Frequently Asked Questions

We have brought you answers to the most frequesntly asked questions. If you find that there is something missing, please contact us on 020 7405 5286.

Contact Information

Do you have a shop?
Yes, our showroom is in Hatton Garden, where all our products listed online can be found. You are always welcome to visit the showroom at anytime.

What are your contact details?
Holts Lapidary, 98 Hatton Garden, London, EC1N 8NX

Tel. +44 (0) 20 7405 5286

Email: info@holtsgems.com or customerservices@holtsgems.com
What are your opening hours?
Mon – Fri 9.30am -17.30pm

Sat – 11.30am - 16.30pm

We are closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
How do I find you?
By public transport, the nearest tube stations are Chancery Lane (Exit 4) or Farringdon.

Buses: 8, 17, 25, 45, 46, 242, 341, 521 and X91

Services

What do you sell?
A variety of loose natural precious and semi-precious gemstones and diamonds

A bespoke, ‘rock to ring’ service, using the skills of our specialist designers, lapidaries and master goldsmiths.

A number of services including gemstone and jewellery valuations for insurance purposes, jewellery repairs, gemstone cutting and polishing

Collections of fine jewellery

18ct white and yellow gold and platinum chains and necklace clasps

A collection of objets d'art, carvings, mineral specimens

Beads, mainly as 16 and 18 inch strings but also individual beads

A small range of gemmological instruments (loupes, tweezers)

Lapidary equipment and accessories e.g. drills, laps, abrasives etc.

A selection of synthetic materials like C.Z. and paste. (We do not sell paste pearls)
Do you buy stones?
Yes. However, please bring your items to our showroom – prices can ONLY be discussed upon inspection of the gem material you are selling. The best time to come in for this is before 11.30am or after 3pm, Monday to Friday.
What kind of stones are you looking for?
In general, we are only interested in large stones of high gem quality, or unusual items BUT we will look at anything.

Do you buy jewellery?
Yes. Pieces to be sold should be brought to our showroom. The best time to come in for this is before 11.30am or after 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Do you provide valuations?
Yes, we can value goods for insurance purposes for which we will produce a certificate of insurance replacement value.

Insurance valuations are priced from £40 + VAT, but depend on the individual item (average price £80 + VAT). Before undertaking the valuation we will present you with a quote for the valuation and any gem testing that may be necessary. Valuations can generally be completed while you wait.
Do you provide insurance?
For items of jewellery valued under £5000 we can add MarchGuard insurance to your purchase, on either a one or three year basis. Please ask in store for details of how to insure items valued over £5000. We cannot provide insurance for loose stones or beads.
What are the benefits of insuring with you?
One immediate advantage is that you are covered the moment you walk out the door. If you need to claim for loss or damage, repairs/replacement will be done by us so you are secure in the knowledge we are looking after you every step of the way.

Other advantages include no excess and all risk cover (loss, damage, theft). Please ask in-store for full details.
I am coming in for a valuation, can I also purchase insurance?
 Please ask in-store for our insurance recommendations.
Do you provide gem testing services?
We do provide testing services for which we issue a TEST CERTIFICATE.

The fee for this service starts from £40 + VAT. Certificates do not state pound values, but will state the species and variety of the gem material and in some cases comment on any treatments performed. We do not issue reports regarding the geographical origin of gemstones.
My pearl necklace needs re-stringing, can I have it repaired at Holts?
Yes! Our stringing charges start from £20 +VAT per 16-inch row (average price £36 + VAT) and multiples thereof for longer rows or multi strand necklaces. More intricate work may be associated with higher costs.
I'm looking for an engagement ring but I’d like something unique – do you provide a bespoke service?
Yes, we have a team of award-winning designers in-house. We are particularly proud of our design and goldsmithing skills, having provided these services to the trade for over 60 years.

Our team specialises in bringing unlimited flexibility to the design process thanks to the in-house design, gem and manufacturing expertise at their disposal.

Please telephone to book an appointment with one of our designers on 020 7405 5286.If you would prefer to discuss your budget in the absence of your intended, please contact your designer to make a note of your requirements prior to your appointment.

To further add to the occasion, we can issue an appointment gift postcard.
How do I know my bespoke design will turn out the way I imagined?
Holts can produce your designs either in sketch form or as a 3D Virtual image, thanks to the latest cutting edge Computer Aided Software. In recent years, Holts has been at the forefront of computer aided design, and has invested in the most up-to-date technology to allow customers to see their finished piece of jewellery in photographic quality – before it even exists!
I have an old piece of jewellery which I want made into something else. Can you help?
In most cases, yes. We will be delighted to help remodel your jewellery, working closely with you to ensure the end piece lives up to your expectations perfectly. Please arrange an appointment with one of our designers to discuss further.
I have some loose stones which I want made into a piece of jewellery. Is this possible?
Yes. You will need to bring in your gem material and reserve an appointment with one of our designers. Please contact customerservices@holtsgems.com.
How long does it take to have something made?
 Approximately 2-3 weeks but this depends on the complexity of the item.
I have some rough stones that I would like to have cut – do you provide this service?
Yes. We can cut/drill/polish/carve almost everything. The price of all gem-cutting work absolutely depends on the material and the work to be done. We will need to see the material before giving a quote.
I have a piece of jewellery that needs to be repaired – do you do this?
Some jewellery repairs are undertaken, depending entirely on what is involved. All costings will be quoted for your consideration beforehand.
I want to learn more about different kinds of stones, can you help me?
 Yes we have a Jewellery Academy which provides a whole range of courses on stones and minerals and how to cut and carve them, as well as all areas of jewellery making techniques. For more information, please go to www.holtsacademy.co.uk.
I know nothing about how to make jewellery, do you teach beginners?
Yes, please check the course information sheet to see if the course is suitable for you, otherwise call one of the office team on +44 (0) 20 7405 0197 or click here for more advice.

Delivery and Returns

Can I return a Bespoke Item?
 Bespoke items, i.e. items that we do not currently carry in stock, cannot be exchanged or returned under any circumstances. For more information, please call us on 020 7405 5286.
Can I track my order online?
You can only track the status of your order by logging into your account. Select ‘My Account’ at the top of the page. If you have forgotten your password simply enter your email address and we will send you a reminder.
My order hasn’t arrived yet, what should I do?
 Please contact us on 020 7405 5286 with your name and order number.
What are your delivery charges?
There is free delivery for any item advertised online on this site. We use Royal Mail Special Delivery and all items are insured for your peace of mind.
How long do online orders take to deliver?
Orders for Next Day Delivery must be placed before 1pm Monday – Thursday. Any orders placed after this time will be sent the next working day. Customers will be notified if items cannot be delivered immediately.

When an item is in stock, we can commit to next day delivery. For custom-made items, delivery can take approximately three weeks, depending on the design; delivery time is agreed and confirmed with the customer in writing at the time of the order. Customers will not be charged unless this delivery time is acceptable to them.

Please allow an additional 2 days for the delivery of rings that require re-sizing.
Can I order something online and pick it up from your showroom?
Yes. When you place your order online please notify us by email that you are picking up from our London showroom. We will contact you by email or telephone once your order is ready for collection.
I have seen something I like online but I’m not yet ready to purchase, can I reserve this item and view in store?
Yes, we offer customers the option to reserve an item online for 5 workings days, in which time you can arrange to come in and view your item before purchase.  This service comes at no extra cost or obligation to buy, if after all you decide it’s not for you! 
Do you do refunds if I purchase an item online?
 Yes, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee. If you are not delighted with your purchase, contact us within 14 days for a full refund of the product price (subject to Terms and Conditions).
How can I return an item?
You can return an item by registered post or bring it to us at the showroom. In either case, please attach a copy of your invoice receipt to allow us to process the order. When returning an item by registered post, please telephone or email us to let us know. Please also note that customers return items by post at their own expense.
What is your returns policy?
*Holts will not accept returns for any items that have been worn or damaged. Upon receipt of an order, if any item has been received damaged, please notify us (by telephone or email) on the same day if you wish to return the item. We strongly advise all customers to check their purchase thoroughly upon delivery before disposing of any original packaging.
I want to cancel my order what should I do?
Please contact us on 020 7405 5286 or email customerservices@holtsgems.com, quoting your order number, as each order will need to be dealt with individually.

Buying

Can I reserve an engagement ring online to view in store?
Yes, we know buying an engagement ring is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. For this reason, we offer our customers the option to reserve any item online for 5 workings days, in which time you can arrange to come in and view your item before purchase.  This service comes at no extra cost or obligation to buy, if after all you decide it’s not for you!
How do I find out my ring size?
 You can use our special Ring Size guide, which can be found in our Jewellery Care and Guidance section.
Do you gift wrap?
 Yes, we offer free gift wrapping on any item placed online. We also offer gift wrapping in our showroom.
Do you do engraving?
Yes, we can provide an engraving service for stipulated items, but please contact us on 020 7405 5286 before purchasing so we can advise.
I can't get to the shop but I would like to buy some stones. Can I do this over the telephone?
Yes, the minimum order is for £15 + P&P (£6.50). Please contact the shop for more details on
+44 (0) 20 7405 5286. Delivery time is 48 hours but we try our best to get them to you within 24 hours.
I have seen something I like, but it is out of stock, can I still get it?
This depends on the individual item. The best thing to do is to contact us using our online form, or to call us on 020 7405 5286 and a member of the team will be happy to help.
If I buy an item online, will it come with an insurance valuation?
Yes, any item priced over £1000 will automatically come with an insurance valuation. Call us on 020 7405 5286 for more information.
Is your online payment secure?
We use Sage Pay as our Payment Service Provider.

3D Secure: If your card issuer is participating in 3D secure scheme, during checkout you may be taken to their secure website to enter your 3D secure password. The payment is then taken as normal and you are returned to a payment confirmation page on our website.

Address Verification Service: We utilise Sage Pay for address & postcode verification during checkout. It is therefore very important that you arrange delivery to an address known to your card issuer; otherwise the transaction may be declined.

All transaction information passed between HoltsGems.com and Sage Pay is encrypted using 128-bit SSL certificates. No card holder information is ever passed unencrypted and all details are further encrypted, meaning no-one at Holts knows your card number/details. You can be completely secure in the knowledge that nothing you pass to Sage Pay via our servers can be examined, used or modified by any third parties.

Read more about Sage Pay Security at the Sage Pay website.
What payment methods do you accept online?
We accept Visa, Master Card, Maestro (formerly Switch) and Solo. Your card will be charged when your order is processed. We use a Secure Server to process payment and your credit card details are encrypted during this process. Please note, we do not accept payments via American Express online.
I do not live in England, can I still order online?
Unfortunately we can only accept payments for cards registered to a UK address. We do take payments over the phone for orders outside the UK.

Please contact us on +44 (0) 20 7405 5286 for more information or to place an order.

Events

How do I find out about events at Holts?
Contact us on +44 (0) 20 7405 5286, and we can add you to our mailing list for you to receive regular updates and our newsletter, or simply sign up to our mailing list online.
Can I hire your showroom for an event?
 Yes, please contact us on 020 7405 5286 or email customerservices@holtsgems.com for more information.