Vintage Silver Pig Charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome!

Thank you for browsing my wee shop! Here you will find a large variety of vintage, antique and handmade jewellery, sourced by myself from all over Scotland!

Testing and verification

All gemstones are tested using a Presidium Gemstone Tester, and all metal is testing using a Presidium Karat Tester. Any silver or white metal will be hallmarked or tested using acid tests. Anything I am unsure about I will list as white metal.

Most of the items you will find here, with the exception of handmade goods, are pre loved. Although this means they will have fantastic stories to tell and interesting history, this also means that most items will have some signs of wear due to age. Any wear on the item will be fully described through the listing and the photographs of the item, please be sure to read the item listing before purchasing.

Please expect light signs of wear on any vintage or antique purchase.

Packaging

Each item is lovingly and carefully packaged by me. The item is wrapped in bubble wrap and then wrapped in a colourful paper with a “Gems of the Highlands” sticker. The items are then posted in a padded bubble envelope or a white cardboard box.

Delivery and cancelling orders

I always aim to post an item within 24 hours of receiving the order, usually they are posted the same day. Due to this I will not be able to accept order cancellations, if you would like to cancel your order please contact me immediately, as there is a chance it may still be with me.



Handmade orders will take longer to dispatch, although I will usually always dispatch these within three days, please allow for five days dispatch time.



All items are shipped via Royal Mail, items are shipped tracked, and I will provide you with a tracking number as soon as the items are shipped so that you can follow the journey of your item on the Royal Mail website.

Measurements and sizing

The listings will also provide measurements and sizes of the item along with details of gemstones and metals used. Please note that the weight of any gemstones are approximate, as to obtain an accurate weight, the gemstone must be removed from the piece and weighed separately, something I do not do. Please also note that the photographs may make the piece look larger than it is, as I try to zoom in so that you can see every detail. Please refer to the measurements on the listing for accurate information. If you would like additional information, photographs, or perhaps a video of the item, please don’t hesitate to ask! I am unable to send videos through Etsy, but can send these through Instagram @gemsofthehighlands.

Cleaning

All of your vintage and antique items are sourced and lightly cleaned and polished. A lot of older pieces will have patina, or bloom from age, think this adds to the charm of the piece, and so will not be scrubbed off, however you can do so if you wish but I would recommend against it. I do not use harsh chemicals of cleaning methods as to preserve the piece and prevent damage. All stones are lovingly cleaned and polished before shipping.

Continued care

Please continue to care for your piece once it has arrived, vintage and antique jewellery has managed to stand the test of time, however due to the age, it is not uncommon for pieces to require repair or replacement parts. Often a piece has not been preserved for a number of years, and has not been worn in modern day life, because of this I recommend that you keep a watchful eye on your jewellery and schedule checkups with a jeweller to ensure against any lost stones, clasps or such like. Please take great care when wearing your vintage or antique piece, be sure to avoid submerging your piece in water and to avoid dropping or bumping your piece as to avoid damage.

Layaway

I am happy to accept layaway on all products over £150 that have been listed for 24 hours or longer. This is to allow for other buyers to purchase the item outright should they wish.



A non refundable deposit of 20% of purchase price will be taken to hold the item. A paypal invoice will be issued, (please note that you do not need a PayPal account to pay the invoice) payments must be completed within 8 weeks. Once the final payment has been received the item will be shipped.



By purchasing an item through layaway you are commuting to pay the full purchase price of the item. Should you for any reason be unable to pay an instalment please contact me immediately.

Layaway items are non refundable, as is the 20% deposit.

Refunds for UK and EU customers

For customers within the UK or EU, by law, you will receive a 14 day period in which you can return the item. You will be refunded the full cost of the item should it be returned in the condition it was send, however you are liable for any return postage costs. Please insure you package the item thoroughly and are sure to include any boxes or labelling your item arrived with, if you do not return these materials, the cost may be deducted from your refund. The cost of repairing any damage incurred whilst the item is in your possession will also be deducted, if the item has been damaged beyond repair, you will not receive a refund.

Refunds for customers outside the EU

For customers out with the EU, you will have a 3 day period in which you can inform us you would like a refund, please ensure the item is posted back within 7 days. You will be refunded the full cost of the item should it be returned in the condition it was sent minus a 10% restocking fee and shipping costs, you are liable for any return postage costs. Please insure you package the item thoroughly and are sure to include any boxes or labelling your item arrived with, if you do not return these materials, the cost may be deducted from your refund. The cost of repairing any damage incurred whilst the item is in your possession will also be deducted, if the item has been damaged beyond repair, you will not receive a refund.