Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of frequently asked questions. If you have an unanswered question, we'd love to help. Either send us an email or call us on +0064 (0)3 548 0487.

Ordering FAQ

How do I place an order on Jewelbeetle.co.nz?

Ordering on Jewel Beetle is easy and safe. Once you have found the item you would like to purchase, click on the “Add to Cart” button to place it in your Shopping Cart. Follow the directions through the checkout process to complete your order. Your order will not be placed until the very end of the checkout process when you will be asked for your credit card information or online banking to pay by direct credit. You may also order via email or over the phone by calling +0064 (0)3 5480487

What payment methods does Jewel Beetle accept?

Jewel Beetle currently accepts most major credit cards with the exception of American Express. Payments can also be made online by direct credit and cash in-store only. We also have Jewel Beetle gift vouchers available and they can be used for purchases but not repairs.

Do you make all the jewellery on your website?

Yes, all of our jewellery is designed and created in our workshop located on Bridge street in Nelson. Everything you see available from our online store is handmade by either Allison or Yvon. There are a few exceptions like chains and some jewellery findings like earring scrolls (butterflies) and cufflink mechanisms. We also don’t cut our own gemstones, for example our greenstone (Jade) is carved by our favourite carver on the West Coast, NZ.

Is it safe to order on Jewelbeetle.co.nz?

Yes, it is safe to order on Jewelbeetle.co.nz. We use Shopify as our online merchant. Shopify Ecommerce platform is used by over 1,000,000 businesses in 175 different countries using the latest in industry-standard encryption technologies when transferring and receiving customer data.

Do you offer a warranty?

At Jewel Beetle we have a very high standard of manufacture and check each item before it leaves the workshop, however in the unlikely event of a workmanship defect we offer a lifetime guarantee.

What taxes are charged on my order?

If you are purchasing items within NZ the applicable GST of 15% is automatically added to your order. If you are sending items overseas, you must send via international courier to be eligible to deduct GST from your order. Import taxes may apply depending on the threshold of the country you are posting your item to.

Is all of Jewel Beetle’s jewellery available to purchase online?

At Jewel Beetle we are happy to make any items you have seen regardless whether they are in stock or out of stock. If you have seen a piece of jewellery on our gallery or online that it out of stock please contact us for a quote.

What if I need extra help or advice about my purchase?

[engagement rings? Getting stones on appro, design service?]

Gift Wrapping & Gift Vouchers FAQ

Do you offer gift wrapping at Jewel Beetle?

Yes gift wrapping is available on request, there will be an option on checkout to request free gift wrapping along with an option for as personal message.

My item is a gift, can I include a personal message with my purchase?

Yes, feel free to add a personal message to your gift and free gift wrapping is also available. we also have a range of blank greetings cards by a local Nelson artist available as an add on if you would like a personal message with a card also. These options are available on checkout.

Shipping FAQ

Do you send parcels overseas?

Yes, we do ship internationally. We advise sending parcels by International courier as it's the safest and easiest way to track your items. There are some countries that we do not ship to. Please email if you cannot see the liost of countries on our shipping page.

I’m from NZ. What is the shipping method for my Jewel Beetle purchase?

All domestic parcel (NZ) are sent by NZ courier usually overnight delivery. A tracking number is supplied upon dispatch. Parcels usually require a signature on delivery.

Do you deliver at the weekend?

Saturday delivery is only available on request to some central city locations in NZ. This Saturday delivery will incur an extra charge. Please contact us if this is required. Otherwise parcels dispatched on a Friday will usually arrive on the Monday following.

Do you offer a local pickup service like click and collect?

Yes, local collection is available during business hours. Please call us to confirm a suitable collection time. 03-548 0487

Remodeling and Bespoke Jewellery FAQ

What is the process of remodeling jewellery?

First, we carefully unset your gemstones, taking great care not to damage them in this process. We cut out any settings and solder joins that cannot be used. We weigh what’s left and add any extra gold if needed. This all goes into the crucible to melt. The molten metal is poured into an ingot. Once cooled, if the ingot is successful, we start the process of several rounds of rolling through the mills and annealing (a heating process to soften the metal). Once the metal is in a workable shape we start the process of manufacturing your new design!

Is it cheaper to reuse my own gold?

In most cases, you will save some money using your own materials but this largely depends on how much gold you have to start with and what you want to make as a new design. The savings may not be as much as you might expect. The process of melting your gold can take as much as three times longer than starting with new materials. Just as a dressmaker would need to painstakingly unpick all the seams of a dress to reuse the fabric to sew something new, there is a lot of time involved in carefully un-setting gemstones, removing impurities like solder joints from jewellery, before we even begin the melting and manufacturing process.

Are there any metals that I cannot melt down for my new piece of jewellery?

Yes, silver as it is not economically viable to melt down. We also don’t melt down white gold or platinum jewellery as we simply don’t have the right equipment to reach the temperatures needed to melt successfully. Chains are not advisable for melting down as each link in the chain is joined with a small amount of solder and this results in impurities in the melt. These impurities can cause cracks in the metal once we begin to put the ingot through the rolling mills. At Jewel Beetle, we will always advise you if we are not reusing your gold in case it is of sentimental value to you. We can often advise you of a different design that is more suitable for melting down and remodeling.

Do you buy gold and broken jewellery?

At Jewel Beetle we do not buy gold items in exchange for cash. However we can accept old gold items to be traded. With the credit from your refined scrap, we can use this amount to supply new materials to make you a new piece of jewellery. The gold value fluctuates on a daily basis and you will get the amount based on the gold price on the day the refining takes place. With this option, you can also choose to have your new jewellery design made in a different metal like platinum or white gold

What sort of design can I have made?

For inspiration take a look at our extensive portfolio of designs in store or visit our website [gallery]. If we are using your own gold then designs are limited but our jewellers are always on hand to offer advice. If you prefer, we also offer a [bespoke design service]. Come and talk to us and show us what you have and we can advise you on the options. Sometimes we can remove parts of an old item and reuse them in a new design. Alternatively, if the item isn’t sentimental we can trade in your old gold towards the cost of a new item of jewellery. If your new ring weighs more than the old one, more metal will need to be purchased and added to the melt as well. Some designs are cheaper to manufacture by carving a wax model and having it cast. If the same design is made from sheet metal or a bar there is a lot of filing required to get the desired shape, and more material is needed from the outset. If your design lends itself to be cast, we unfortunately cannot use your own gold for this. At Jewel Beetle, we will always advise you if we are not reusing your gold in case it is of sentimental value to you. We can often advise you of a different design that is more suitable for melting down and remodeling.

Can I reuse the gemstones from my old rings in my new ring?

We understand that jewellery and your gemstones have a very personal and sentimental value. We can re-use your gemstones but this is entirely at your own risk. Flaws in gems are often concealed by their settings, there is always a risk of breakages when stones are un-set. Some stones are more vulnerable to breaking than others, especially softer gemstones like Emeralds and Opals. We would advise on inspection if the job can be done. In general Diamonds, Sapphires and Rubies stand the test of time. If your gemstones are in a reasonable condition and not chipped or too scratched we are happy to unset them for use in a new piece of jewellery.

Can I mix 9ct and 18ct gold together to make a new piece of jewellery?

We encourage you to keep items made of different carat gold separate. Although it’s not standard practice to mix different carat golds together, this can be done on request. We do not stamp these items as they do not conform to either 9ct or 18ct standards. This can devalue the item. Also, if you ever need to get the item repaired or resized in the future, the colour of the newly added metal will be different due to its mixed alloy content. It’s advisable to disclose this to the jeweller.

Precious Metal FAQ

Do you use ‘Ethical Gold’?

We buy most of our gold from a NZ supplier in Auckland, Morris and Watson Ltd. On their website they state the following: “Alluvial gold from the South Island of New Zealand is a significant source of gold for Morris and Watson. The alluvial operation complies with strict Department of Conservation protocols which firmly puts the responsibility on gold exploration, extraction and processing companies to minimize their environmental impact over the whole life cycle of their activities. Much of our precious metal products are produced by recycled waste from the Jewellery Industry within Australasia.” More info here: https://morrisandwatson.com/an-environmental-overview

What is the difference between 9, 14 and 18ct gold?

Basically it’s the pure gold content that determines the difference between 9, 14 or 18 or 22ct gold.For example, if pure gold (24ct) has 24 parts then 9ct gold consists of 9 parts pure gold and 15 parts other alloy. The other alloys used in gold are copper, silver, palladium or platinum. These added alloys determine the final colour. The percentage of pure gold content remains the same regardless of the colour alloy. 9ct gold has 37.5% pure gold, 14ct has 58.5% pure gold and 18ct has 75% pure gold. White gold for instance has more silver, platinum or palladium whilst rose and red gold have more copper added. So now that you have basic knowledge of gold alloy, you can understand why 14ct and 18ct gold is more expensive than 9ct gold.

Can you make my white gold jewellery yellow or my yellow gold jewellery white?

Unfortunately we don’t offer this service of making a new coloured alloy from your own jewellery items. But there is another solution, however it is not permanent. Your white gold jewellery can be yellow gold plated and your yellow gold jewellery can be rhodium plated. Electroplating is only a thin surface layer that will wear off after a while. Rhodium plating can be an expensive process and requires ongoing maintenance. For this reason all the white gold jewellery we manufacture at jewel beetle is in its natural state and only Rhodium plated on request.

What are hallmarks?

Often you will see a hallmark stamped inside a gold ring. Different countries have different rules and standards around the hallmarking of precious metals. The UK is probably the strictest with its hallmarking process dating back to the 1300's. Today, the UK has four Assay offices in London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Sheffield. To have the official hallmark stamp each piece is scraped and tested before it is hallmarked. If the piece fails to meet the standard it is either downgraded to a lower carat or destroyed! Items are usually stamped with three or four compulsory marks indicating the Assay mark for the office it was tested, the makers stamp, the standard mark identifying the fineness of metal out of 1000 parts. Also (until 1998) a letter stamp to identify the year it was tested. This system made it easier to identify older or antique items and their origin. The letter stamp indicating the year is still used today but is now optional. Other countries around the world use similar systems.

Does New Zealand hallmark NZ made jewellery?

New Zealand does not have an official Assay office so the onus is down to the integrity of the jeweller to stamp the correct standard of precious metal on the item of jewellery. In NZ, you might see a combination of maker marks and precious metal standard marks either in the form of letters i.e. “18ct” or numbers indicating the fineness of pure precious metal out of 1000 parts as seen below: Gold 375 - 9ct 585 - 14ct 750 - 18ct 916 - 22ct Silver Sterling - 925 Brittania - 950 Platinum 950 - PLAT Palladium 950 - PALL

Is 9ct gold harder than 18ct gold?

This is a common misconception and as manufacturing jewellers it's a question we are asked on a regular basis! I think the confusion lies in the difference between the two terms ‘hardness’ and ‘durability’. Durability is the ability to last a long time without significant deterioration. Hardness means the resistance metal has to scratching, indentation, bending, breaking, abrasion or fracture. In fact when tested, 18ct gold scores slightly higher on both the Moh and Vicker scale for hardness compared to 9ct gold. 18ct is definitely more durable over time than 9ct gold. 9ct gold tends to be more brittle and less malleable than 18ct gold. In terms of working properties, 9ct gold tends to be quite springy and stiff because of its copper content. This is actually perfect for stamping out mass-produced items of extremely thin gauge. These pieces are often hollow. A traditional manufacturing jeweller would struggle to make such items by hand. But over time the allure of gold has meant that big companies have pushed the limits of producing gold items with the least amount of materials to increase their profit margins. If it feels very lightweight then you could probably assume that it is hollow. Please don’t be offended if we refuse to repair mass produced jewellery made this way, quite often these items can cause a jeweller a lot of grief! Hollow formed items often cannot withstand conventional soldering methods without either collapsing or melting.

Diamonds and Other Gemstone FAQ

Are your Diamonds ethically sourced?

Diamond engagement rings are a popular and traditional choice for an engagement ring that stands the test of time. Rest assured that we source our diamonds from our own reputable diamond merchant that we've been working alongside for over 18 years. Each diamond is subject to the international "Kimberley process" meaning all our diamonds are guaranteed conflict-free.

Where do your black pearls come from?

We source most of our Black pearls directly from the Cook Islands. They are produced in one of the remotest islands on earth in Manihiki. Manihiki is part of the Cook Islands. We find it important to support our Island neighbours. A pearl representative travels to New Zealand several times per year. If you would like something special we can order by mail which can take a bit longer or buy from another New Zealand stockist if needed urgently.

Where do your Blue Pearls come from?

We are Nelson’s stockist for Eyris Blue Pearls. We buy our New Zealand Blue Pearls exclusively from Eyris Pearls because of their consistent high quality. Blue Pearls are farmed off the coast of Akaroa in Banks peninsula in the south island. Blue pearls vary in colour - ranging from blues and greens, gold to pinks, some also have splashes of red and violet. There are bright vibrant tones and soft subtle hues. The pearls have a chameleon quality about them; the colours change in the way they catch the light. Liquid colours that almost have a life of their own. This variation in colour gives each pearl a distinctive character. The number of colour combinations is infinite. If you want to read more about the Blue pearl have a look at Eyris Pearls website.

Cleaning and Maintaining Jewellery FAQ

Why does my 9ct gold ring look dull after a while?

9ct yellow gold and especially rose gold has a high copper content and its lustre can dull after a while with exposure to chemicals. 9ct White gold is often alloyed with silver and can oxidize (tarnish) a little too. This is easily resolved by polishing with a soft cloth, silver cleaning cloth or dipping in a commercial jewellery cleaning dip. In rare cases some people find their skin PH level reacts with the copper content in 9ct and can leave a green patina on the jewellery and skin. A similar reaction can happen with silver making it go black. Certain medications can cause a PH imbalance in some people. If this happens you may notice your silver jewellery or even 9ct white jewellery will oxidize and go blackish as a result. For similar reasons it's not advisable to wear silver jewellery in natural hot pools.

How do I keep my jewellery clean?

It’s probably best that you avoid wearing your rings when preparing food, especially pastry or meatballs! It’s ok to wear them when you do your dishes or take a shower. Build up of soap, dirt and other unmentionables can collect behind your gemstone settings and suddenly your beautiful diamond solitaire has lost its sparkle! Don’t worry, it's not permanent but probably does require a visit to the jeweller for a professional clean and dip in the ultrasonic tank. For a home remedy, you can also take a cup of hot (not boiling)water, a squirt of dishwashing liquid and a little cloudy ammonia if you have it. Leave your item to soak for a while to loosen the dirt, then with a soft tooth brush gently brush to remove dirt where it gets trapped. CAUTION!! Do not ever soak or clean pearls, opals and porous gemstones with detergents or cloudy ammonia. Alternatively bring them to our workshop or another reputable manufacturing jeweller who can clean it for you for a small fee for their service. At Jewel Beetle we are happy to clean and polish all your Jewel Beetle manufactured pieces for free. Just pop in for a polish and we will bring it back to its former glory.

Engagement Rings FAQ

WHAT CAN I DO IF I DON'T KNOW MY PARTNER'S RING SIZE?

Here are a few methods that have been tried and tested by some of our customers.
The down to earth method:
Just bring your partner into the shop and we will size her ring. She might even give you some ideas on what she would like.
The ‘Borrower’ method:

Bring one of your partner's rings in and we will measure it. It may be a ring that’s not worn on the ‘engagement’ finger so you will need to let us know what finger the ring is worn on and we will make an educated guess for the correct ring size.
The stealth method:
We can lend you a ring stick so you can measure a ring she wears when she takes it off to shower or play sports. Is your partner a deep sleeper? Maybe you can wriggle a ring off when she sleeps and measure it on our ring stick. We can also lend you ring sizers to try them on her ring finger. Just don’t get them stuck!
The accomplice method:
Enlist a friend or family member. Maybe they can take her window shopping and try on rings just for fun. Often girls like to try each other’s jewellery so she may not get suspicious!

Good luck if you have another creative way to find out your partner's ring size, we’d love to hear about it!

I WANT TO PROPOSE BUT I AM NOT SURE WHAT ENGAGEMENT RING MY PARTNER WOULD LIKE?

We understand the task of choosing an engagement ring is quite daunting. There are options available that might help. For example; we can source single gemstones, diamonds, sapphires or any semi-precious gemstones on request. We package them in a nice box with preliminary designs of your choice. This way, your partner can have some input into the ring design after you have “popped the question”. You can even give us a budget beforehand! Or we can make a proposal ring in silver before investing in your design if you are unsure of your partners taste or ring size

What is a Proposal ring?

Congratulations you’ve found the right person to spend the rest of your life with and have decided it's time to pop the question. As if waiting for the right moment isn't daunting enough now you have to think about what ring to buy and how much you should spend.

After going through the jewellery box, asking your partners friends and family for advise has left you more confused that when you started on what ring to buy.

What is a proposal ring?
A proposal ring is a placeholder ring. Although any ring could serve as a placeholder ring at Jewel Beetle we make special proposal rings in sterling silver. These rings are engraved with the words ” Will you marry me?” either on the inside or the outside of the ring. The idea is that you can ‘pop the question’ and take your time to choose your perfect ring together.

We are currently working on a few more proposal design ideas so keep and eye out for updates on this page.
Alternatively pop into the shop to have a chat with Allison or Yvon or contact us and we can see what we can create for you.

DOES JEWEL BEETLE OFFER CONFLICT-FREE DIAMONDS?

Diamond engagement rings are a popular and traditional choice for an engagement ring that stands the test of time. Rest assured that we source our diamonds from our own reputable diamond merchant that we've been working alongside for over 18 years. Each diamond is subject to the international Kimberley Process meaning all our diamonds are guaranteed conflict-free.

DOES JEWEL BEETLE OFFER MAN-MADE DIAMONDS?

At Jewel Beetle we mostly work with natural diamonds. Man-made diamonds are synthetic diamonds that are grown in a laboratory. These diamonds have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamonds. The technology has improved a great deal making it almost impossible to tell the difference between a natural and lab-grown diamond. They are a more affordable choice and we can source these diamonds on request.

DO YOU INCLUDE A VALUATION WITH MY ENGAGEMENT RING purchase?

Yes. If you require a valuation for insurance purposes we can provide this for you. If we have supplied a diamond for your ring that is over 0.25ct this will come certified, usually with a GIA certificate. Most rings that we make to order over a certain value will come with an insurance valuation provided we supplied all materials for the commission. Please ask us if you have any questions regarding this.

ARE DIAMONDS from Jewel Beetle CERTIFIED?

We source all of our diamonds from our trusted diamond merchant based in Auckland. Diamonds that are over 0.25ct will come with certification, usually a GIA certificate.(Gemological Institute of America) Smaller diamonds, less than 0.25ct are not certified but we can include the details of clarity, cut and carat weight on a jewellery appraisal for your finished ring if you would like one.

DOES MY ENGAGEMENT RING COME WITH ANY GUARANTEE?

At Jewel Beetle we have a very high standard of manufacture and check each item before it leaves the workshop, however in the unlikely event of a workmanship defect we offer a lifetime guarantee. Please contact us as soon as possible, we will endeavour to replace or repair the item for you. Our guarantee does not cover wear and tear, accidental or consequential damage. We believe that we accurately describe the products in our online store and that the photos of our individual pieces of jewellery display the colour with a reasonable degree of accuracy. However, our jewellery is handmade and slight differences may occur on some items due to the nature of our handmade manufacturing process. Also, the colour that you see on your computer screen depends on a number of factors including the colour quality of the computer screen that you are using. Also, our stones and pearls may reflect different colours depending on the light. As we use natural stones and pearls in our jewellery you need to be aware that there may be some colour variations within the stones and pearls and that some will have natural inclusion. Any inclusions are not flaws and in many cases these are evidence that the stones / pearls are not man-made. We believe that inclusions enhance the natural beauty of our products. Diamonds of course are an exception to this. When you receive your purchase and you believe that it is significantly different to that described in our online store or that it is faulty, we ask that you advise us within 7 days of having received your purchase

Email: info@jewelbeetle.co.nz

In the case of any dispute the Consumer Guarantees Act will apply.

CAN JEWEL BEETLE HELP ME DESIGN AN ENGAGEMENT RING?

Yes, over the years we have helped many customers design their perfect engagement ring. You can ignite your imagination by browsing through our extensive gallery of past designs and commissions. We’re sure you will find them inspirational and we can give you an idea of what something similar may cost. Let us know your budget as this determines what is possible and what alternatives or other options are available to you. For more information on our design process click here.

I HAVE A LIMITED BUDGET TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

At Jewel Beetle, we understand that everyone has a different budget in mind when purchasing an engagement ring. It’s often more cost effective to purchase a stock item than have a piece especially made. Often our stock rings are models that we can reproduce more efficiently than a one-off ring.For example if you find one of our stock rings in 18ct gold we can reproduce this same ring in 9ct gold or even silver. Also, diamonds can be substituted for other more affordable gemstones. Tell us what budget you have in mind, and we’d be happy to advise you of your options. From sterling silver to Platinum. We have even made an engagement ring in sterling silver with CZ for a couple on a limited budget and a few years later they returned to have the ring remade in gold with a diamond.