FAQs
Have a question before choosing your jewellery? This page answers the most common questions about Silver Thistle Workshop, including handmade silver jewellery, Scottish-inspired designs, hallmarking, gemstones, delivery, returns, commissions and jewellery care.
Silver Thistle Workshop creates handmade sterling silver and fine silver jewellery inspired by Scottish heritage, wild landscapes, seascapes, memory and old-world craft. Each piece is made carefully by me, using traditional silversmithing techniques and materials chosen for their character, texture and story.
Yes. Every Silver Thistle Workshop piece is handmade by me using traditional silversmithing techniques, including sawing, filing, soldering, texturing, stone setting and finishing by hand.
Small variations are part of the character of handmade silver jewellery. They are not flaws. They are signs of the maker’s hand.
Is your jewellery handmade?
I mainly work with recycled sterling silver and fine silver. I always source my gemstones from reputable suppliers.
Each product listing will tell you what the piece is made from, including the type of silver, gemstone and chain where relevant.
What materials do you use?
Silver items over the UK legal hallmarking weight threshold are hallmarked where required (currently any piece above 7.78g of silver has to be hallmarked) .
I use the Edinburgh Assay Office, which feels fitting for jewellery rooted in Scottish heritage and traditional craft.
To find out more: https://www.edinburghassayoffice.co.uk/what-is-a-hallmark/
Is your silver hallmarked?
Are the photos of the actual piece I will receive?
Yes, unless clearly stated otherwise. Please be aware that colours can look slightly different due to a number of factors, including monitor resolution, time of day, lighting etc. These are out of my control but if you require extra photos please let me know.
Most Silver Thistle Workshop pieces are individual designs or made in very small numbers, so the photos usually show the exact piece available to buy.
Natural gemstones may include tiny markings, colour shifts or inclusions. These are part of their character.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Ready-to-ship pieces are usually posted within the timeframe shown on the product listing.
Once your order has been dispatched, delivery times will depend on Royal Mail and the postage option used.
How do I care for silver jewellery?
Silver naturally tarnishes over time. This is normal and does not mean the jewellery is poor quality.
To care for your jewellery:
Store it somewhere dry when not being worn
Keep it away from perfumes, lotions and household chemicals
Remove it before swimming, showering, sleeping or exercising
Polish gently with a silver polishing cloth
Avoid silver dip on pieces with gemstones or darkened details
Yes, returns are accepted in line with UK consumer regulations.
Please contact me within 14 days of receiving your order if you wish to return an item.
The jewellery must be unworn, undamaged and returned in its original packaging.
Personalised, resized or custom-made items may not be eligible for return unless faulty.
Do you accept returns?
Commissions may open at selected times, depending on my workload and capacity.
When commissions are available, I will share details on the website, Instagram or through the Silver Thistle Circle mailing list that you can join here:
Do you take commissions?
You can contact me through the contact form on this website or message me on Instagram @silverthistleworkshop.
I aim to reply as soon as I can, but as a small handmade business, I may be in the workshop, photographing jewellery or packing orders.