Size guide
Ring sizing
The best way to determine your ring size is to be measured by a jeweller with a proper ring sizer. It is also possible to measure an existing, perfectly round ring which you know is a good fit. Be sure to either have Caroline measure your size or go to a reputable jeweller, as not all measuring devices are accurate.
Caroline uses the standard Australian/British ring sizing guide which is indicated by a letter (for example size M, size P).
Can my ring size change?
There are several considerations to make when establishing your ring size:
- Thicker ring bands make for a tighter fit. If you choose a ring with a band of more than approximately 5mm-6mm in width, you will likely be required to go up an extra size.
- Your fingers are reportedly at their largest in the evening, and swell during hot weather.
- Pregnancy can cause finger size fluctuations. Some women return back to their original size post-partum while others do not.
- It can be a good idea to check your size more than once in different conditions (for instance, hot vs. cold weather) to make sure you get the fit right.
My ring size isn’t listed in the online shop – what next?
Please select the “CUSTOM” option in the drop-down menu, and be sure to leave a note at the checkout specifying your size (this includes half sizes).
What if my ring doesn’t fit?
Please get in touch ASAP to discuss either an exchange or resizing options. If the ring has been made accurately to your specified size but still doesn’t fit, a resizing fee may apply.
I want to buy a ring as a gift but don’t know the recipient’s size – what should I do?
This can be tricky but there are a couple of options:
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For non-personalised items, make an estimated guess based on your own sizing.
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Obtain by stealth an existing round ring from the recipient, which you know is well-fitting for the particular finger, and have Caroline or another reputable jeweller measure it for you.
Things to keep in mind:
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In terms of resizing, it is much easier to stretch a ring up a size or two, as opposed to making it smaller. If making an estimated guess, please err on the smaller side rather than larger to make the resizing process simpler.
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Resizing can affect a stone setting – please choose very carefully when there are stones involved.
If the size turns out to be wrong, it is possible to exchange the item for the same ring in a different size (at the exclusion of personalised or custom orders which will require resizing – a fee may apply). Please see Shipping and Returns for more information.
Necklace sizing
To determine the length of necklace you would like, you can stretch out an existing necklace of the desired size and measure it in full, including the clasp, in centimetres.
Alternatively, use a piece of string to determine the desired length and measure it in centimetres. All necklace lengths stated on the website include the clasp.
Try hanging a bead or similar on the string to get a better idea of how it will hang.
If your desired length is not listed in the shop, please add it in the order notes at checkout (extra charges may apply).
Bangle Sizing
Find my bangle size
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Measure the inside diameter of an existing, well-fitting bangle. Get an accurate ruler and carefully measure from the INSIDE of one side to the INSIDE of the other side. Write down your measurement in centimetres.
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Visit Caroline or another reputable jeweller to be sized accurately.
Find my bracelet size
- Measure the length of an existing, well-fitting bracelet in centimetres. Be sure to include the clasp.
- Use a piece of string to determine your wrist size, while also measuring out the length which you would find comfortable around your wrist (without it slipping too far down your hand). Measure the piece of string in centimetres.
Depending on the design, sometimes links can be added or taken out to alter the size of a bracelet. For personalised and custom orders, a resizing fee may apply depending on the complexity of the required resize – please measure carefully. All bracelet lengths stated on the website include the clasp.
Materials
Caroline Jones jewellery is predominantly made using sterling silver, however other precious metals may also be requested (including for women and men’s wedding rings). Please get in touch for a quote.
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% of other metals, usually copper. The copper in the alloy makes the resulting metal more durable than fine silver (99.9% pure) while still maintaining its good looks.
Tell me about gold!
9 carat gold (375): 37.5% pure gold mixed with 62.5% other metals
14 carat gold (585): 58.5% pure gold mixed with 41.5% other metals
18 carat gold (750): 75% pure gold mixed with 25% other metals
22 carat gold (916): 91.67% pure gold mixed with 8.33% other metals
24 carat gold (999): 99.95% pure gold
White gold is made when pure yellow gold is mixed with palladium and/or silver. White gold can look grey; to achieve a ‘whiter’ white gold, rhodium plating is used. Rose/red/pink gold is made when pure yellow gold is mixed with copper and silver.
Which metal should I choose for a ring?
Some metals are sturdier than others. Sterling silver is fairly robust and suited to rings for everyday wear, provided the band is not too thin. It can mark if knocked or scratched and, by nature, will also tarnish over time. This can add to the character of the piece!
As for gold, the lower the carat the stronger it will be. 24ct gold is pure gold which means it is very soft and will require extra care. Please note, the higher the purity/carat of gold, the more expensive it will be.
Silver and gold prices fluctuate regularly; as a result, prices of silver and gold jewellery may also change from time to time.
Caring for your jewellery
Different silver finishes call for different cleaning methods. Some of the different surface finishes you will see in Caroline’s work are polished, matte (scratched looking) and oxidised (blackened). All finishes will wear over time, especially on items receiving more bumps and knocks.
There are different jewellery cleaning foams and solutions on the market which can be used with a clean, soft cloth; these can be effective in removing oxidisation from polished pieces. However you may also like to try the following:
How to make a silver cleaning bath
Matte finish
Oxidisation
Some things which can discolour, damage or tarnish jewellery
Some things which can discolour, damage or tarnish jewellery are harsh chemicals (such as bleach, ammonia and chlorine), sea/salty air, perfume and environments and products containing sulphur. Be sure to remove your jewellery before any extreme gardening, ocean or pool dips, heavy exercise or cleaning. Pearls and gemstones can also be affected by soaps, perspiration, natural skin oils, dirt and cosmetics.
It is not recommended to submerge pearls in water (i.e. bathing, swimming, ultrasonic cleaners). Excessive wear, especially when set in rings and bangles, may cause the pearl to lose its lustre or for the setting to become loose; these delicate pieces are not intended to be worn every day.
Do you offer a cleaning and/or re-finishing service?
Yes, your piece can be cleaned and/or restored to its original surface finish (e.g. polished, matte, oxidised, patina or plated). Charges may apply. If in doubt about any aspects of cleaning your pieces, please get in touch for advice or a quote.
Storage of Jewels
It is recommended you store your jewels in the supplied gift box, a cloth bag, a jewellery box or similar. To maximise longevity, remove your jewellery before sleeping and any heavy activity as mentioned above. When travelling, pack your jewels mindfully where they will not get bent, crushed or otherwise damaged in transit. Wrapping in paper or cloth and placing them in a small, sturdy tin will help to keep them safe. Pearls are particularly vulnerable to damage. Also be mindful of extreme conditions such as humidity, heat, moisture and sunlight.
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