Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might want to know about our jewellery, gifting, delivery and returns. If your question is not answered here, email us at support@sopheliaandco.com and we will be glad to help.
Our jewellery
What is Sophelia jewellery made from?
We design in 925 sterling silver, 18ct gold vermeil, 18ct gold filled, 18ct gold plated finishes and, on selected styles, stainless steel with PVD 18ct gold plating. Every product page lists the exact metal and stones under Materials, so you always know what you are buying.
What is gold vermeil?
Gold vermeil is a thick layer of 18ct gold over solid 925 sterling silver. You get the warmth of gold with a precious metal underneath, and it wears far longer than standard plating.
What is the difference between gold vermeil, gold filled and gold plated?
Gold vermeil is 18ct gold over sterling silver. Gold filled has a much thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal, which makes it very hard wearing. Gold plated pieces have a layer of 18ct gold over brass or sterling silver, and some of our styles use a thick 3 micron plating for extra durability. The finish is named on every product page.
What is PVD gold plating?
PVD (physical vapour deposition) bonds a fine layer of 18ct gold to stainless steel in a vacuum, creating a finish that is harder and more resistant to everyday wear and fading than traditional plating. We use it on selected styles, such as our gold tennis bangles. Stainless steel is strong and nickel free, so these pieces are comfortable for sensitive skin. PVD stainless steel is also waterproof, so you can shower and swim in it. Keeping it away from perfume and lotions will help it keep its shine for longer.
What are the birthstones made from?
It depends on the piece. Many of our birthstone designs are set with high grade CZ, chosen for its clarity and colour. Others feature moissanite, crystal, or natural stones such as freshwater pearls, opal and sapphire. The exact stone is always listed under Materials on each product page.
Is your jewellery hypoallergenic?
Yes. All of our jewellery is nickel free and lead free, so it is a comfortable choice for sensitive skin.
Will my jewellery tarnish?
Cared for well, your jewellery will keep its shine for a long time. All metals can soften in colour over time, especially with water, perfume and lotions. If a piece tarnishes because of a manufacturing fault within the first year, our guarantee covers it.
How should I care for my jewellery?
Take your jewellery off before showering, swimming, sleeping or applying perfume and lotions. Store each piece in its pouch or box to protect it from scratches, keep chains fastened so they do not tangle, and buff gently with a soft polishing cloth to bring back the shine.
Can I wear my jewellery in the shower or when swimming?
For most pieces we recommend taking them off, because water, chlorine and salt water can dull gold finishes and silver over time. The exception is our PVD gold plated stainless steel jewellery, such as the gold tennis bangles, which is waterproof.
Birthstones and meaning
What is my birthstone?
January is garnet, February amethyst, March aquamarine, April diamond (or white topaz), May emerald, June pearl, moonstone or alexandrite, July ruby, August peridot, September sapphire, October opal, rose quartz or pink tourmaline, November citrine and December turquoise or blue topaz. Read what each one means in our Meaning Guide.
What does each birthstone mean?
Each stone carries its own story: garnet for love and protection, sapphire for wisdom and loyalty, emerald for love and abundance, and so on through the year. Our Meaning Guide covers every month.
What does the evil eye mean?
The evil eye has been worn for centuries as a symbol of protection, a way of saying "I am looking out for you". It makes a thoughtful gift for someone you want to keep close. Explore our evil eye jewellery.
How do I choose the right gift?
Our Gift Finder asks a few quick questions and suggests pieces to suit. You can also shop by recipient, by occasion or by budget, from gifts under £50 upwards.
Gifting
Can you gift wrap my order?
Yes. Choose gift wrap at checkout for £5 and your piece arrives in a tie-ribbon gift box wrapped in Sophelia paper, inside a tie-ribbon bag, with a jewellery polishing cloth. See Gifting with Sophelia for details.
Can I add a gift message?
Yes. Every website order can include a personalised gift note for free. Just add your message in the gift note box at checkout.
Can you send my gift straight to the recipient?
Of course. Enter their address at checkout and add gift wrap and a note, and it will arrive ready to open.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. A Sophelia gift card lets them choose their own piece.
Can the person I bought for return their gift?
Yes. Gifts can be returned by the person who received them within our returns window. The refund goes back to the original payment method.
Do you offer engraving?
Selected pieces can be engraved, which we do in house. Engraved orders are dispatched within 2 to 3 working days. As they are made just for you, engraved pieces cannot be returned unless faulty. Browse our engravable jewellery.
Can you remind me of birthdays and anniversaries?
Yes. Add the dates you want to remember to your Sophelia Diary and we will send you one gentle reminder 28 days before each one.
Delivery
How much is UK delivery and how long does it take?
Standard UK delivery is free on every order, with no minimum spend. Orders are dispatched within 1 to 2 working days by Royal Mail Tracked 48, which usually arrives 2 to 3 working days after dispatch.
Do you offer next day delivery?
Yes. Choose Next Day Delivery at checkout for £4.95. Orders placed by 12pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) are sent the same day by Royal Mail Special Delivery, guaranteed by 1pm the next working day.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship to many countries worldwide. Delivery times and costs are shown at checkout. International orders may be subject to customs duties or import taxes, which are the responsibility of the recipient.
When is the last order date for Christmas?
For UK delivery before Christmas, order by Friday 18 December with free Royal Mail Tracked 48, or by 12pm on Tuesday 22 December with Next Day Delivery. Engraved pieces need an extra 2 to 3 working days, so please order those a little earlier. See our Christmas Gift Guide for ideas.
How do I track my order?
We email you a tracking number as soon as your order is dispatched.
Can I change my delivery address after ordering?
Email us at support@sopheliaandco.com as soon as possible and we will do our best before your order is dispatched. Once a parcel is on its way we are not able to redirect it.
Returns and guarantee
What is your returns policy?
You can return your order within 30 days of receiving it for a full refund or an exchange, and UK returns are free. Pieces must be new, unworn and in their original packaging. Read our full returns policy.
Do you offer extended returns at Christmas?
Yes. Anything ordered from 1 November can be returned until 31 January, so you can shop early with confidence.
How do I return an item?
Email support@sopheliaandco.com with your name, order number and whether you would like a refund or exchange. We will reply within 2 working days with a prepaid Royal Mail returns label for UK orders.
When will I receive my refund?
We process refunds within 14 days of your return reaching us and email you when it is done. Please allow up to 7 working days for your bank to show it.
Is my jewellery guaranteed?
Yes. Every Sophelia piece comes with a 1 year guarantee. If it breaks or tarnishes because of a manufacturing fault within that year, we will repair or replace it. Our Luxe pieces also carry a 5 year tarnish warranty.
Sizing
How do I find my ring size?
Measure around your finger with a soft tape measure and compare it with our UK ring size chart, which also shows US equivalents.
How long are your necklaces and bracelets?
Every product page lists the chain length and pendant size under Dimensions. Many of our bracelets and necklaces are adjustable for an easy fit.
Orders and payment
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal. You can also choose Klarna at checkout if you would like to spread the cost.
Do you offer a student discount?
Yes. Students get 15% off through Student Beans. Verify your student status here and the discount is applied automatically.
Who is Sophelia & Co?
Sophelia & Co is a UK jewellery brand based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, creating birthstone, evil eye and heart jewellery designed to be given and treasured. Every order is packed and sent by our own team. Read our story.
How can I contact you?
Email us at support@sopheliaandco.com and our team will be happy to help.
