Q:How Do I Figure Out My Ring Size?
A: Ring size names vary by country, so first make sure that you are looking at a guide for where you live. If you're purchasing internationally, make sure you convert your size to match the country from which you are ordering.
Already have a ring that fits? Print our easy sizing guide (make sure to print at 100% size) and match the inside of your ring to a circle on the guide. Make sure your ring fits just outside the circle. If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up, especially if you are interested in a ring with a wide band. Wider bands create more friction between your finger and the metal, so the same size will fit more tightly than with a thinner band. Fingers can swell from temporary water retention or a warm climate, so sizing up can accommodate those natural variations.
No ring? we'll be happy to send you a plastic ring sizer in the post.
Still have questions? Send an email to hello [at] ginamelosi [dot] com, and we'll be happy to help.
q: How do I take care of my jewellery?
a: To help your jewellery last a long time while looking its best, take it off before you go to bed, and especially when swimming or bathing. This will prevent scratching, wear and tear on delicate chains and plated/gold fill items, and oil and dirt build-up.
Sterling silver will eventually tarnish with normal wear. Gold fill/plated jewellery may also tarnish, but at a much slower rate. To clean, gently wipe with a jewellery polishing cloth, or clean with a soft toothbrush and gentle soap (such as ecover washing up liquid) and water. Any jewellery with an oxidised (black) or stone element should not go into chemical jewellery cleaning solution or an ultrasonic cleaner.
Gemstones and pearls will slowly accumulate body oils and become dirty. Use a non-abrasive soap and water to wash them gently with your fingers. Do not use a polishing cloth on the surface of stones or pearls.
q: Oh no, I lost an earring!
a: We know how annoying it can be to lose one of your favourite earrings! To help ease the pain, we offer a discount on a replacement pair. Contact hello [at ginamelosi [dot] com for details.
q: Can I wear the jewellery if I have sensitive skin?
All of our products are “Nickel Safe” and all the earring posts are made from recycled sterling silver. some of these silver posts are plated. we recommend that if you have any known allergies or particular requirements to get in touch before purchasing your item, and we can suggest the best options for you or customise the piece if needed.
“Nickel Safe” is a definition we apply to our products because they are tested to the stringent European Nickel Directive standards. The above safeguards should minimise any chance of your becoming allergic to our jewellery, but in the unlikely event that you experience any adverse reaction, please remove the jewellery immediately.
q: HOW DO I GET AN ITEM CUSTOMISED?
Please email us at hello [at] ginamelosi [dot] com to discuss any variations or special requests such as engraving, metal change, alternative finishes/colours etc. This service will incur additional charges.
Q: What do I need to know about bronze and brass?
A: Bronze is an alloy made of copper and tin, has a lovely warm golden colour, and is an affordable alternative to 10 or 14k gold. the bronze we use is recycled: trubronze from hoover & Strong.
Brass is a very similar to bronze, but has a more yellow tone. we don't use much brass in our jewellery, as we don't have a recycled source. in some cases, we may use brass findings or plated brass chain. all product descriptions list materials, but if you have any further questions, we'll be happy to elaborate on the transparency of all our metals and materials.
Bronze and brass are durable, easy to clean, and will last for decades with proper care. They are great options for beautiful and affordable jewellery.
something to keep in mind: the copper content of these metals can oxidise in combination with skin oils, creating a greenish layer of copper carbonate on skin. This can occur more often with tight rings worn in hot weather, because of the lack of air circulation between your finger and the ring.
An easy fix is to coat only the inside of your piece with clear nail polish. This creates a barrier, preventing oxidation. all our bronze jewellery comes with a coating of clear jeweller's lacquer or resin, but over time surface layers can deteriorate, particularly where they come into contact with the skin. you may want to repolish/relaquer at later stages.
You can minimise oxidation by taking your jewellery off at night and keeping it clean. Like sterling silver, bronze and brass tarnish over time (due to the copper content). We recommend cleaning with a soft Polishing cloth (not impregnated with chemicals).
We recommend sizing up one size for thick rings, to give a little more air space.
Bracelets have air circulation between your wrist and the bracelet, so there should be minimal to no oxidation.
bronze pendants worn over your clothes generally won't oxidise because they aren't in contact with your skin oils.
We happily wear our bronze pieces every day! Let us know if you have any questions.
q: What is gold fill?
gold fill is an affordable, quality alternative to gold. gold-filled jewellery has a solid layer of 14k gold bonded to the outside of a base metal.
With gentle wear and occasional gentle cleaning, gold fill jewellery will maintain its gold surface for many years. Keep your gold fill jewellery looking its best by taking it off at night, and when showering or swimming.
q: What is costume jewellery?
The term ‘costume jewellery’ means that the item is plated with and not made from a precious metal (i.e. silver, gold or platinum). Our costume jewellery (bronze/brass) is plated with gold, Silver, Rhodium, or a mix. further details of each item's platings can be found in the product description.
q: MY GOLD PLATED ITEMS ARE WEARING OFF, WHAT CAN I DO?
Some of the designs available are made from gold plated silver or bronze to give a different appearance. Wear and tear can wear away the gold plating to leave more silver or bronze visible. Gold plating can be repeated for frequently worn items to return them to their original condition. There will be a service charge for this.
q: HOW DO I GET AN ITEM REPAIRED?
Please send your item via an insured method, directly to: gina melosi, Köpenicker str. 190, 10997 Berlin, de.
Please provide contact information and a detailed description of the problem.
Any items left with us after we notify you of completion and not collected after a 12 month period will become property of gina melosi.