Question 1

When was your pre-loved jewellery made?

Accepted Answer

Our pre-loved jewellery varies in age from the early 18th Century up until the 1960s and later. We have categorized our jewellery into different periods. Each period has many different designs and characteristics. These periods include Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, Mid-Century and Modern.
Georgian Jewellery (1714-1830)
Georgian era jewellery is handmade, making the quality of each piece variable. Needless to say, Georgian jewellery is very rare. Often featuring nature-inspired designs such as leaves and birds, Georgian jewellery frequently includes precious stones.
Early Victorian, Romantic Jewellery (1839-1901)
Like jewellery of the Georgian era, early Victorian era jewellery features nature-inspired designs. Frequently, these designs would be delicately and intricately etched into gold. Lockets and brooches were popular everyday jewellery during the early Victorian era whereas colored gemstones and diamonds were worn during the evening.
Mid-Victorian, Grand Jewellery (1860-1880)
Because the Grand or Mid-Victorian era corresponded with the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, many jewellery pieces have solemn, grave designs. Known as mourning jewellery, the pieces feature heavy, dark stones. Jet, onyx, amethyst, and garnet are frequently found in jewellery from this period. The jewellery also became especially creative during this period. More colorful designs were born featuring shells, mosaics and colorful gemstones.
Late Victorian, Aesthetic Jewellery (1885-1900)
During the Late Victorian or Aesthetic period, jewellers used diamonds and feminine, bright gemstones such as sapphire, peridot, and spinel. Star and crescent designs as well as elaborate hat pins were also popular.
Art Nouveau Jewellery (1890-1915)
Inspired by Rene Jules Lalique in France and other jewellers in America, Art Nouveau jewellery features natural designs such as flowers and butterflies.
Edwardian Jewellery (1901-1914)
The Edwardian period was born when Queen Victoria died and her son Edward became king. During this period, expensive gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies and elaborate designs were the fashion.
Art Deco Jewellery (1920-1935)
Influenced by African, Egyptian and Japanese themes, Art Deco jewellery is famous for its geometric designs, sharp lines, and bright colors. Bakelite, celluloid, eidl and doublets were used frequently during this era. Necklaces were long and bracelets were worn many at a time. Amber and murano beads were worn as well as chokers.
Retro Jewellery (1940-1960s)
Inspired by Hollywood, Retro jewellery is colorful, bold and elaborate. Commonly worn were large cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and charm bracelets.

Question 2

Where do you find your jewellery?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most frequently asked question and a highly guarded trade secret. We scour the globe for the most exquisite pieces so you don’t have to!
Plus we are a family of antique dealers with family run businesses based in Ireland and USA so we source the majority of our stock from overseas.

Question 3

How often do you get new pre-loved jewellery?

Accepted Answer

We are always on the hunt for new treasures and update our website with new finds on a regular basis!

Question 4

How do I purchase?

Accepted Answer

We've tried to make purchasing on our website as easy as possible. Navigate to an item you want quickly and easily and click the 'Add to Cart' button. When you are happy to proceed to payment, click on 'Shopping Bag'and follow the simple steps, using our secure payment gateways.

Question 5

What form of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards - Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and American Express - as well as PayPal and Afterpay. We also accept bank/wire transfers and cashiers or bank cheques (which will have to clear before the item is sent out) and cash.

Question 6

After I place an order, when can I expect to receive my item?"

Accepted Answer

We endeavour to dispatch items within 7 days providing payment has been cleared.  If the piece requires a valuation or alteration pelase allow up to 14 days.

Question 7

Do you accept lay-buy, payment plans?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do. We accept instalments on a case by case basis, usually weekly, fortnightly or monthly, with a negotiable timeframe of 3-12 months. To discuss what works for you please contact us.

Question 8

Do you offer re-sizing and what does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do offer resizing.  The cost of re-sizing does vary depending on the metal type, number of sizes and the complexities / design of the ring.  An estimate for a 14k gold ring being sized up two sizes would be $100.  We deal with re-sizing on a case by case basis and sometimes do offer FREE re-sizing on certain items.

Question 9

How long does re-sizing take?

Accepted Answer

Sizing can generally be done in 5 days, depending on the workload of our jeweller.

Question 10

Do you perform repairs or sizing on items that were not purchased through Kin.?

Accepted Answer

No, we only work on our own items.

Question 11

Do antique rings require different care?

Accepted Answer

Generally not. If you have a Victorian or Georgian ring that is close backed or foil backed, then you probably shouldn’t submerge it in water. Very few (if any) of our rings include this detail, but if you are concerned, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Question 12

Do you offer finance?

Accepted Answer

We offer flexible payment plans so you can take home the piece you want with the peace of mind you deserve. We offer a variety of interest free payment plan options to approved customers.  
We also offer special lay-buy options. 
Contact us today for more information.

Question 13

Do you offer an appraisal/valuation service?

Accepted Answer

Appraising items in-house would present a conflict of interest. If you would like your item appraised, we use a third party certified appraiser.

Question 14

What is my ring size?

Accepted Answer

To determine your ring size, do the following:
Use a piece of string or dental floss and wrap it around the base of your finger.
Use a pen to mark the point on the string where the end meets.
Use a millimeter ruler to measure the string.
Choose the closest measurement to the chartto find your ring size.
Tips for best results:
Allow enough room to accommodate your knuckle.
Bear in mind, different fingers on the same and the opposite hand may have different sizes. Therefore, measure the specific finger on which you are planning to wear the ring.
Measure your finger at the end of the day when your finger is likely to be largest.

Question 15

Are online items available for viewing?

Accepted Answer

Some of our online items are available for viewing. However as our new jewellery is made to order we may not have the exact style in stock.

Question 16

I really want an item but can't quite afford it, what can I do?"

Accepted Answer

We love happy cusomers so are open to offers, if you really want a piece but can't quite afford it send us an email with your best offer, we will see what discount we can give you.  Or we do offer lay-buy options, with a small deposit you can make installments and pay off the piece within 3-6 months.

Question 17

Why do some of your prices vary on similar items?

Accepted Answer

It all depends on what I have purchased the pieces for.  Some items I get at amazing prices so I then pass on those savings.  Some I have to pay a little more but still try to keep prices down and very competitive.

Question 18

Can you put an item on hold for me?

Accepted Answer

In order for an item to be placed on hold you will need to pay a deposit.

Question 19

Will my purchase have a gift box?

Accepted Answer

Yes definitely, all our items will be securely packaged and presented in a quality ring boxes.  If you would like free gift wrapping, do let us know!

Question 20

Are your stones genuine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we guarantee our gemstones and diamonds are natural genuine stones.
 
It will be clearly stated if the piece contains glass, synthetic stones as is sometimes the case in vintage and antique jewellery.

Question 21

Can I come an view your pieces?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no, some items are help locally in Cambridge and can be viewed.  However, others are held in other locations and are not available for prior viewing.  Please contact us to enquire about viewing a particular piece.

FAQ