Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question?
Have a question about our work, or want more information about our designs or the creation of personal jewelry?
Looking for more information about a method, hallmark or the application of proprietary gold or silver? Then check out the frequently asked questions for answers to common questions.
What is the difference between a jeweler and a goldsmith?
A goldsmith is a trained professional who designs, manufactures and repairs jewelry using precious metals. The professions of jeweler and goldsmith are not protected by law in the Netherlands, so the difference is unclear to many people. A jeweler is often trained to value jewelry, but is not necessarily trained to make it himself. A jeweler typically sells production jewelry, jewelry from factory production. A goldsmith designs and manufactures jewelry themselves and may also work with semi-finished pieces for unique, custom creations.
The advantage with us is that you are directly with the makers, so your wishes are incorporated directly into the design and craftsmanship. So we can do everything a jeweler can, and more.
Do you make all the jewelry yourselves?
Yes. We design and make all the jewelry in our own collections ourselves. The Gràdh and Reijn collections are carefully designed and crafted by us, and can also be purchased through margrietjewels.com.
The Plain collection we carefully put together includes a series of necklaces and basic jewelry to complement our own designs. In addition to the collections, it is also possible to have jewelry custom-made. More information can be found through My Working Method.
Do you repair jewelry purchased elsewhere?
We are not a repair shop. We do not perform minor repairs to jewelry purchased elsewhere, such as a broken necklace or adjusting the ring size of a production piece of jewelry. For this, we recommend returning to the store where the jewelry was purchased.
Jewelry with emotional value that was made at another goldsmith or jeweler, is old and meets the legal standard, we gladly remelt it. The remelting of this jewelry is also among the possibilities. Production jewelry, jewelry made in a factory, not custom designed and not customizable, is not included.
Does all jewelry have a master and hallmark?
Yes. All our jewelry receives a master and hallmark depending on its weight. Silver jewelry receives a hallmark from 8 grams, gold jewelry from 1 gram and platinum jewelry from 0.5 grams. Every goldsmith and jeweler in the Netherlands is obliged to comply with the Waarborgwet. More information can be found at fgz.nl/waarborgwet.
How do I maintain my jewelry?
Jewelry retains its beauty with proper and regular maintenance. Over time, they lose luster, get scratched or wear out. Routine checks and refurbishments prevent serious damage.
The safest way to clean jewelry is with a soapy solution of lukewarm water and dish soap and a soft brush. Avoid household chemicals, makeup and hair care products, as they can damage the metal and stones. Jewelry with bonded stones do not dip; use a damp cloth. Jewelry with stones in a metal setting can be safely immersed in water, but beware of sudden temperature changes. Pearls require special treatment. You can also have your jewelry cleaned with us for professional results.
What gemstones can I have set in my jewelry?
We can basically set any gemstone in your jewelry. The most commonly chosen stone is the diamond because of its durability. Other available gemstones include: ruby, sapphire, emerald, lab grown diamond, citrine, garnet, padparadscha, tourmaline, moss agate, carnelian, aquamarine, blood coral, opal and malachite. For more information on gemstones, please refer to the Federation of Gold and Silver’s knowledge base(fgz.co.uk/knowledge base) and GIA’s encyclopedia. Is your desired stone not listed? Please feel free to contact us.
Are gemstones and pearls glued into a piece of jewelry?
No. A professional goldsmith never uses glue when setting gemstones. Glue damages the gemstone by negatively affecting the facets, which let in and reflect light, causing the brilliance to disappear. Gemstones are always set in a metal setting.
What types of pearls are suitable for my jewelry?
Basically, all pearl varieties are suitable. We can order the most beautiful pearls for you based on your wishes and budget. For inspiration we refer to My Collection or the webshop Margriet Jewels.
What is the difference between diamond, cubic zirconia and lab grown diamond?
A diamond, natural or lab grown, is the hardest material in the world and does not wear out. As a result, it retains its brilliance for life. Cubic zirconia is an imitation diamond that is softer and becomes duller over time.
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with exactly the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds. Only the origin differs: natural diamonds originate deep in the earth, lab grown diamonds in a laboratory. In short: diamonds (natural or lab grown) are real and timeless. Cubic zirconia is affordable but less durable. Lab grown diamonds are durable, honest and 100% real diamonds. Learn more in our blog on lab grown versus natural diamonds.
May I be present at the placement of ashes or hair in a memorial jewelry?
Yes, this is certainly possible. We will contact you personally to discuss the process. You can place the ashes or hair yourself, be present during the placement in the studio, or send the ashes or hair via insured shipping (Mikropakket). Photos will be taken throughout the process so that you can also follow it remotely or look back later. Photos are never published without your express permission.
Is the ashes in a memorial jewelry always visible?
No, the ashes are certainly not always visible. You can choose fully visible, partially visible or completely hidden. In some jewelry it is also possible to have hair placed instead of ashes. More information can be found on the page about memorial jewelry.
Can I use my old jewelry for new jewelry?
Yes. Jewelry from loved ones, including deceased ones, can be melted down and incorporated into a new, unique piece of jewelry. This is daily work in our workshop and there are many possibilities. The emotional value is preserved and given new life. “The story continues.” For inspiration, please refer to My Expertise. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Can I have old silver melted down for new jewelry?
It can be done, but only if there is emotional value involved. Purely as a cost savings, silver remelting does not make sense: buying new silver in plate or wire is cheaper than the labor for remelting and reprocessing. If the piece has emotional or sentimental value, then remelting is a wonderful solution. The rest of the process is the same as with gold.
Can I have old gold melted down for new jewelry?
Yes, definitely. A beautiful new piece of jewelry can be designed and crafted from old, treasured gold jewelry. The jewelry is completely customized, including the design. The emotional value is preserved and given a new life. This is daily work in our workshop. “The story continues.”
Is jewelry remelting cheaper than buying new jewelry?
Not always. It depends on the amount of labor it requires. Gold remelting can save significantly. Silver remelting almost never: buying new silver is cheaper than remelting and remelting. A custom designed and crafted piece of precious metal jewelry is always unique and solid. That comes with a fair price tag. More information can be found through the Introduction and Process page.
Can I turn in old gold or silver to you?
No. We are not a gold or silver business and do not buy up loose bullion. We only accept old gold or silver if we can make something beautiful out of it. However, you can hand in bullion as (partial) payment when you become a customer and have jewelry made or altered. The precious metal left over after an order can then be settled.
Does my jewelry retain its emotional value when melted down?
Yes. During the entire process of remelting and remodeling, photos are taken as standard. This way you are a little bit of it, even if you cannot physically be there. For us, it’s nice to share; for you, it’s a fond memory of the creation process.
Do you work only with precious metals?
Yes. We specialize in designing and manufacturing jewelry made of precious metals: platinum, gold and silver. Precious metal is extremely durable and almost always possible to remake and melt down. That is exactly why we have worked exclusively with it for over 35 years.
Do you also work with gold filled jewelry?
No. We do not work with gold filled jewelry, nor do we repair or melt them down. Gold filled jewelry has a core of base metal (often brass) with a gold layer that can wear off over time, especially when in contact with water, chemicals or friction. The base material can discolor, oxidize and in some cases cause allergic reactions. Our advice: invest in solid gold or, on a smaller budget, silver.
Do you also work with titanium?
No. We do not work with titanium. Although titanium is strong, anti-allergic and easy to work with, it cannot be soldered and does not adhere to precious metals. Combinations with gold, silver or platinum are therefore not possible. We specialize in precious metals and have decades of experience in them.
Do you sell or repair clocks and watches?
No. We specialize in the design and manufacture of precious metal jewelry. The sale and repair of clocks and watches are outside our field of expertise. For this you can contact a watchmaker or jeweler.
Do you make or repair silver utensils?
No. We specialize in precious metal jewelry. Making and repairing silver utensils is outside our field of expertise. For this you can contact a silversmith.
Do you work with funeral homes?
Yes. We cooperate with crematories, funeral directors and personal attendants. The collaboration is based on mutual respect, quality and integrity. Our collaboration includes City Crematorium Groningen and Uitvaartzorg Bijzonder. For more information about a collaboration, please contact us.
How can I file a complaint?
Do you have a complaint about our services? Please notify us by e-mail, post or telephone. The contact details can be found on the contact page. We always take complaints seriously. Upon receipt you will receive a confirmation and we aim to respond within 14 days. If more time is needed, we will let you know. You can also contact the mediation department of the FGZ Disputes Committee, to which our studio is affiliated.
