the guests within your party and may be required to sign a liability waiver prior to the workshop commencing. Participants will be working with sharp tools and high temperatures so we ask that no one be under the influence of alcohol or drugs for the duration of the workshop. (We reserve the right to cancel the workshop and/or reject any member of the party who we believe to be under the influence at any point during the workshop.) Naturally if your workshop is part of a celebration, then by all means have the champagne on ice... We’ll even help you pour it once the workshop is finished!
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE LIMIT?
For insurance purposes, all participants must be 16 years or over.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
Tickets are strictly non-refundable, however we appreciate that circumstances can and may change. If you need to change the date of your booking, get in touch as soon as possible and we’ll do all we can to help reorganise. By purchasing a ticket(s) you agree to the above terms and conditions. (This does not affect your statutory rights.)
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS...
Then do get in touch! Send us a message using the form on the contact page or by emailing roderick@roderickvere.com
RING SIZING
After a Roderick Vere ring, but not sure of your ring size? Click on the ‘Request a Ring Sizer’ button and we'll pop a free ring sizing gauge in the post to you the next working day. If you can't wait that long, then have a read of the wonderfully in depth ‘How to Measure Your Ring Size’ blog post by the good people at Glaxcoo and download the Goldsmiths ring sizer via this link here.
Please note that we create rings in standard UK sizes K - P. If you require a size out of this range please get in touch and we'll see what we can do. If you're from outside the UK and need to convert your ring size, take a look at The Official International Ring Sizing Conversion Chart.
HALLMARKING & PLATING
Some of our products are hallmarked and some of our products are plated – for more info, take a look at our services page.
MATERIALS & PRODUCT CARE
Most items sold on this website and through our outlets have their materials listed so consumers can make an educated choice when deciding on whether or not to make a purchase. That said we are proud to say that none of our products contain any nickel or lead and the precious metals we use all conform to the high standards of fineness set out by the UK jewellery industry. Every Roderick Vere product comes hand-finished, cleaned and packaged to a high standard as we want you to wear and enjoy them for many years to come.
To prolong the life of your product, we recommend storing it in an airtight container when not in use and by gently rubbing it with a clean, non abrasive cloth should slight discolouration or tarnishing occur (a ‘silver cloth’ in particular works wonders). In addition:
THE PLANETARY COLLECTION & LETTERPRESS RANGE [RETIRED]
If your Planetary Collection or Letterpress Range item needs a small polish to bring back it's shine, simply wipe the surface with a soft cloth dipped in warm water mixed with dish soap. Rinse with warm water.
To clean more tarnished jewellery, mix up a solution of one part vinegar, one part salt and 10 parts warm water. Use a soft toothbrush to apply the solution to the jewellery, rubbing it gently. Once clean, rinse in fresh water and dry using a soft cloth.
Every time your jewellery brushes against your clothing it gets a mini buff so one of the best ways to keep your jewellery clean and tarnish free is to actually wear it!
THE AUTHOR COLLECTION [RETIRED]
As well as brass and copper, the majority of the watch movements used in Roderick Vere's now-retired Author Collection contain elements of steel and are therefore very susceptible to moisture. We strongly advise against wearing any items in the shower or bath and suggest taking extra care when out and about in the elements. If a watch movement does accidentally get wet then dry it off using a paper towel and as soon as possible spray a household water repellent such as GT85 or WD40 into the mechanism. Once absorbed, you'll be able to wipe off the excess and your movement will be shining again like new.
Silver-plated brass findings such as those used on the back of our brooches and cufflinks will tarnish if left in direct contact with the sun for an extended period of time. To reduce the chances of this always store your jewellery in an airtight container away from direct sunlight when not in use.
Metals naturally develop a surface patina over time from oxygen, sprays, and skin acidity. Stirling silver and gold will not have any affect on your fingers, but bronze and brass may leave a green mark on your skin, depending on your personal PH levels and how you wear your jewellery (people with dry skin have less risk of a reaction, whilst oily skin tends to react more, for example). If a Roderick Vere item is turning your skin green, try applying a thin coat of clear nail polish on the inside to prevent contact.
SHIPPING
DOMESTIC SHIPPING
We try and keep delivery costs to a minimum so you can spend more of your hard-earned money on our lovely products instead. Various shipping options are available at checkout, but for peace of mind all regular UK orders are sent by Royal Mail's 1st class 'Signed For' service. You will receive an email from us once your item has been made and we have completed your order. Please allow 2-3 working days for delivery from this point. (Northern Ireland and the Scottish Highlands and Islands may take a little longer.)
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
If you live outside of the UK you can select either 'tracked' or 'standard' shipping for your items at checkout. Tracked items will be insured and sent by Royal Mail's International 'Track & Signed' service and a tracking number will be provided so you can keep an eye on your delivery's location. Standard items will be sent via Royal Mail's 'International Standard' service and will be neither tracked nor insured. Either way, you will receive an email from us once your item has been made and we have completed your order. For European deliveries please allow 5 working days for delivery from this point. For the rest of the world, please allow 10-15 working days.
(Please note that in all cases whether domestic or international, Roderick Vere cannot be held responsible for lost packages or additional fees. If something goes wrong, get in touch via our contact page and we'll do our best to come up with an amicable solution for both parties.)
PRESS & PR
We work hard on designing, creating and producing our products, so it's always rewarding when our customers provide us with good feedback and the press give us the thumbs-up by featuring our work. If you would like to use a Roderick Vere piece in an up-and-coming editorial then do get in touch through our contact page or by emailing roderick@roderickvere.com. We have plenty of imagery and press releases for your viewing pleasure as well – just let us know what you're after.
STOCKISTS/WHOLESALE
Whether you're an online retailer or a bricks & mortar store who believe their customers would benefit from a Roderick Vere product (or two) in their lives, we'd very much like to hear from you. Send us a message through our contact page or by emailing roderick@roderickvere.com and we'll be in touch with our wholesale prices and payment terms.