Sentimental Re-Design at Lores

Terms + Conditions

At Lores, every sentimental re design begins with your story and your materials. This process allows us to transform your family gold, precious metals and gemstones into a new piece of jewellery that carries meaning and history. The process is designed to capture your ideas, ensure transparency, and manage the inherent risks of working with pre owned materials.

Consultations
Sentimental redesign consultations can be booked directly through the website. Consultations are £30 and can be held either in person in Bristol or online via video call. This fee is redeemable against the final cost of your jewellery if you decide to proceed.

Consultations allow time to explore your ideas in detail, provide an online record of your order, and help us keep track of your project. During your consultation, you will discuss all aspects of your piece, including preferred design, measurements, any timeframes and budget. It is helpful if you bring inspiration or ideas about the style, colour or form you would like.

Quotation and Deposit
Following your consultation, a detailed quotation will be provided within 5 business days. To proceed, a 50 percent deposit is required before work begins. This deposit is non refundable once work has started, as materials and gemstones are often incorporated directly into the new piece and cannot be returned. Special allowances for partial or full refunds in exceptional circumstances such as unforeseen financial or health issues may be considered entirely at the discretion of the Lores team and will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Using Your Materials
When using your own metals or gemstones, there are natural risks involved. Metals may be worn, alloyed or have hidden weaknesses such as cracks, porosity or previous repairs. Gemstones may have internal fractures, previous treatments or surface damage that is not visible before work begins.

During the re design process, stones may chip, fracture or loosen, and metal may behave unpredictably during soldering, setting or resizing. You acknowledge that Lores cannot accept financial responsibility for breakage, loss or damage to materials supplied by you. Clients must ensure that any valuable stones or jewellery items are insured for the duration of the redesign process.

Making Process and Communication
Once the deposit is received, Lores will begin creating your new piece. Each piece typically takes 10 to 12 weeks to complete. This timeframe includes room for any unexpected delays, whether technical or external. You will be communicated with throughout the process via WhatsApp or email according to your preference. Progress photos may be shared, particularly if wax carving, CAD design or stone setting is involved. Any requested design changes will be discussed with you before work proceeds.

Risks to Gemstones and Metal
Gemstones naturally vary in hardness, composition and durability. Some stones are sensitive to heat, pressure, ultrasonic cleaning or the setting process. Risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Fracture filled diamonds, laser drilled diamonds, oil filled emeralds, glass filled rubies, resin filled stones and stones that have been irradiated.

  • Soft or organic gems such as pearls, opals, turquoise and amber.

  • Heat sensitive stones that can craze, burn, go cloudy or change colour.

  • Stones with structural weaknesses such as internal fractures or surface reaching inclusions.

  • Large, thin or unusually cut stones that carry additional stress during setting.

  • Stones that have previously been set or repaired, as well as stones that have been treated or filled.

Metals may be weakened by previous repairs or by their specific alloy composition. Plating on older jewellery is often removed during buffing and polishing. Replacement plating is not included in repair or redesign work unless specifically requested or quoted for, as plating is a precious metal service and will be charged separately.

Stone Setting Risks
Setting stones, whether supplied by you or sourced for the design, carries inherent risk. Even a flawless stone may fracture or chip during setting despite careful techniques. Lores cannot accept financial responsibility for breakage during gemstone-setting. Clients must ensure their insurance covers the materials during the process. Documentation and photographs can be provided to support an insurance claim, but replacement costs must be claimed through the client’s insurer.

Changes of Mind
Once you have approved your final design, work begins shortly afterwards. At this stage, changes to the design may require additional fees or may not be possible, especially if materials have already been altered, melted or prepared. If you wish to change your mind after approval, the cost of any completed work will still apply.

Limitations and Liability
Sentimental redesign aims to create a beautiful and functional piece, but certain limitations must be acknowledged. Lores cannot guarantee the preservation of structural strength in metals or stones that show pre-existing damage or wear. Minor imperfections that result from the age and previous life of your materials may remain.

Liability is limited to the agreed final design and the workmanship provided by Lores. It does not extend to replacement or reimbursement of client supplied gemstones, metal or jewellery components.

Completion and Collection
When your piece is finished, collection or delivery will be arranged. The remaining balance must be paid before collection or dispatch.

Photography and Privacy
Photographs may be taken throughout the process and of the final piece. These may be used for marketing unless you request otherwise. If you prefer that your piece or your materials are not photographed, please inform Lores before work begins.

Reviews
Within 4 weeks of receiving your piece, you will be invited to leave a review. Feedback is warmly appreciated and helps support Lores as a small independent business.