Shipping & Returns

At Crown & Carat, we specialise in premium pre-owned jewellery, offering verified 9ct, 14ct, and 18ct gold pieces and exquisite gemstone rings. Every purchase is handled with the utmost care and transparency to ensure your complete satisfaction.

About Crown & Carat

Crown & Carat is your trusted destination for authentic pre-owned jewellery. We offer a carefully curated selection of second-hand treasures, specialising in verified 9ct, 14ct, and 18ct gold pieces, diamond rings, and precious gemstone jewellery.

Each piece in our collection has been thoroughly inspected, authenticated, and meticulously photographed to ensure you receive exactly what you see. We believe in complete transparency and customer protection throughout your purchasing journey.

Our Quality Promise
  • All gold verified as genuine 9ct, 14ct, or 18ct
  • Gemstones authenticated by experienced jewellers
  • Detailed condition reports for every item
  • Professional cleaning and polishing before dispatch

Delivery Method

We exclusively use Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm for all orders to ensure the fastest and most secure service.

Why Special Delivery?

1

Video Recording

Every item is recorded during the entire packing process for your security

2

Secure Packaging

Professional jewellery packaging with tamper-evident seals

3

Tracking Sent

You'll receive your tracking number via email immediately after dispatch

Video Packing Service

For your protection and ours, we video record the entire packing process of every order. This footage is securely stored and can be provided if any delivery issues arise.

Shipping Fee: A flat rate of £10 applies to all orders, regardless of value or destination within the UK.

Live Virtual Viewing

Not sure about a piece? Book a complimentary live video consultation with our team!

How It Works:

  • Email us at booking@crowncarat.co.uk with the item(s) you're interested in
  • We'll arrange a mutually convenient time (Monday-Friday 10am-4pm, weekends available with 1 week advance booking)
  • During the video call, we'll show you the piece in real-time from every angle
  • Ask questions about condition, sizing, authenticity - anything you want to know
  • Live close-ups of hallmarks, gemstone settings, and any wear marks
  • No obligation to purchase - this service is completely free
Available via: Zoom, WhatsApp Video, FaceTime, or Google Meet - whatever works best for you!

Returns & Refunds Policy

Your satisfaction is important to us. Under UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have 14 days from receipt to return any item for a full refund.

Return Conditions:

  • Item must be returned in the same condition as it was received (we understand these are pre-owned pieces)
  • No additional wear, damage, or alterations made by you
  • All original packaging and documentation must be included
  • Jewellery must not show signs of sizing, adjustment, or further use since delivery
  • Item must not have been cleaned, polished, or modified in any way
  • Items must be returned within 14 days of receiving them

Important Note: While our jewellery is pre-owned and may show signs of previous wear (as documented in our listing photos), you cannot add any new wear or damage during your 14-day evaluation period. The item must be returned exactly as you received it.

How to Return an Item:

1

Contact Us

Email enquiries@crowncarat.co.uk within 14 days stating your reason for return

2

Return Authorisation

We'll provide return instructions and a return authorisation number

3

Send Back

Use Special Delivery (we recommend insuring high-value items). Return shipping costs are your responsibility

4

Refund Processed

Full refund issued within 14 days of receiving the returned item

Important: Items returned without prior authorisation or showing additional wear/damage beyond the original condition will not be accepted. Please contact us before returning anything.

Reporting Damaged or Faulty Items

While extremely rare thanks to our secure packaging, if your item arrives damaged, we have a strict verification process to resolve the issue quickly.

Damage Claims Process:

1

Immediate Report

Contact us within 24 hours of delivery via email

2

Photo Evidence

Send clear photos showing: unopened package, damaged outer packaging, item damage, all packaging materials

3

Live Video Verification

Schedule a live video call where you show us the damage in real-time (prevents fraudulent claims)

4

Resolution

Once verified, we'll arrange immediate replacement or full refund including shipping

Why Live Video Verification?

This two-step process (photos + live video) protects both parties:

  • For You: Immediate real-time assessment - no waiting days for approvals
  • For Us: Prevents fraud and confirms the damage occurred during transit
  • For Insurance: Provides indisputable evidence for courier compensation claims
Response Time: Damage claims are handled with priority. Most video verifications are completed within 2-4 hours of your initial report, and resolutions within 24 hours.

Note: Claims reported after 24 hours or without completing the video verification process cannot be processed, as this is required by our insurance policy.

Additional Customer Protections

What We DON'T Accept for Return:

  • Jewellery With Additional Wear: Items showing NEW signs of wear, stretching, or use beyond the original pre-owned condition
  • Resized Rings: Items that have been professionally resized by a third party after purchase
  • Custom Engraved Items: Personalised pieces cannot be returned
  • Items Without Original Packaging: All boxes, certificates, and paperwork must be included
  • Cleaned or Polished Items: Items that have been cleaned, polished, or treated after delivery
  • Sale/Clearance Items: Items purchased during promotional clearance sales (clearly marked)

Authenticity Guarantee:

Every gold item is hallmarked and verified. If any piece sold as 9ct, 14ct, or 18ct gold is found to be counterfeit by an independent assay office, we will provide:

  • Full purchase price refund
  • Compensation for independent testing costs (up to £50)
  • Return shipping costs covered
  • Written apology and investigation report

Sizing & Fit:

Ring sizes are measured using professional jeweller tools and stated accurately in each listing. If you're unsure about sizing:

  • Request a live video viewing to see the ring on a sizing mandrel
  • We can provide internal diameter measurements
  • Free sizing advice via email or phone
  • Many rings can be professionally resized (additional cost) - contact us before ordering

Payment Security:

All payments are processed through secure, encrypted payment gateways. We never store your card details. You're protected by:

  • Buyer Protection schemes (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
  • UK Consumer Rights Act 2015
  • Section 75 protection (for credit card purchases over £100)

International Shipping

Currently, we only ship within the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland).

International shipping may be considered for high-value items on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at enquiries@crowncarat.co.uk to discuss options.

Please note: International buyers are responsible for all customs duties, taxes, and import fees in their country.

Still Have Questions?

Our customer service team is here to help you Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm

Contact Us