Get answers to frequently asked questions about Botanica Jewellery.
Find all the information you need in one convenient place.
If you any have other questions, please get in touch with kelsey@botanicajewellery.com.
I need more information on sizing.
We work with the alphabetical sizing system, so the ring size you provide us will be a letter. The most accurate way to determine your ring size is to have it measured by a jeweller (you're always welcome to pop into our studio to have this done) but we understand this is not always possible so we've put together a guide to help you determine the ring size needed.
Please note that if you choose to measure your finger at home and the measurement is not correct, we cannot take responsibility inaccurate sizes and there may be additional sizing fees.
Download printable ring sizing guide here. Please ensure you use this guide when measuring ring sizes at home.
Please note the required size in the box provided before checking out.
As mentioned we cannot take responsibility for incorrect sizes supplied when ordering but we will happily exchange a ring for the correct size or size the ring ordered, depending on what ring is ordered and what the new required size is. Rings ordered with sizes bigger or smaller than our standard range sizes cannot be exchanged and will require sizing should the incorrect ring size be ordered. Resizing rings is a specialised process which takes considerable time because of this a resizing fee will be incurred. The fee for resizing will depend on the design and the number of sizes the ring needs adjusting. Please confirm this before purchasing if you are concerned. Return courier costs are the responsibility of the customer.
All our necklaces can be ordered with either a 45cm or 50cm chain, unless otherwise stated, longer chains are available on request.
When will I receive my order?
At Botanica your precious jewellery piece is hand crafted by a small team and mostly made to order so we have a manufacturing lead time on most of our designs. This is listed below each and every product as lead times vary depending on the specific piece of jewellery.
Please note the lead time when ordering and contact us prior to placing an order should you need it before the stated lead time. We don't send manufacturing updates between the order confirmation email and the shipping confirmation email, unless there is specific information we need to communicate to you.
I need help with returning or repairing an item.
Customer satisfaction is the highest priority for us and we take great care to only send a piece if we are completely happy with the quality. If you are not happy with a purchase and wish to return it please contact us immediately to discuss the issue and we will do what we can to rectify it and assess whether an exchange or replacement is applicable. Items will need to be returned to us, unworn and in the original packaging.
Please ensure all returns are done within 14 days of collection or courier delivery. Custom orders, rings that have been sized, jewellery pieces that have been altered, pieces with initial engravings or orders with customisations cannot be returned, refunded or exchanged. Please ensure you are happy with all details of your order prior to be it being manufactured. Due to their one-off and unique nature pieces from our Bespoke Range and Wedding and Engagement Ring cannot be returned or refunded. In some cases exchanges may be facilitated at the sole discretion of Botanica Handcrafted Jewellery.
Any exchanges must be requested within 14 days of collection or courier delivery. An exchange will only be considered if the piece is returned to our studio within the specified time frame, unworn, undamaged, and in the original packaging.Courier fees are not refundable and any courier costs associated with the return are the responsibility of the customer. The logistics of international returns remain the sole liability of the customer.
We will gladly repair any jewellery purchased from our online store that breaks due to a manufacturing fault within the first month of purchase. Jewellery damaged due to neglect will incur a repair cost.Chains especially need to treated with care as they can break if tugged on or caught on something. Chain repairs or replacements will be assessed on a case by case basis and advised on once we have seen the damaged chain.
Custom jewellery repairs have to be assessed in person at our studio as each piece is unique. Once we have assessed the piece we can advise on possible repairs and costs. Please follow the personal care guide provided to you carefully as no responsibility will be taken for negligent wear leading to damage. If a jewellery item arrives damaged from the shipping process please contact us immediately so we can address this. All of our pieces are handmade, please allow for slight variations from the images on our website.
All repairs must be shipped to our studio and the courier costs, both for delivery to the studio and delivery back to the owner of the jewellery piece, are the sole responsibility of the client.
I have questions about shipping and delivery.
We send orders through Fast Way couriers or MDS couriers for express delivery (major centers only) throughout South Africa. Parcels cannot be delivered to a P.O Box, a physical address is needed where someone will be available to sign. Once your order has been dispatched you will receive an email with the tracking number. Delivery takes between 2 to 5 days for standard delivery and 1 to 2 days for express.
Please ensure someone is available at the address to accept the delivery. We cannot take responsibility for missed deliveries if no one is available at the address. Undelivered items will be returned and any additional delivery costs will be the responsibility of the customer. It is suggested that you track your parcel once it is dispatched so you can monitor expected delivery.
We always aim to get your order to you as quickly as possible but some pieces do require up to 20 working days to manufacture. If you require something for a sooner date please email us and we will do our best to accommodate.
We partner with FedEx to deliver our international parcels, delivery takes 5 -10 working days depending on delivery area.
Please ensure someone is available at the address to accept the delivery. We cannot take responsibility for missed deliveries if no one is available at the address. Undelivered items will be returned and any additional delivery costs will be the responsibility of the customer. It is suggested that you track your parcel once it is dispatched so you can monitor expected delivery.
Please not your order will be subject to applicable customs, duties, taxes and fees charged by your government. We cannot be held responsible for these charges nor can we advise on what these charges may be. We recommend you contact your local customs office for this information.
Please note we cannot take responsibility for any delays in delivery due to a countries customs clearance process.
I need information on Jewellery Care
If taken care of properly your Botanica piece should last for many years of wear but all fine jewellery, even expertly crafted pieces, can be damaged. Jewellery is not indestructible and even harder wearing gemstones like diamonds can break if knocked in the wrong way. We suggest that jewellery be removed when you go to the gym (we see a lot of damage from rings being worn in the gym), hiking, swimming or other physical activities where your jewellery items could be knocked or take unnecessary wear. It is not recommended to sleep with jewellery on and plated jewellery should not be worn in the shower. Care should be taken when swimming, salt water and chlorine are no friends to jewellery and this is where we see a lot of jewellery get lost. Removing rings when you get home and not exposing them to general household activities, like cooking, gardening or washing dishes, can extend the longevity of your piece and reduce wear and tear greatly.
It is important to have your jewellery items inspected and cleaned by professional jeweller at least once a year (we suggest twice a year) to ensure that all stones are still tight in their settings and any wear and tear can be addressed.
Please note Botanica cannot accept any responsibility for damage sustained to a piece once it has left the studio. Please contact us as soon as you notice any damage to your jewellery item so we can assess the piece and quote on repair work.
Chain care
Although we supply high quality Italian chains, they are naturally delicate and require some care. Once a chain snaps it can be a permanent weak spot, even once repaired, and can impact the durability of the chain. It is best to avoid damage to your chains. Tangling chains, during wear or whilst they are being stored, can weaken links and lead to the chain breaking. Any hard tugs on a chain will weaken them, can lead to the chain snapping and runs the risk of damaging the chain long term.
Necklaces should be stored carefully so they do not tangle, removed when exercising or any physical activity that could cause them to become damaged.
Sterling Silver can tarnish over time. This is shows as discolouration or black marks on the metal. This can be caused by exposure to skin acidity, certain perfumes, body lotions and chemicals or humidity. To minimise the chance of tarnishing only put your jewellery on once you've applied your perfume etc and store pieces safely in a dry box or bag over night.
A piece of jewellery has tarnished? No problem you can purchase a jewellery polishing cloth which will often remove it and brighten your piece up. Warm soapy water and a soft brush will remove any residue build up. Remember to rinse well and dry off. You are also welcome to bring your piece into the workshop and we'll clean it up for you.
Plated pieces of jewellery do require some maintenance. Over time Gold or Rose gold plating can wear off your piece. When this happens please return your piece to our workshop and we will re-plate the piece for you. We will re-plate a piece for free once a year, more regular re-plating will be quoted on.
Avoiding physical activity while wearing your plated piece, minimising pieces contact with perfumes, lotions, chemicals and salt water and storing pieces safely away from other jewellery pieces will extend the life of the plating.