FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might want to know before you buy — or just want to know about how we do things. If your question isn't answered here, message us on online chat or send an email.
About Our Jewellery
What is 14K gold vermeil?
Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is a thick layer of real 14K gold bonded to a base of 925 sterling silver. To be sold as vermeil, a piece has to meet a legal minimum gold thickness of 2.5 microns — about 100 times thicker than standard gold plating. That's why vermeil lasts far longer than plated jewellery and is considered "demi-fine."
What does "925 sterling silver" mean?
Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver mixed with other metals (usually copper) to give it strength. The "925" stamp means it's genuine sterling silver — the international standard for fine silver jewellery.
Is your jewellery hypoallergenic?
Yes. All our pieces are either solid 925 sterling silver or gold vermeil over sterling silver — both suitable for sensitive skin. We don't use nickel or brass bases.
Are your gemstones real?
We work with both natural and lab created gemstones. Each natural stone may have its own inclusions and variations — part of what makes every piece unique. We always specify the exact gemstone used in our product descriptions.
Will my jewellery tarnish over time?
Sterling silver can tarnish naturally over time, especially when exposed to moisture, air, perfume, or lotion — this is normal and easily polished off with a soft cloth. Gold vermeil resists tarnish far better thanks to its thick gold layer, but the finish can wear with heavy daily wear over several years. Our care tips below will help keep every piece looking its best.
Is gold vermeil the same as gold plated?
No — vermeil is a much more durable finish. Standard gold plating has a gold layer of around 0.175 microns; vermeil is at least 2.5 microns, and ours is bonded over sterling silver rather than brass. In practice, that means our vermeil pieces last years longer and won't cause skin reactions.
Sizing & Fit
How do I find my ring size?
You have three easy options — see our Size Guide for full instructions:
- Measure the inside diameter of a ring you already own and match it to our conversion chart.
- Use the string method — wrap string around your finger and measure the length.
- Order our Ring Sizer tool (search "Ring Sizer" in our shop) for a simple at-home solution.
What if I'm between sizes?
We always recommend sizing up. Rings that are slightly loose are far more comfortable than ones that feel tight, and your fingers naturally swell slightly in warm weather.
What lengths do your necklaces come in?
Our chains come in 18" (45.75 cm) and 20" (50.75 cm). Both are fitted with three adjustable points, so the 18" can be worn at 16"/17"/18" and the 20" at 18"/19"/20" — giving you every length from 16" to 20" across just two pieces.
Can I get a custom length?
For standard chains, we offer 18" and 20". If you need a longer or shorter length for a specific piece, please message us before ordering and we'll let you know what's possible.
How do I measure my wrist for a bracelet?
Wrap a piece of string around your wrist just below the wrist bone, mark where it meets, and measure against a ruler. Add ½" for a close fit, ¾" for a standard fit, or 1" for a looser drape. Full guidance is in our Size Guide.
Shipping & Delivery
Where do you ship to?
We ship worldwide from our studio in the UK.
How long does delivery take?
UK: Royal Mail 48-hour Tracked — delivered within 48 hours of dispatch.
Europe, US, Canada: typically 3–7 working days after dispatch via our Royal Mail business account.
Expedited options: available at checkout — Royal Mail 24-hour Tracked (UK) or UPS International Priority (3–4 working days).
Orders placed before 1pm are dispatched the same day. Please note that solid gold items are made to order — see the individual listing for processing time.
Do I have to pay customs charges?
US orders are shipped with all duties included — no surprise charges at delivery.
For all other international orders, any customs charges are determined by your country's import rules and are the buyer's responsibility.
Can I track my order?
Yes — every order includes tracking. You'll receive a confirmation email with your tracking number as soon as your parcel leaves our studio.
What happens if my parcel is lost or delayed?
If your parcel hasn't arrived within the expected window, contact us at [your email] with your order number and we'll investigate with the courier. All our shipments are insured, so you're covered in the rare event of a lost package.
Returns & Our 365-Day Guarantee
What's your return policy?
We offer a 30-day return window on all unworn pieces in their original packaging. If the piece isn't right for you, just send it back and we'll refund or exchange it.
What does the 365-day guarantee cover?
Our 365-day guarantee covers manufacturing faults and craftsmanship issues — broken clasps, loose stones, or any defect that wasn't caused by wear and tear. If something goes wrong with a piece you've bought from us within the first year, we'll repair or replace it at no cost.
How do I start a return or claim?
Email us or send us a message via online chat with your order number and a brief description of the issue (a photo helps). We'll send you return instructions and keep you updated through the process.
Who pays for return postage?
For returns of unworn items within 30 days, buyers cover return postage.
What if my item arrives damaged?
We're sorry — please email us within 24 hours of delivery with a photo of the damage and your order number, and we'll sort it out immediately.
Care & Longevity
How should I care for my jewellery?
The simplest rule: jewellery on last, off first. Put your pieces on after perfume, lotion, hairspray, and makeup, and take them off before showering, swimming, exercising, or sleeping. Store each piece separately in a pouch or lined box to prevent scratching.
Can I wear my jewellery in the shower?
We'd rather you didn't. Water on its own isn't terrible, but combined with shampoo, soap, and shower products it can dull gold vermeil and tarnish silver faster than normal. Take pieces off before showering and they'll last far longer.
Can I swim or exercise in my jewellery?
Please don't. Chlorine, saltwater, and sweat are all particularly hard on plated finishes and can damage natural gemstones. If you want jewellery for everyday wear through every activity, solid gold is the only material we'd recommend.
How do I clean my jewellery at home?
For gold vermeil and sterling silver, a soft polishing cloth is usually all you need. Gentle wiping after wear removes the skin oils that cause tarnish over time. Avoid chemical cleaners and ultrasonic machines — both can damage plating and loosen gemstones.
Will my gold vermeil fade over time?
All plated finishes eventually wear with heavy daily wear — the rate depends on your skin chemistry, the products you use, and how often you wear the piece. With gentle care, vermeil typically stays looking new for several years. If a favourite piece needs refreshing, message us — we can advise on re-plating options.
Gifts & Personalisation
Do you offer gift packaging?
Every order arrives carefully wrapped in our eco-friendly jewellery boxes , ready to gift. At checkout you can upgrade to our extra-special gift box packaging.
Can you include a handwritten note?
Yes — leave your message at checkout and we'll include it with the gift. Your receipt is emailed to you separately, so there's no pricing information inside the parcel.
Do you send a free birthday card?
Yes — if you're sending a birthday gift, let us know in the order notes and we'll pop a free birthday card in with the parcel.
Can you ship directly to the recipient?
Absolutely. Enter their address at checkout and we'll send it straight to them — no pricing information will be in the parcel.
Our Brand
Where are you based?
We're a small independent studio based in London, UK. Every order is packed and shipped by us personally.
Where is your jewellery made?
Each piece is made in collaboration with our trusted workshop partners, with quality checked and packed in our UK studio. We work with skilled artisans who specialise in fine silver and gold vermeil work.
Do you offer wholesale?
We offer select wholesale partnerships. If you'd like to stock Rainbow Rocks in your shop, please get in touch by email with your business details.
How do I contact you?
Send us a message via Online chat or email hello@rainbowrocks.co.uk — we aim to reply within one working day (Monday to Friday). You can also reach us on Instagram @RainbowRocksOfficial.
Can't find what you're looking for? Drop us a line at hello@rainbowrocks.co.uk and we'll do our best to help.