Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to SilverAli's Frequently Asked Questions!
Here you'll find answers to common questions about my handmade and refurbished sterling silver jewellery, jewellery-making workshops and creative sessions in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
If you can't find what you're looking for, please feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to help.
Orders & Delivery
When will my jewellery order be dispatched?
Jewellery orders are dispatched on Tuesdays and Fridays, with a cut-off time of 9am on each dispatch day.
Handmade sterling silver jewellery follows the same schedule unless it's made to order or bespoke, in which case the timeframe will be discussed before work begins.
How long does made-to-order jewellery take?
Made-to-order or bespoke jewellery can take up to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and my current workload.
Timescales will always be discussed before work begins.
Do you offer rush orders?
In some cases, yes! Rush orders may be possible depending on the type of jewellery and my current workload. An additional fee may apply.
Please contact me before ordering if you need something for a particular date.
How is my jewellery delivered?
Jewellery orders are dispatched using Royal Mail.
Available delivery options include Tracked 24 and Tracked 48, both with or without a signature, and Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm, including Saturday delivery where available.
The available services and prices are displayed at checkout.
For higher-value jewellery, I recommend choosing an appropriately insured Special Delivery service.
Do you ship jewellery internationally?
No, I currently only dispatch jewellery orders within the United Kingdom.
Returns & Refunds
Can I return jewellery if I change my mind?
Yes. For most jewellery purchased online, you have the right to cancel your order within 14 days of receiving it.
Certain genuinely personalised or bespoke items may be exempt from change-of-mind cancellation rights. However, your statutory rights still apply if an item is faulty or not as described.
For full details, including return postage and refunds, please see my Terms & Conditions and Policies:
https://www.silverali.co.uk/termsandconditions.html
What should I do if there's a problem with my order?
Please get in touch as soon as possible.
I take care when preparing and dispatching orders, but I'm only human and occasionally something may go wrong.
If an item arrives damaged, is faulty or isn't as described, I'll work with you to resolve the problem fairly and in accordance with your statutory consumer rights.
Email: [email protected]
Refurbished Jewellery
Can you hold refurbished jewellery for me?
Refurbished jewellery is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and I generally don't hold items.
As a small independent business, holding items creates additional administration and prevents pieces from being available to other customers.
If an item is available on the website, it's available to purchase.
Do you buy sterling silver jewellery from the public?
No. I no longer purchase jewellery directly from the public.
The refurbished sterling silver jewellery I offer has been sourced through reputable dealers who carry out XRF testing to verify the metal content before resale.
What does refurbished jewellery mean?
Refurbished jewellery is previously owned jewellery that I've carefully cleaned, polished and restored as appropriate.
Some pieces may retain minor signs of previous wear, which are part of their history and character.
I aim to describe each item's condition accurately, including any noticeable imperfections.
Jewellery Workshops
Where are your jewellery workshops held?
My workshops take place at SilverAli Studio, Unit 13/14 The Yard, The Cross, Drybrook, Gloucestershire, GL17 9ED, in the Forest of Dean.
It's a small working jewellery studio where I create handmade sterling silver jewellery and run beginner-friendly workshops and creative sessions throughout the year.
Participants travel from across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and further afield to attend.
Do I need experience to attend a jewellery workshop?
Not at all!
My workshops are designed for complete beginners, and I'll guide you through each stage of the process.
You don't need any previous jewellery-making experience or specialist skills.
What happens during a sterling silver jewellery workshop?
You'll learn traditional silversmithing techniques while making your own piece of jewellery using sterling silver sheet or wire.
Depending on the workshop, projects include:
Hammer-textured or stamped band rings.
Stacking rings.
Pendants.
Earrings.
Bangles.
You'll learn relevant techniques such as measuring, cutting, texturing, shaping, soldering and finishing your jewellery.
The workshops are hands-on, relaxed and creative, with guidance throughout.
How long do jewellery workshops last?
Most sterling silver jewellery workshops last approximately three hours, allowing enough time to learn the techniques and complete your finished piece.
I also offer shorter workshops, spoon ring tasters and evening creative sessions.
Please check the individual listing for the duration of your chosen workshop.
What is included in a jewellery workshop?
All tools, equipment and materials needed for the advertised workshop project are provided.
For sterling silver workshops, the silver required for your chosen project is included. Additional silver or optional extras may be available at an additional cost.
Other workshops may include different materials, so please check the individual listing for full details.
What should I bring to a jewellery workshop?
Everything needed for the workshop project will be provided.
You're welcome to bring your own drinks or snacks. Bottled water and biscuits are available in the studio.
Please note that I don't offer tea or coffee — our water is pants!
For practical activities, I recommend comfortable clothing and suitable footwear. Long hair should be tied back when working with tools or equipment.
How many people attend each workshop?
I deliberately keep group sizes small so that everyone receives plenty of personal guidance.
Most jewellery workshops accommodate a maximum of four participants.
My Rummage, Rescue & Remake creative sessions can accommodate up to six participants.
Are jewellery workshops suitable for gifts?
Absolutely!
Jewellery workshops make lovely birthday presents, anniversary experiences or creative days out with friends and family.
You can book a workshop place for someone else, provided the session is suitable for their age and abilities.
What happens if I need to cancel or rearrange my workshop?
If you need to cancel or rearrange your booking, please give at least 14 days' notice.
With sufficient notice, I'll be happy to arrange a transfer to another available workshop date.
Cancellations with less than 14 days' notice, or failure to attend a booked workshop, will not normally qualify for a refund or transfer to another date, subject to your statutory rights.
Please refer to my full Terms & Conditions and Policies for further details:
https://www.silverali.co.uk/termsandconditions.html
Is there a minimum age for attending workshops?
Yes. Minimum ages vary depending on the tools, materials and techniques used.
Sterling silver silversmithing workshops are generally suitable for ages 16 and over, while some cutlery jewellery workshops and shorter creative sessions are suitable for younger participants.
Please check the age requirement stated on the individual workshop listing before booking.
Can I book a private workshop?
Private bookings may be possible, subject to availability and the type of workshop requested.
Please contact me to discuss what you have in mind. My usual workshop group-size limits still apply.
Cutlery Jewellery Workshops (Spoon Ring Workshops)
What is a cutlery jewellery workshop?
These workshops focus on transforming old or vintage cutlery into wearable jewellery.
You'll learn how to turn spoons, forks and decorative handles into items such as rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings.
It's a creative way of rescuing and repurposing cutlery that might otherwise go unused.
Can you really make jewellery from old cutlery?
Yes! And the results can be surprisingly beautiful.
Decorative spoon and fork handles can be cut, shaped, textured and polished to create unique pieces of jewellery.
Rather than following one identical design, the outcome depends on the cutlery you choose and what you'd like to make.
Can I bring my own cutlery to use?
Yes, absolutely.
You're welcome to bring your own cutlery, including sentimental or inherited pieces.
However, not every item is suitable for jewellery-making. The material, thickness, strength and shape can all affect what is possible.
Please bear in mind that cutting and reshaping cutlery permanently changes it, so I recommend thinking carefully before bringing anything particularly precious or irreplaceable.
If you're unsure, we can discuss the possibilities before you begin.
I also have a selection of cutlery available at the studio.
Do I need experience to make a spoon ring?
No previous experience is needed.
I'll guide you through the process, from selecting and preparing your cutlery to shaping and finishing your ring.
Some stages require reasonable hand strength, so please contact me before booking if you have concerns.
Do you use heat or soldering in cutlery jewellery workshops?
No. My cutlery jewellery workshops use cold-working techniques rather than soldering or heating.
You'll learn how to cut, shape, drill where appropriate, sand and polish your chosen cutlery.
Rummage, Rescue & Remake Creative Sessions
What happens during a Rummage, Rescue & Remake session?
These relaxed creative sessions are all about giving broken, unwanted and forgotten costume jewellery a new lease of life.
You'll rummage through a selection of jewellery, rescue the bits that catch your eye and use them to create something new.
You might make a necklace, bracelet, earrings, anklet or another imaginative creation.
There are no strict designs to follow, and I'll be there to help if you need guidance.
Do I need to know how to make jewellery?
Not at all!
These sessions are suitable for beginners and are intended to be relaxed, sociable and creative.
No soldering or specialist silversmithing skills are required.
Visiting the Studio
Do you have a jewellery shop I can visit?
SilverAli operates from a working jewellery studio rather than a traditional retail shop.
All available jewellery can be browsed and purchased through my website.
The studio is also where I make jewellery and run workshops.
Can I view jewellery in person?
Yes. If you'd prefer to see a piece of jewellery before purchasing, you're welcome to arrange an appointment.
Please contact me beforehand, as I may be running a workshop or working away from the studio.
Jewellery Care
How do I clean sterling silver jewellery?
I've created a dedicated page with advice on cleaning, storing and caring for sterling silver jewellery at home.
You can find it here:
Silver Care
https://www.silverali.co.uk/silver-care
Different gemstones, finishes and older pieces may require different cleaning methods, so please check before using strong cleaning products.
Still Have a Question?
If you haven't found the answer you're looking for, please feel free to get in touch.
I'm always happy to answer questions about my jewellery, workshops or anything else SilverAli-related.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.silverali.co.uk
Thanks for visiting!
Ali :)