Ring sizes are measured on an ascending alphabetical scale, with the first few letters of the alphabet corresponding to the smallest sizes. 

Any quality jewellers should be able to tell you your ring size free of charge, but you can also follow our home ring sizing guide here to find out your size.

If you are still unsure which size to choose, order a standard size (M for women, U for men) and we will be happy to offer a free resize if necessary. Please contact us for any further advice.

Using our highly skilled jewellery workshop, we are able to resize many rings to suit your finger. We'd suggest calling or emailing us to confirm that your desired ring can be resized. If we confirm that this is possible, you can place an online order for the ring in the closest available size to your own, referring to our sizing guide for details. Once your order has been placed, please let us know your order number and desired ring size via call, email or the comments box on the shopping cart page. We can then proceed with sending the ring to our workshop to be resized before dispatch. Please note that delivery times for orders of this nature are likely to be extended by a minimum of 7 days.

Unless you know a lot about diamonds, it is easy to be deceived by the sparkle of a good imitation. Your best assurance that you will get the quality you pay for, is to buy from a reputable jeweller or gemmologist.

Where possible we give you the weight, colour grade and clarity of diamonds that we sell and will quote these on your invoice, we always supply good quality diamonds that will give beautiful sparkle and fire. Antique jewellery details will be an approximation based on our opinion unless otherwise stated.

The grade of a diamond and its value is determined by four characteristics. The Four "C's"

Cut

Diamonds are cut in different shapes. Some common terms used to describe the shape or cut of diamonds include pear, oval, brilliant or round, marquise, baguette and emerald. Proportions, table diameter, facet angles and symmetry are some of the major factors in cutting which determine the stone's ability to handle light.

Colour

Diamonds range in colour, from colourless to shades such as canary yellow, champagne, cognac brown, sky blue and green. So-called "colourless" stones are rated in terms of their paleness and transparency on an alphabetic scale ranging from D to Z. Stones rated "D" are completely colourless. Stones rated "Z" are yellow in hue. This system of colour grading is based on the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) standards. Other recognised systems are the C.I.B.J.O. (Confederation Internationale de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfevrerie, des Diamants, Perles et Pierres Precieuses) and AGS (American Gemological Society) methods.

Clarity

Some diamonds are clearer than others. They contain fewer tiny imperfections or "inclusions", invisible to the naked eye, than cloudier stones. Clarity is expressed by the following abbreviations: IF (internally flawless), VVS (very very small inclusion), VS (very small) SI (small inclusions), I1, I2, and I3. Flawless is the highest rating in terms of clarity of the stones. This range of clarity is based on GIA standards.

Carat Weight

One thing that obviously distinguishes one diamond from another is weight. This expressed in "carats" (or the abbreviation "ct"). 1 diamond carat weighs 0.2 grams or 200 mg. Therefore, a 0.25 carat diamond would weigh 0.05 grams or 50mg. Weight can also be expressed in “points” (or the abbreviation “pt”), where 1 point is equal to 1/100 of a carat. Therefore, our 0.25 carat diamond would be equivalent to 25 points.

Consumer Awareness

When you buy a diamond, your receipt or certificate accompanying the sale, should list these characteristics:

1.     The carat weight of the main stone(s), plus the total weight of the main and smaller stones, if any.

2.     The clarity of the stone(s), which may vary from stone to stone.

3.     The colour factor, which also may vary.

4.    The description of the cut.

5.     Ask if the diamond has been treated or enhanced in any way other than cutting or polishing.

If this information is not supplied with your purchase, ask for it. If it is not provided, consider the purchase carefully. Ask the retailer what grading system they use to assist you in making comparisons from one store to another.

Please note that these details are provided for general guidance only and should not be taken as a substitute for independent professional advice.

Buying a piece of Jewellery with a Birthstone for a Gift is often a good way to ensure the correct purchase.

January/Capricon = Garnet

February/Aquarius = Amethyst

March/Pisces = Aquamarine or Bloodstone

April/Aries = Diamond

May/Taurus = Emerald

June/Gemini = Pearl or Moonstone

July/Cancer = Ruby or Carnelian

August/Leo = Peridot

September/Virgo = Sapphire or Lapis Lazuli

October/Libra = Opal

November/Scorpio = Topaz or Citrine

December/Sagittarius = Turquoise or Tanzanite

Take care of your jewellery and it will shine for years. Each piece of jewellery is individual, but as a general guide it is advisable:

1.     Gently rub gold and silver jewellery with a soft, clean cloth to maximise the shine.

2.     Jewellery set with gems can be brought to life by careful cleaning with a soft brush and soapy water, or with a proprietary jewellery cleaning solution. Try not to get threaded pearl or bead jewellery wet and only wet antique jewellery after specialist advice - you could ruin it.

3.     Wipe pearls with a soft damp cloth after wearing to remove perfume, hairspray and anything else likely to damage them.

4.    Don't use abrasive cleaners on jewellery.

5.     You can use silver 'dip' type cleaners on most silver jewellery - but rinse and dry them thoroughly. Don't use silver 'dip' type cleaning solutions on gold jewellery, only special jewellery cleaners.

6.    Keep jewellery carefully stored and separated - not jumbled together in a drawer.

7.     Keep chains fastened so that they don't get tangled up.

8.    A professional should check jewellery for damage or wear, on a regular basis.

9.    Make sure you have a detailed insurance valuation for your jewellery. As a rough guide, the description in a professional jewellery valuation will be detailed enough that a jeweller could use it draw a pretty accurate sketch of the item.

10.  If in any doubt about the care, repair or valuation of your jewellery ask the advice of a professional.

Your 100% satisfaction is of the upmost importance to us. Should you be dissatisfied with your goods, please email liam@rafflesjewellers.co.uk so we can deal with your return request. We allow a 14 day return window following purchase, during which time you are entitled, by UK law, to a refund.