TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The small print, in plain English. These terms cover buying jewellery from this website, commissions, workshops, 10-week courses and gift vouchers. They don't affect your legal rights as a consumer, which always apply.

Last updated: 4 October 2026

WHO AM I?

The Soldersmith is run by me, Alison Le Fevre (Alf), a sole trader based in Hildenborough, Kent.

Address: Contact me directly for the Studio's full address

Email: alf@thesoldersmith.co.uk

Phone: 01892 251102

BUYING JEWELLERY

Every piece is one of one. Nearly everything I make is handmade by me, one at a time, so the piece in the photograph is the piece you'll receive. Small marks, textures and variations are part of the making, not faults.

Photographs. I photograph every piece as truthfully as I can, but screens show colour differently. Oxidised (blackened) finishes and natural stones in particular can look a little different in person.

Prices. Prices are in pounds sterling and include everything except delivery, which is shown at checkout before you pay.

Your order. When you pay, you'll get an automatic email confirming I've received your order. The contract between us starts when I email to confirm your piece has been dispatched or is ready to collect. If something goes wrong (for example, a piece sells in person at the same moment), I'll let you know straight away and refund you in full.

Hallmarks. My silver is hallmarked at the London Assay Office with my ALF maker's mark, as UK law requires for silver pieces over 7.78g and for gold pieces over 1g.

Ring sizes. Ring sizes are given in UK sizes. If you're unsure of yours, see my ring measuring guide. I can resize some rings for a fee: please ask before ordering. Rings with stones set will always carry a fee for resizing.

DELIVERY

I post orders within 3 working days of payment, using Royal Mail Special Delivery, which is tracked, signed for and insured. I will send you the tracking reference as soon as it's on the way.

I deliver to UK addresses only.

If your parcel doesn't arrive, please email me and I'll chase it with Royal Mail. Your order is my responsibility until it reaches you.

You're also welcome to collect from the studio in Hildenborough by arrangement.

CHANGING YOUR MIND

If you buy online and change your mind, you have 14 days from the day you receive your piece to tell me you'd like to return it. You don't need to give a reason.

To return a piece:

Email me at alf@thesoldersmith.co.uk within 14 days of receiving it.
Post it back within 14 days of telling me, unworn and in its original packaging. Please use a tracked and insured service, as the piece is your responsibility until it reaches me. Return postage is paid by you.
I'll refund the price of the piece and the standard delivery charge within 14 days of receiving it back.

If a piece comes back worn, damaged or altered, I may reduce or refuse the refund to reflect that.

This right doesn't apply to commissions or anything made or altered to your specification, because those pieces are made for you alone.

IF SOMETHING'S WRONG

If your piece arrives damaged, isn't as described, or develops a fault that isn't down to wear and tear, please email me with a photo as soon as you can. Under UK law you can return a faulty piece for a full refund within 30 days. After that, I'll repair or replace it, or refund you if that isn't possible.

Normal wear isn't a fault. Silver scratches and softens with wear, oxidised finishes gradually wear back on high points, and that's part of how a piece lives with you. See my care guide (enclosed with your order) for how to look after it.

COMMISSIONS

Commissions start from £200.

Once we've agreed a design and price, I'll ask for a 50% deposit before I start. The deposit covers your design time and materials, so it can't be refunded once work has begun. The balance is due before your piece is posted or collected.

Most commissions take four to eight weeks from the deposit, but this depends on the complexity of the design. I'll give you a date when we agree the design.

The price includes one round of basic changes to the design. Further changes, or a change of mind once making has started, may cost extra; I'll always tell you before doing anything chargeable.

Old silver. I don't remodel or rework existing jewellery. I can melt down fully hallmarked silver you send me and use it as raw material for a new piece, but this doesn't reduce the price, and melting and rolling out the metal may add to it. Please note that we need to be 100% sure your metal is sterling silver prior to melting it down. The easiest way to ensure this is through its hallmark. I do not accept un-hallmarked silver for melting down for this reason.

Because commissions are made to your specification, the 14-day right to change your mind doesn't apply. Your rights if something's faulty still do.

WORKSHOPS

Booking. Workshops are paid in full when you book online.

Changing your date. Contact me at least 14 days before your workshop and I'll move you to another date.

Cancelling. Contact me at least 14 days before your workshop for a full refund. Unfortunately I can't refund cancellations made within 14 days, but you're welcome to send someone in your place; just let me know their name.

Age. Workshops are for adults aged 18 and over.

If I have to cancel. If I'm ill or something outside my control stops a workshop going ahead, I'll offer you a new date or a full refund.

Because workshops are booked for a specific date, the 14-day right to cancel that applies to most online purchases doesn't apply to them.

10-WEEK COURSES

Booking. Your place is confirmed once the course fee is paid in full. Places are first come, first served and aren't held without payment.

What's included. Tuition, studio use, tools and equipment, and refreshments. Silver isn't included, because it depends on what you make. I can guide you on bullion suppliers and help you place your first few orders if required.

Minimum numbers. Classes run with a minimum of four students. If a class doesn't reach that, I'll offer you another slot or a full refund.

Cancelling. Give me at least 4 weeks' notice before the course starts for a full refund. I can't refund cancellations within 4 weeks of the start date.

Missed sessions. I can't refund missed sessions. Make-up sessions are offered in line with my absence policy (where possible and to a maximum of 3 per term), and usually take place in spare places on Friday Pay-As-You-Go sessions. Please tell me as early as you can.

If I have to cancel. If I'm ill or something outside my control means I have to cancel a session, I'll offer a replacement session at the earliest time that suits us both.

Friday Pay-As-You-Go sessions are for current and past course students. Please book as far ahead as you can, as sessions only run if someone has booked.

Referrals. Refer a friend who books and pays for the very next term, and you'll get 20% off your next term.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE STUDIO

The studio uses blowtorches, acid pickle, saws and heavy tools. I'll give you health and safety guidance before you start, and I'll ask you to read and sign it. Please wear closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair and avoid loose clothing and dangly jewellery.

Please tell me before you book if you have any medical condition, allergy or mobility need I should know about, so I can make sure the studio works for you.

I can't be responsible for loss of or damage to personal belongings brought into the studio. Nothing in these terms limits my responsibility if you're injured because of my negligence.

I ask everyone to treat each other, and the studio, with respect. I may ask anyone behaving unsafely or inappropriately to leave, without a refund.

PHOTOGRAPHS

I sometimes photograph work in progress and finished pieces in the studio to share on Instagram and this website. If you'd rather not appear, or would like your work kept anonymous or credited to you, just tell me.

GIFT VOUCHERS

Gift vouchers can be used for jewellery, workshops and courses and are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase. They can't be exchanged for cash, and any unused balance stays on the voucher until it expires.

YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

I only use your details to deal with your order or booking and, if you sign up for it, to send my newsletter. For full details, see my Privacy Policy.

THINGS OUTSIDE MY CONTROL

If something outside my reasonable control (such as severe weather, illness, a postal strike or a supplier failure) delays or stops me doing what I've promised, I'll let you know as soon as possible and do my best to put it right. If I can't, I'll refund what you've paid for anything I haven't delivered.

CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

I may update these terms from time to time. The terms in place when you placed your order or booking are the ones that apply to it.

These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales.

Questions? Email me at alf@thesoldersmith.co.uk. I'd much rather sort something out with you directly.