Julia deVille designs unique custom made jewellery, wedding & engagement rings

Featuring white & rose gold, platinum, black & antique diamonds

Taxidermy steampunk jewellery

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.
~ Eugene Ionesco

CUSTOMER SERVICE

How will my purchase be packaged? 

All of our jewellery comes in black embossed Julia deVille boxes. As part of our commitment to an environmentally friendly and sustainable practice, if a piece needs to be secured with tissue or bubble wrap, we use recycled packaging materials wherever possible. 

Can I purchase a gift certificate online?

Yes you can. Our gift certificates are redeemable at juliadeville.com and in our Melbourne showroom. They are valid for 6 months from date of purchase. Please contact us if you require an extension on the expiry date. 
 
We have gift certificates available in incremental amounts from $200 - $2,000. If you would like to purchase an amount that is not listed, please contact us. 
 
Gift certificates are delivered via email and contain instructions on how to redeem them at checkout.  
 
If you wish for us to send you a free hard copy of your gift certificate to present to your beloved in the flesh, please contact us with the recipient’s name and your name along with your order number.  

Note: Hard copies will be sent regular airmail, which may take up to 10 days for international customers. Please advise if you need your hard copy sent express - this may incur an additional cost. If this is the case we will notify you before proceeding.  
 
Certificates purchased during promotions cannot be applied to existing orders or lay-bys. 
 
You can purchase a gift certificate here.   

I've lost my gift certificate or credit note. What should I do?

Please contact us with your name, address, phone number and email and we will be able to retrieve your details from our system.

Do you offer a gift-wrapping service?  

As part of our commitment to a sustainable practice, we try to limit the amount of paper we use. Our packaging is beautiful and suitable to present as a gift without additional wrapping.

Will my item be identical to the image in the shop?

All JdV jewels are made by hand in her Melbourne workshop. Each piece is distinct and will have its own purposeful irregularities. There will be slight structural & textural variances as well as mild gemstone fluctuations. These differences are not flaws, rather they are inherent when acquiring a JdV original.

If we feel an item will be significantly different to the images you have purchased from, we will contact you to discuss alternatives. You will of course have the option to opt for a full refund if you are not happy with alternative options.

Please note: It is impossible to capture a 100% true likeness of an item via a digital representation. This means that the item you receive may be identical to the item that we photographed for the shop, however it may appear different on your monitor depending on your screen’s colour calibration.

Can I order a piece with variations from a shop item?

Yes you can. Please refer to the Bespoke & Custom Made section of the FAQ’s.

How long will it take to make my item?

A large majority of our items available online are made to order, especially our rings, which need to be custom made to your specific size.

Most items are now taking between 1 - 3 months to produce. Please contact us if you have a deadline to see if we have your desired item in stock, or if we can produce by your deadline.

Please note: Production Timelines do not include shipping time.

Do you provide an express service?

If you require faster production and/or delivery of your item, please contact us and we will be happy to work with you to expedite the processing and shipping of your order if possible. There may be an additional charge for this service.

Are all Julia deVille items available to purchase online?

Our online shop features a limited, but extensive collection of Julia deVille’s work for online shopping. We are continually adding to our online collection, however more one off items are available for purchase in our Melbourne showroom.

What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards online excluding Diners Club. 
 
We have a Paypal gateway at the checkout. 
  
We accept bank transfer from Australian customers. Please contact us if you would like to pay by bank transfer.  
 
You may also process your purchase with a valid credit note or gift certificate. 

Are prices in Australian Dollars?

Yes, all prices displayed on juliadeville.com are in Australian Dollars (AUD). 
 
Please be aware that all payments will be processed in Australian Dollars. Due to the currency conversion and fees that your banking institute may impose, the amount billed to your credit card may vary from the total price shown at the checkout. 

Will GST or sales tax be charged to my purchase?

If you are purchasing within Australia, you will be charged 10% GST (Australian Government Goods and Services Tax). The displayed prices are inclusive of GST.  
 
If you are purchasing from outside Australia, you will not be charged GST. The displayed prices do not include GST.  
 
Please note: international purchases may incur taxes and duties applied by your local customs office. Tax and/or duty charges are the sole responsibility of the customer. For more information about these fees and charges, please contact your local customs office. 

What if I need extra help or advice with my purchase? 

We are always here to help! If you have any questions or concerns relating to a product or purchase, please contact us and we will endeavor to respond to your query within one business day.   
 
Alternatively you can arrange a Skype or phone consultation with one of our jewellery professionals. Please fill out the appointment form to make an appointment.  

Are the online store prices subject to change? 

Due to the nature of materials used, we do experience fluctuations in metal and gemstone prices. Our prices may change accordingly. However, when purchasing an item, the price displayed at checkout is final and will not change.

What are your hours of operation? 

The Julia deVille office and studio operate Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm. Any enquiries received outside of these hours will be answered within 24 hours from the start of the following business day. 
 
The showroom is open by appointment only. To make an appointment please fill out the appointment form

If I purchase a greeting card from your online store, can you include a personalised message?

Yes we can. If you purchase a greeting card to accompany your gift, simply contact us and notify us of your personalised message along with your order number.

Do you provide warranties?

We provide a one-year manufacturing warranty on all of our jewellery from the date of completion. If any issues arise in the first year, we will repair your piece free of charge. It is your responsibility to ship and insure your jewellery. We will return your piece insured once repaired. 
 
Please note:  
Upon receipt of your damaged item we will assess whether or not it is a manufacturing fault. If damage is due to carelessness there may be a repair fee. 

Gemstones are not covered by warranty.
 
We are also able to repair damaged pieces that are outside of warranty. Fees for this service will vary according to the extent of repair.

SHIPPING, RETURNS & EXCHANGES

Enquiries regarding shipping, returns and exchanges?

Please visit our Shipping & Returns page for more info.

BESPOKE & CUSTOM MADE

Do you offer a Bespoke service?

Yes we do. Each piece in our collection can be specially made to fit with your desired specifications so long as it is within the parameters of Julia deVille’s designs. We can offer variations in stone and metal colour, stone size and alterations on design and composition.  
Our staff will happily help you in this area if you wish to have something made with more specific requests. Please visit our Bespoke section for more information and examples of previous Julia deVille bespoke commissions. 
 
Alternatively, if you have something unique in mind, please feel free to share this with one of our Bespoke team members by filling out our appointment form and we can discuss incorporating it into a custom design. 
 
Please note: Julia deVille will not copy the work of another artist or jeweller. 

How do I begin a Bespoke order process?

1. Browse our collection (both Shop and Bespoke sections). 
2. Note your favourite pieces by name. 
3. List any changes or special details you’d like to include in your Bespoke item. 
4. Make an appointment by using our Bespoke appointment form and enter as much information as possible.  
5. We will be in touch with the next steps, which include: stone sourcing, discussing timelines, and gathering final details such as ring sizing and shipping options. 
 
Alternately, if you are based in or visiting Melbourne, you may book an appointment to visit our Collingwood showroom

How long will it take for my Bespoke order to be processed? 

This will depend on the complexity of your order as different processes and components may add to the overall turnaround time. A general timeframe of 1-3 months will apply to most bespoke pieces; however, if more time is required we will certainly notify you of this. 
 
If you require faster production or delivery of your item, please contact us and we will be happy to work with you to expedite the processing and shipping of your order if possible. There may be an additional charge for this service.  
 

Can I request a quote before placing a Bespoke order? 

Yes you can. We will always provide you with a no obligation free of charge quote before you commit to your purchase. You can do this by filling out our appointment form with your specific requests. Alternatively, if you have more detailed requests, you can contact us at: shop@juliadeville.com

Do you offer Bespoke services to remote clients?

Yes, we frequently work with clients from all over the world. For more detailed requests, we’d prefer to speak with you in person so please make a phone or Skype appointment to arrange a consultation. Alternatively, we are happy to liaise with you via email: shop@juliadeville.com 
 

Will my bespoke order be identical to the image in the shop or the sample I viewed in the showroom?

All JdV jewels are made by hand in her Melbourne workshop. When ordering a bespoke or custom made piece please remember each piece is distinct and will have its own purposeful irregularities. There will be structural & textural variances as well as gemstone fluctuations. These differences are not flaws, rather they are inherent when acquiring a JdV original.

Please note: It is impossible to capture a 100% true likeness of an item via a digital representation. This means that the item you receive may appear different on your monitor depending on your screen’s colour calibration.

ENGRAVING

Do you offer an engraving service?

Yes we do. We use the best hand engraver in Australia. 
  
If you require an inscription, please contact us with your request, accompanied by your order number. Please clearly indicate what you would like engraved and once we have received your order we will confirm an engraving fee. 
 
Please note: we cannot always engrave exactly as per your request. The amount of space we have on the piece will determine what is possible. We will contact you if your engraving is not possible or needs amending. 

Can I return an engraved item?

Unfortunately, we do not accept returns on engraved items.

How long does it take to engrave my item?

Please allow an additional 1-2 weeks to the ‘Production Timeline’ for requested inscriptions. If you need your item more urgently, please contact us to arrange an express job.

RING SIZING

How can I tell what my finger size is? 

If you are in Melbourne, it is best to visit our showroom where our staff can size you.

Otherwise, you can visit a reputable jeweller or jewellery shop and ask that they size your finger. We use standard UK sizing (A-Z).

Note: Different ring sizing instruments can flutuate. As a result we can only guarantee sizes that we measured here in our showroom.

If you do not have access to one of the above, contact us and we can post you a multi-sizer so you can measure your finger and provide us with the size. Instructions on how to use the multi-sizer are outlined on the packet. Professional sizing is far more accurate than the multi-sizer, so we recommend seeking out a jeweller or jewellery shop if at all possible.
 
Please note: For international clients, ordering a multi-sizer may extend your order delivery time by up to 10 days, allowing for postage time of the multi-sizer to you. In this instance, it may be more time efficient for non-Australian customers to visit their local jewellery store to be sized. 
 
When sizing a ring here in the studio, we aim for a fit that goes over the knuckle without force. Once on the finger, we like to have a very small amount of movement to allow for finger fluctuations caused by weather. Lastly, when taking the ring off the finger, we like to have a slight resistance to allow for finger shrinkage in cold weather. Please contact us if you would like further advice on finger sizing. 
 
NOTE: We custom make orders to provided size specifications and cannot accept responsibility if your order was made to your requested size, but does not fit. 
 
For more information on ring sizing and to view a ring size conversion chart please visit Ring Size Help.
 

Am I able to provide you with a size based on a ring that I already have?

In most cases we prefer not to use an existing ring to determine what your finger size is. Different styles and band widths will determine different finger sizes.  We would prefer you provide us with a size measured by a professional or determined by a mutli-sizer as detailed above.  
 

Can my ring size change?

Unfortunately our hands can fluctuate due to factors such as weather and pregnancy.  
Heat often causes your fingers to swell while cold weather can cause a decrease in size. We recommend you don’t size your finger during extreme weather conditions.  
In the case of pregnancy, some women experience fluctuations in finger size. In this situation, you might want to hold off on sizing your finger until you feel they have returned to the their regular size. Alternatively we can resize your ring at a later date. Our resizing service may incur a fee. 

My ring size isn’t listed in the ring size drop-down menu? 

Please contact us with your ring size and we will let you know if we can make a ring in your size and if so, provide you with a quote.

What if I receive my ring and it doesn’t fit?

If your order has arrived and you feel it does not fit correctly, please contact us immediately and we can take you through some resizing options. Please note that if you provided us with a size and your ring has been made as per provided size, resizing will incur a fee. 

Note: Different ring sizing instruments can flutuate. As a result we can only guarantee sizes that we measured here in our showroom.

If you have been wearing your ring for some time and feel that the size is no longer the best fit for your finger, please contact us to discuss resizing options. Our resizing service will incur a fee. 
 

If I am purchasing a ring as a gift, how can I make sure it will fit? 

If you are purchasing a ring as a gift, it may be difficult to determine the correct size. If you don’t have the recipient’s ring size, we suggest the following two options: 
 
1. You may purchase an in-stock item. Although we don’t have rings listed as in-stock in the shop, you can contact us and we can provide you with a list and images of items that are currently available in our showroom. We generally have dozens of styles on display for you to choose from. If this ring does not fit, you may return this item and exchange it for the same ring in the correct size, or a different item altogether.  

2. Alternatively you may order a ring from our online shop in a standard finger size to present as a gift (our staff can advise you as to what a standard ring size is). In this instance we can only offer a resize service, which may incur a fee. 
  
Please contact us to discuss your gift, as we may be able to provide alternative options to the above depending on the ring you are considering. 
 
Please note that we will only offer exchanges on in-stock rings. Made to order or Bespoke items in most instances can only be resized. 

BRACELET & BANGLE SIZING

How can I tell my bracelet or bangle size?

Please see Bracelet Size Help for more information.

What if I am smaller than your size S or bigger than your size XL?

Please contact us with your measurement and we will confirm if we can make the item to you size and if there will be an additional charge.

What if I am in between your bangle sizes?

Please contact us with your measurement and we will confirm if we can make the item to you size and if there will be an additional charge.

What if I receive my bracelet/bangle and it doesn’t fit?

If your order has arrived and you feel it does not fit correctly, please contact us immediately and we can take you through some resizing options.  
 
Please note: If you provided us with a size and your bracelet/bangle has been made as per provided size, resizing will incur a fee. 

NECKLACE SIZING

How do I know where a necklace will sit on me?

All of our necklaces specify the clasp-to-clasp length in the ‘Description’ section of the product page. Many of our silver necklaces have two length options.  
 
If you cut a piece of string to this length and hang it around your neck you will get an idea of the length of the necklace. 

What if I want a different length to a necklace in the shop?

Most of our necklaces can be lengthened or shortened. Please contact us with your request and we will let you know if it is possible, and advise you of any additional fees.

DIAMONDS, GEMS & PRECIOUS METALS

I have never purchased a ring containing precious materials before. What should I consider?

While this type of first purchase can be overwhelming, our experienced staff will ensure you have all the information and support you need to make the right choice. We are always here to help should you have any questions. 
 
The main thing to consider is how you intend to wear your ring. For example, is it an everyday wearing piece or more occasional?  
 
There are certain metals that are better designed for everyday wear: 
- We would suggest using 18 carat gold or platinum for a fine band if you plan to wear it everyday. 
- 9 carat gold is fine for everyday wear however the band will need to be at least 2.5mm wide. 
- Silver is not suitable for a wedding or engagement ring because it is too soft (especially if there are valuable stones set in the ring). However, it is fine for more occasional wear or cocktail pieces. 
 
Stone durability can vary greatly: 
- Hematite, opal and star diopside are examples of softer stones that can scratch more easily than hard stones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires. 
 
Please refer to our Gemstone Care page or Glossary for further information regarding specific materials or contact us with any questions you may have. 

Will the stones in my ring be identical to stones pictured in the shop?

Gemstones are natural materials and therefore each stone is unique. However, most stones will be visibly identical to the ones in our shop.  
 
With larger, rare or unusual stones it becomes more difficult to source perfect matches. If we feel a stone will be significantly different to the image you have purchased from, we will contact you to discuss alternatives. You will of course have the option to opt for a full refund if you are not happy with alternative options.  
 
Please note: It is impossible to capture a 100% true likeness of a gemstone via a digital representation. This means that the item you receive may be identical to the item that we photographed for the shop, however it may appear different on your monitor depending on your screen’s colour calibration. 

What are synthetic gemstones and do you use them?

Synthetic gemstones are chemically identical to their natural counterparts. The only difference being they are grown in a laboratory instead of forming in the earth over millennia. 
 
The only synthetic gems we use in some of our silver collections are black and white cubic zirconia. JdV uses these stones because they are beautiful, durable and most importantly they are not impersonating any of the natural gemstones found in our collections. These items are clearly labelled as such in the materials section on the product page.  
 
We never use synthetic stones to take the place of natural stones and we don’t use synthetic stones in our precious collections. 

Which stones are suitable for everyday wear and which ones are not?

Gemstone hardness is measured on something called the Mohs scale, which ranks gemstones on a scale of 1 to 10. Diamond is the hardest known mineral with a ranking of 10, one of the reasons it is so popular for engagement rings. However, the durability of a gemstone should not be judged solely on the basis of hardness; for example, diamond has perfect cleavage, meaning it can be split with a single blow if hit hard enough and in the right spot.  
 
Stone hardness and durability can vary greatly; hematite, opal and star diopside are some examples of softer stones that can scratch more easily than hard stones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires. 
 
Please refer to our Gemstone Care page or Glossary for specific gemstone information or contact us with any queries pertaining to gemstone durability. 

What is sterling silver?

Silver is a precious and noble metal. Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually copper.  

Fine or pure silver (99.9%) is too soft to produce functional objects and is therefore alloyed with copper to give strength while still preserving the beauty of the precious metal. 
 
We do not recommend using sterling silver for wedding or engagement jewellery because even in its alloyed state it is still relatively soft. 

What is gold?

Gold in its natural state is yellow in colour and very soft. It can be alloyed with other metals to achieve different colours and improved malleability and durability. For example, yellow gold is alloyed with palladium or silver to create white gold or with copper to create rose gold. It is also alloyed with copper and silver to create different carats of yellow gold such as 18 and 9 carat. 
 
- 18 carat gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals. 
- 9 carat gold is 37.5% gold and 62.5% other metals. 
 
We use 9 and 18 carat gold but can use other carats upon request. 

What is platinum?

Platinum is a dense, malleable and lustrous precious metal. It is one of the rarer elements found in the Earth's crust. Because of its scarcity and durability, it is highly valued. Its resistance to wear and tarnish makes it particularly well suited to use in fine jewellery. Platinum is a popular choice for wedding and engagement jewellery.

Which metals are suitable for everyday wear and which ones are not?

There are certain metals that are better designed for everyday wear: 
 
- We would suggest using 18 carat gold or platinum for a ring if you plan to wear it everyday. 
- Julia is no longer working in rose gold due to it's brittleness.
- Silver is not suitable for a wedding or engagement ring because it is too soft (especially if there are valuable stones set in the ring). However, it is fine for more occasional wear or cocktail jewellery. 
 
Please contact us if you are unsure about what metal is best suited to your needs. 

What is a surface finish?

We apply surface finishes to our silver, gold and platinum items.  
 
Surface finishes we use are: 

- Oxidisation on silver items which gives a black finish, 
- Plating (black rhodium or gold), which can be done on all metals, 
- Enamel painting, which can be done on all metals, 
- Or simply polishing or applying a matte finish to an item.  
 
All surface finishes are not permanent and will wear over time.  

Please refer to our Jewellery Care section for more information. 

Can I supply my own metal and stones? 

JdV is committed to a sustainable practice, including the reuse of rare and precious gems and recycled metal.

In most cases we will be able to accommodate your heirloom gemstones within a bespoke piece crafted just for you.

There are however some inherent risks that you must be aware of:

Your heirloom gems have almost certainly been subject to some weathering in their past life; there may be hidden inclusions or flaws in the stone that are not visible while they remain in their existing setting. We of course will take the utmost care with your beloved jewels but alas, cannot take responsibility for any damage that may occur in the process of unsetting and/or re-setting your stone. In the rare instance any damage occurs, we will notify you and recommend options before going any further with your commission.

Additionally, we strongly recommend having your stones valued. We outsource this to an independent third party. Having your stones graded means we can provide you with a full valuation for your JdV jewel, including your own heirloom gems.


Reusing heirloom metal unfortunately is not as straightforward as stones. The metal must be tested and refined before it can be used which can be an expensive process. We can provide a quote for this prior to proceeding.  
 
Please note that we are not able to reuse white gold, as the result is often a lesser quality brittle metal. We can however add to an existing white gold piece if we deem it appropriate. 

If I have purchased a ring containing a diamond, will it come with a diamond certificate?

Our diamond rings do not come with certification, unless the stone is of considerable size and/or value. However, when purchasing an item containing precious materials, you will receive a purchase valuation outlining all materials used, qualities, quantities, dimensions and retail value. This document may be used if you choose to insure your item.

Do you offer warranties on items containing gemstones?

We offer quality assurance on the manufacture of our products however we are not able to offer warranties on gemstones used.  While our products are built securely, jewellery is not indestructible and so care must be taken when our pieces are worn. Please refer to our Gemstone Care page or Jewellery Care section for further information.  

Do you use ethically sourced materials? 

As a committed environmentalist, it is of utmost importance to Julia deVille that all materials used are sourced responsibly and ethically. We try whenever possible to use recycled materials and all products in our studio are cruelty free.   
 
All new diamonds used by us are purchased from Kimberly Process approved sources. To learn more about this, please visit: http://www.kimberleyprocess.com

A note from our diamond supplier:

The diamonds supplied have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nation Resolutions. The seller hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantee provided by the supplier of these diamonds.

What are the four C’s of diamonds?

The four C’s refers to the classification of diamonds. For some people, certain elements are more important than others while for others, the elements may be determined first by budget.  
 
We are always happy to offer advice and suggestions in this area.  
 
1. Colour 
 
The GIA colour scale extends from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow of brown). 
 
Although many people think of gem quality diamonds are colourless, true colourless diamonds are actually very rare. Most diamonds used in jewellery are nearly colourless with tints of yellow or brown. Colour grades are determined by comparing each diamond to a master set. Each letter grade represents a range of colour and is a measure of how noticeable a colour is. 
 
2. Clarity 
 
The GIA clarity scale includes eleven clarity grades ranging from Flawless to I3. 
 
Because diamonds form under tremendous pressure, it is extremely rare to find a diamond that lacks any internal and external characteristics. These characteristics are a by-product of its formation and help gemologists separate natural diamonds from synthetics and stimulants, and identify individual stones. 
 
3. Cut 
 
The GIA cut scale ranges from excellent to poor.  
 
A polished diamond’s beauty lies in its complex relationship with light. The magnificent display you see is made up of three attributes: Brightness is the combination of all white light reflecting from the surface and interior of a diamond. Fire describes the “flares” of color emitted from a diamond. Scintillation describes the pattern of light and dark areas and the sparkle you see when the diamond, the light, or the observer moves.  
A diamond’s proportions affect its light performance, which in turn affects its beauty and overall appeal. Diamonds with fine proportions, symmetry, and polish optimize their interaction with light, and have increased brightness, fire, and scintillation.  
GIA assesses these factors for standard round brilliant diamonds in the D-to-Z colour range. 
Julia deVille also likes to incorporate antique styles of cut diamonds in her work such as rose and old cut.  You can read more about these in our glossary

4. Carat

Carat refers to the size (weight) of a diamond. A one carat (1ct) diamond equals 200 milligrams in weight. 
For diamonds under one carat, each carat is divided into 100 points – similar to cents in a dollar: 0.75 ct. = 75 points, 1/2 ct. = 50 points.  

JEWELLERY CARE

How do I care for my Julia deVille jewels?

Please refer to our Jewellery Care or Gemstone Care pages.

SHOWROOM

May I purchase directly from your showroom?

Now that we have officially opened the doors to our Melbourne Showroom you are invited to make an appointment to come and visit. You are welcome to purchase jewellery from our displays or come for a consultation on your Bespoke JdV piece. The showroom is open by appointment only.

Do you offer lay-by on items purchased in the showroom?

Yes we do, all items in our showroom can be purchased on lay-by. We require a 25% deposit and require that the item/s be paid for in full within 4 weeks.

Can I make an appointment to have a consultation with Julia deVille?

Once you have had an initial consultation to establish your requirements with one of our JdV representatives, an appointment with Julia can be arranged if required. 
 

TAXIDERMY JEWELLERY

Are animals harmed in the making of these pieces?

Julia deVille is an animal lover and vegan (and she herself is an animal too). She only works with animals that have died of natural causes.

Can I supply my own bones or animals?

Julia deVille won’t accept bones or animals that she cannot verify with certainty died of natural causes.

Can items containing bone or taxidermy be shipped overseas?

Julia deVille does not work with endangered or CITES listed species. We have not had any trouble shipping these works internationally but we advise you first check with your local customs office before purchasing. Some countries may require the works to be fumigated upon arrival.

How do I care for my taxidermy jewellery?

Please refer to our jewellery care section for more information on how to care for your pieces containing taxidermy.