Shipping and Delivery Information
International Orders: All international orders are shipped via DHL Express and are fully insured up to the value of the item.
* Please be aware that any duties and taxes incurred in the destination country are the responsibility of the customer. *
These import taxes are applicable only for shipments outside of the UK.
UK Orders: VAT will be charged on all UK orders. Delivery is free within the UK.
Production and Shipping Timeline
Every piece of Castro Smith jewellery is handmade. The lead time for made-to-order pieces is approximately 10 weeks. Ready-to-ship items will be dispatched within 1 week of purchase. If you require your piece sooner, please email kobayashi@castrosmith.com to discuss your deadline.
Gift and Surprise Orders
If your purchase is intended as a surprise or gift, the order will arrive in an unbranded cardboard box. Inside, the jewelry will be carefully wrapped in a beautifully handcrafted Japanese wooden box and accompanied by a drawing.
Delivery Costs
International: £50
UK: Free
Please note that any duties and taxes incurred in the destination country are the responsibility of the customer.
We offer a full refund within 30 days of purchase for all ready to ship pieces, provided they are returned in their original condition and have not undergone any personalisation or alteration to the original design. Please note that items customised at the customer’s request, including all made to order pieces, bespoke items, and ready to ship pieces with added personalisations, are non-refundable.
Bespoke commissions and any jewellery altered to a customer’s specifications are also exempt from refunds.
We sincerely hope you are delighted with your special piece of Castro Smith jewellery. However, if for any reason you are not satisfied, please contact our team immediately, and we will do our best to resolve the issue or offer guidance.
As a solo maker, Castro Smith devotes long hours and personal attention to crafting each piece to match the individual customer’s size and vision. Due to the bespoke nature of these creations, we do not offer refunds for made to order or bespoke items, nor for ready to ship pieces that have been personalised.
We appreciate your understanding of the craftsmanship involved in each unique piece.
If you are eligible for a return due to damage in transit or a defective piece, we will notify you once we have received and inspected your return. We will inform you whether the refund has been approved. If approved, the refund will be processed to your original payment method. Please allow some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund.
Your Castro Smith piece is crafted to last a lifetime. While fine jewelry is durable, it remains delicate and should be handled with care. Over time, your piece will naturally wear and evolve. This can include more visible engraving, slight darkening inside as it accumulates "life," and signs of normal wear such as scratches and small dents.
General Care:- Storage: When not wearing your jewelry, store it in a dark, dry place, preferably in the box it came in or a dedicated jewelry box.
- Avoid Chemicals: Precious metals and plating can be affected by chemicals like perfumes, body lotions, sun creams, and cleaning products. To minimize exposure, put on your jewelry after dressing and remove it when cleaning or washing dishes.
Care for Sterling Silver:- Storage: Store silver jewelry in a cool, dry place. Avoid submerging it in chlorinated water, and remove it before swimming or bathing to prevent discoloration.
Care for Plating and Coating:- Plated Jewelry: Most of our jewelry is plated with ceramic, rhodium, or 18ct/24ct gold. Plating on the outer surface of rings can scratch over time, especially due to daily wear. We recommend removing such pieces before using cleaning products or engaging in activities that could impact them. Treat these items as occasion wear to prolong their life. Repairs for worn plating are not covered, so extra care is essential.
- Ceramic Coating: Ceramic is durable but should be protected from perfumes, oils, and cleaning agents to avoid discoloration and damage. Ceramic can also crack or chip if exposed to excessive moisture, hard impacts, or bending.
Cleaning Your Jewellery:
- General Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth to polish your jewellery. For dirt in engravings, a solution of soapy water and a soft toothbrush works well.
- Ceramic Cleaning: Gently clean ceramic plating with a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water. Avoid chemical jewelry cleaners and ultrasonic cleansers.
Materials & Ethics
We are committed to ethical and sustainable practices. Each stone is hand-selected, and we ensure the highest craftsmanship. For certified stones, please contact us for sourcing.
Ring Sizing:
Accurate ring sizing is crucial. Have your finger measured at a local jeweler before confirming the size with us? Keep in mind that body temperature can affect finger size. Alternatively, you can visit our studio in London to have your size taken.
Questions?
If you have further questions, please contact us at kobayashi@castrosmith.com.
All of our rings are handcrafted, allowing us to create each piece to your exact ring size. If you find a design you like but your size isn't listed, please contact us directly.
If you're unsure of your ring size, you can:
- Visit Us: Arrange a visit to our studio to have your ring size measured in person.
- Request a Ring Sizer: Request a ring sizer to be mailed to you for accurate sizing, free of charge. Get in touch kobayashi@castrosmith.com
We are here to ensure your ring fits perfectly.
Castro Smith products come with a one-year repair or exchange warranty that covers craftsmanship faults. This warranty does not extend to wear and tear from regular use or the loss of an item. To initiate a warranty claim, we require the piece to be inspected in person to verify the issue, along with proof of purchase.
Please be aware that it is the customer’s responsibility to accurately confirm their ring size. If an error is made and your piece requires resizing or remaking, a fee of £300 + VAT will apply. The ring must be unworn and in perfect condition for this process. Resizing involves burning off any coatings, necessitating re-engraving and plating.
If your ring only needs to be sized up slightly, we offer this service free of charge within one year of purchase.
Please note: We do not repair items that have been improperly treated or have lost their plating due to overuse. For pieces with external plating, we recommend wearing them as occasion wear only, as frequent use can cause the plating to wear away over time.
For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at kobayashi@castrosmith.com.
Please inspect your order upon receipt and contact us here immediately if the item is defective, damaged, or if you received the wrong item. This will allow us to evaluate the issue and resolve it promptly.
For orders shipped outside the United Kingdom, Value Added Tax (VAT) will be removed from the price.
Please note that customs duties and local taxes are not included in our prices. These charges vary depending on the destination country and state. If you're unsure about the applicable taxes or customs fees, please contact your local customs office for more information.
If your piece is ready to ship, please allow up to 1 week for dispatch. For pre-order items, please allow up to 10 weeks for production.
If you need your ring sooner, feel free to email us at kobayashi@castrosmith.com, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.
Once your order is placed, we will follow up to confirm all details.
Please note: For orders shipped outside the United Kingdom, Value Added Tax (VAT) will be removed from the price.
Please note that customs duties and local taxes are not included in our prices. These charges vary depending on the destination country and state. If you're unsure about the applicable taxes or customs fees, please contact your local customs office for more information.
We recommend reviewing our warranty, product care, and shipping information before placing your order.
