Frequently asked questions
Answering the most asked questions about our jewellery and ordering from us that might interest you.
Are your pieces handmade?
Yes - and we prefer to be precise about what that means. Every Bubbé piece is made to order, one at a time, in my small independent workshop in Kraków. Given that nothing is mass-produced, we hold no stock of jewellery and unfortunately for the time being cannot offer same day shipping.
Every piece we offer comes from a sketchbook of ideas and manufacturing notes. Before we touch any silver or gold, every design must first be stress tested for the sake of our pieces longevity. As such, it is first fabricated in non precious metals to pinpoint, understand and resolve any weak points or issues which you, our clients, may find. At this stage, we have many designs which we have in a testing and refining loop and hope those will soon join our public portfolio.
Once we are certain of a design and our manufacturing capabilities, we begin with a designated alloy that we produce ourselves - whether it be 18k gold or sterling, it all begins with pure gold or silver granulate that is then either fabricated or partially cast, filed, shaped and satin-finished before finally reaching the setting stage. Currently, the setting is also done fully in house by myself and we hope to keep it that way.
What is your jewellery made from?
Our core collection is made of solid 925 sterling silver. Commissions may also be made in gold. Before it is sent to you, every piece is assayed and hallmarked by the Polish state Assay Office.
Are your gemstones natural?
Yes. We use only natural gemstones - at present sapphires, tourmalines, diamonds, rhodolite garnets, spinels and agates, with more to come - and never laboratory-grown stones or imitations. We prefer to think of our pieces as heirlooms our clients will one day pass on to their close ones - our personal take on lab stones is that the future is speculative as opposed to natural.
We also occasionally offer individual, one-of-a-kind stones, whenever we are presented with the opportunity to acquire small parcels, sometimes even a single stone, directly and ethically from local miners at fair market value. This is something that we believe is of utmost importance in this industry.
Please note that given we deal with natural stones, inclusions and variations of colour are part of a stone's identity and must be accounted for.
Will my piece look exactly like the photographs?
It will be the same design, made to the same specification. However due to each piece being made by hand, minor variations in finish and in the stone are inherent, and are not defects.
Can I order a design in a different stone, metal or finish?
Some designs can be adapted; others are meant to stay as they are. Options listed on a product page are standard. If you would like to order one of our pieces in gold, or featuring other stones, please reach out to us at maisonbubbe@gmail.com. We would be happy to commission a unique piece for you.
Do you accept commissions?
Yes, in silver and in gold, including pieces set with a stone we source for you. Commissions start at 1500PLN. To begin, please write to us at maisonbubbe@gmail.com with your idea, any references, your timing and an indicative budget.
How does a commission work?
After hearing your idea, we will send you a proposal - design direction, materials, stones, price and estimated timing.
Design. On acceptance, we ask for a design fee of 100 PLN, deducted from the final price. The design stage includes two rounds of revisions; further rounds are charged at 50PLN each.
Approval. The commission is confirmed when you approve the final design,
specification and price in writing; email is fine. We then ask for a deposit of 30%
before we source stones or begin making.
Making. We make your piece and send you photographs before dispatch.
How do I find my ring size?
Our rings are made in Polish sizes, which is the circumference in millimetres minus 40. Please establish your size before you order, referring to our Ring Size Guide for guidance.
Can you make a size outside your range?
Our standard range, given each ring has certain design requirements, is size 10-16. Given all our rings are handmade, however, we can manufacture pieces in any suitable size. A ring in a size outside our standard range, has to be partially redesigned to account for shrinkage or stretch of proportions - so it cannot be returned under the 14-day right of withdrawal (see Returns).
Can my ring be resized later?
Most of our rings can be resized by up to one size; the few that cannot are noted on
their product pages. Resizing is a paid service, quoted before we begin.
How long will my order take?
Every piece is made to order, so it is not ready to ship on the day you order. We dispatch most orders within 14 days, excluding holiday seasons. If, exceptionally, we cannot meet it, we will tell you at once. Commissions follow their own timetable, agreed with you in writing.
I need my piece by a particular date. Can you help?
Please ask us before you order, and we will tell you whether we can meet it. A date is
agreed only once we have confirmed it in writing; a note added at checkout is not a
confirmed deadline, though we will always do our best.
What if something is wrong with my piece?
If your piece does not match its
description or our agreement with you, we are responsible for any such lack of conformity that becomes apparent. You are entitled first to a free repair or replacement; if that is impossible, unreasonably costly or unsuccessful, you may have
the price reduced or, for anything more than a minor problem, a refund will be issued upon the items return.
However, these characteristics are inherent in handmade jewellery and natural stones:
- tarnish, the natural darkening of silver on contact with air, skin and everyday
substances;
- normal wear - fine scratches, a softening of the finish, the gradual polish of a satin
surface;
- natural inclusions, colour variation and other features of a natural stone, as described in its listing;
- minor variations between pieces of the same design.
Nor are we responsible for damage caused after delivery by accident or impact (including a chipped, cracked or lost stone), misuse, contact with chemicals, or repair or alteration by anyone other than us.
