FAQ's
Ordering from the United States:
Do I have to pay customs charges or taxes on orders shipped to the US?
Orders shipped to the United States may be subject to customs duties, import taxes, administration fees or other charges imposed by US authorities. These charges are the responsibility of the recipient and are not included in the purchase price or shipping cost.
For parcels sent to the United States, An Post, Ireland's national postal service, will contact you by email before your parcel leaves Ireland if payment of customs-related administration charges is required.
Please check your inbox (including your spam folder), as you will normally have five days to make payment. Failure to respond may delay your shipment.
If you would like an estimate of any customs or import charges before placing your order, we recommend contacting your local customs authority.
Why do you need my email address on the parcel?
For parcels shipped to the United States, your email address is included on the shipping label so that An Post can contact you if customs-related administration charges need to be paid before your parcel leaves Ireland.
Your email address is used solely for this purpose to help ensure your order is delivered smoothly.
Why does An Post state the parcel is from The Cat and The Moon?
Martina Hamilton Jewellery is handcrafted and dispatched by The Cat & The Moon Ltd., our family business based in Sligo, Ireland.
Although you have purchased directly from the Martina Hamilton website, your parcel and tracking notifications may display The Cat & The Moon as the sender.
Rest assured, your order is genuine Martina Hamilton jewellery, carefully handcrafted and shipped directly from our workshop.
General Questions:
Do you provide gift wrapping or special packaging?
Every Martina Hamilton piece is beautifully presented in our signature jewellery packaging, which includes a branded jewellery box, gift bag and an information card about the collection.
If you're purchasing a gift, we're also happy to provide complimentary gift wrapping in our signature purple and gold wrapping paper. Simply let us know during checkout and we'll ensure your order is beautifully presented for the occasion.
Do you offer gift messages?
Yes. If you're sending your jewellery directly to the recipient, simply add your gift message during checkout and we'll include it with your order at no additional charge.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes. Our digital gift vouchers are delivered by email and contain a unique code that can be redeemed at checkout on the Martina Hamilton website.
Gift vouchers never expire and can be used towards any online purchase.
Please note that gift vouchers purchased through the Martina Hamilton website can only be redeemed online and are non-refundable.
Can I visit your physical store or studio?
Absolutely. We'd love to welcome you to our store in the heart of Sligo.
Martina Hamilton Jewellery is based within The Cat & The Moon, our award-winning independent Irish craft and jewellery store, established in 1989.
Alongside Martina Hamilton's collections, you'll discover a carefully curated selection of Irish craft and design, all created by talented makers from across Ireland.
Upstairs you'll find The Hamilton Gallery, one of Ireland's leading contemporary art galleries, with exhibitions changing regularly throughout the year.
If you're considering an engagement ring, wedding band or bespoke commission, we also offer private consultations with Martina Hamilton by appointment.
Ordering and Shipping
How can I track my order?
All orders are shipped via An Post Registered Post.
Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a confirmation email containing your tracking number. You can track your parcel using the link provided in your dispatch email or directly through the An Post website.
If you have any questions about your delivery, please contact us at sales@martinahamilton.ie.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes. We offer free worldwide shipping on all orders.
Orders are shipped via An Post Registered Post to destinations including Great Britain, Europe, the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
If your country is not listed at checkout, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your order.
Please note that orders shipped outside the European Union (including the United Kingdom and United States) may be subject to customs duties, import taxes, VAT or administration charges imposed by the destination country. These charges are the responsibility of the recipient.
Will I have to pay customs or import charges?
Orders shipped outside the European Union (including the United Kingdom and the United States) may be subject to customs duties, import taxes, VAT or administration charges imposed by the destination country.
These charges are the responsibility of the recipient and are not included in the purchase price or shipping cost.
If you are unsure whether charges may apply, we recommend contacting your local customs authority before placing your order.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Delivery estimates after dispatch are:
• Ireland: 1–3 working days
• Northern Ireland: 3–4 working days
• United Kingdom: 5–8 working days
• Europe: 8–12 working days
• Rest of World: 12–17 working days
These delivery times are estimates only and may vary during busy periods, public holidays or customs processing.
Many Martina Hamilton pieces are individually handcrafted to order, so production time before dispatch will vary depending on the piece.
Typical production times are:
• Ring sizing and stone setting: up to 4 weeks
• Personalised jewellery: up to 4 weeks
• Bespoke commissions and 18ct Gold pieces: up to 6 weeks from receipt of deposit.
If we anticipate a longer lead time, we will contact you as soon as possible.
Is shipping insurance included?
Yes. Every order is fully insured while in transit through An Post at no additional cost.
If your parcel arrives damaged or is lost during delivery, please contact us as soon as possible and we will work with you to resolve the issue.
If you need to return an item, please contact us before sending it back so we can provide the correct return instructions. Full details can be found in our Returns & Refunds Policy.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
We also accept PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, Klarna, UnionPay and other payment methods available through Shopify Payments.
All payments are processed securely using encrypted payment systems.
Product Information
What materials are used in your jewellery?
Every Martina Hamilton piece is handcrafted in Ireland using carefully selected precious metals and gemstones.
Our jewellery is made using hallmarked sterling silver and solid gold. All sterling silver and gold pieces are hallmarked by the Irish Assay Office at Dublin Castle, providing an internationally recognised guarantee of precious metal quality.
Each Martina Hamilton piece also carries our unique registered maker's mark, identifying it as an authentic Martina Hamilton design.
Our standard gold collections are handcrafted in:
• 9ct Yellow Gold
• 10ct Rose Gold
• 10ct White Gold
We also create bespoke commissions in 18ct Gold and Platinum on request.
Many of our sterling silver collections feature details plated in 22ct gold to create our signature two-tone finish. As with all gold plating, this may naturally wear over time, and we offer a professional re-plating service if required.
Sustainability is important to us, and wherever possible we use recycled precious metals in our jewellery.
We use a carefully selected range of diamonds, precious and semi-precious gemstones. If you're looking for a particular gemstone that isn't shown on our website, please contact us—we're always happy to discuss custom commissions.
Can you explain the different carats of gold you use?
Gold purity is measured in carats (ct). The higher the carat, the greater the proportion of pure gold in the alloy.
Pure 24ct gold is 99.9% gold. While beautiful, it is too soft for most everyday jewellery, so gold is alloyed with other metals to improve its strength and durability.
At Martina Hamilton, we primarily use 9ct and 10ct solid gold for our everyday collections, with 18ct gold available for bespoke commissions.
9ct Gold
9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold and is the most durable of the solid gold options we offer. Its strength, affordability and suitability for everyday wear make it an excellent choice for jewellery that is worn regularly. All of our yellow gold collections are handcrafted in 9ct gold as standard.
10ct Gold
10ct gold contains 41.7% pure gold, giving it a slightly richer gold content while maintaining excellent durability. It offers a wonderful balance between colour, strength and value. Our rose gold and white gold collections are handcrafted in 10ct gold as standard.
18ct Gold
18ct gold contains 75% pure gold and is prized for its rich, luxurious colour. Because of its higher gold content, it is softer than 9ct or 10ct gold and requires a little more care. We are happy to create many of our designs in 18ct gold as a bespoke commission. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this option.
22ct Gold
22ct gold contains 91.6% pure gold and has a beautiful, vibrant yellow colour. Due to its softness, we use 22ct gold as a plating detail rather than for solid jewellery. Many of our sterling silver collections feature a layer of 22ct gold plating to create Martina Hamilton's distinctive two-tone finish.
Are your diamonds and gemstones ethically sourced?
Yes.
We work with long-established and trusted diamond and gemstone suppliers who share our commitment to responsible sourcing and high-quality materials.
For more than 35 years, Martina Hamilton has built strong relationships with respected suppliers, allowing us to source beautiful diamonds and gemstones with confidence.
Wherever possible, we source conflict-free diamonds and responsibly sourced precious and semi-precious gemstones for our collections and bespoke commissions.
Will my jewellery look exactly like the photographs?
Every Martina Hamilton piece is individually handcrafted in Ireland.
Because each piece is made by hand, slight variations in texture, finish or natural gemstones may occur. These subtle differences are part of the beauty and uniqueness of handcrafted jewellery and are not considered defects.
Repairs and Maintenance
Do you offer a warranty on your products?
Yes. All Martina Hamilton jewellery is covered by a one-year craftsmanship warranty from the date of purchase.
This warranty covers manufacturing faults or defects in workmanship under normal wear. Proof of purchase is required when making a warranty claim.
The warranty does not cover accidental damage, loss, misuse, normal wear and tear, or damage resulting from improper care.
Outside the warranty period, our workshop is happy to repair most Martina Hamilton pieces for a reasonable fee.
If you believe your jewellery has developed a fault, please contact us at sales@martinahamilton.ie before returning your item so we can advise you on the next steps.
How should I care for and clean my jewellery?
Martina Hamilton jewellery is designed to be enjoyed every day. With a little care, your jewellery will remain beautiful for many years.
We recommend:
• Cleaning your jewellery regularly with a soft, lint-free polishing cloth.
• Removing jewellery before showering, swimming, exercising or using household cleaning products.
• Applying perfume, body lotion, sunscreen and cosmetics before putting on your jewellery.
• Storing jewellery separately in a soft pouch or jewellery box to help prevent scratches.
Sterling silver may naturally tarnish over time. This is normal and can usually be restored with a silver polishing cloth.
Jewellery featuring pearls or gold-plated finishes should not be cleaned using abrasive polishing cloths or chemical cleaning products, as these may damage the surface.
We also offer a professional jewellery cleaning service. Please contact us if you would like further information.
Do you offer repair services for your jewellery?
Yes. We offer repair services on Martina Hamilton jewellery, regardless of the age of the piece or whether it is still part of our current collection.
Our experienced goldsmiths can carry out a wide range of repairs, restorations, resizing and re-plating services where appropriate.
If your piece is outside its one-year craftsmanship warranty, repairs are usually available for a reasonable fee.
Please contact us at sales@martinahamilton.ie before sending or bringing your jewellery to us so we can discuss the repair and advise on the best way to return your item.
I have lost one earring, can I buy a single earring?
Yes, in many cases.
We can often supply a replacement single earring for existing Martina Hamilton designs, subject to availability.
Replacement earrings are normally priced at half the retail price of a pair.
As replacement earrings cannot be purchased through our website, please contact us directly at sales@martinahamilton.ie and we'll be happy to help.
If possible, we recommend bringing or sending your remaining earring so we can ensure the closest possible match, particularly for handcrafted collections.
Refund and Exchanges
What is your refund/exchange policy?
We want you to shop with confidence.
Eligible items may be returned within 30 days of delivery for:
• A full refund
• An exchange
• Store credit
To be eligible, items must be returned in their original condition and, where reasonably possible, in their original packaging.
Please contact us at sales@martinahamilton.ie before returning any item so we can provide return instructions and help ensure your return is processed as quickly as possible.
Please note:
• Made-to-order, personalised and bespoke jewellery cannot be returned unless faulty or not as described.
• Earrings cannot be returned for hygiene reasons unless faulty or supplied in error.
• Customers are responsible for return postage costs for change-of-mind returns.
Full details can be found in our Returns & Refunds Policy and Right of Withdrawal.
What is your International refund/exchange policy?
We are happy to accept eligible returns from customers worldwide.
Before returning your jewellery, please contact us at sales@martinahamilton.ie so we can provide the correct return instructions.
International customers are responsible for the cost of return postage unless the item is faulty or supplied in error.
If you are returning an item from outside the European Union (including the UK), please ensure your parcel is clearly marked as "Returned Goods" and that all customs documentation is completed correctly.
Any customs duties, import taxes, VAT, administration charges or carrier handling fees resulting from incorrectly declared returns may be deducted from your refund where permitted by law.
We recommend using a tracked postal service and keeping proof of postage until your return has been processed.
Full details can be found in our Returns & Refunds Policy.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes. Orders can be cancelled at any time before they have been fulfilled or dispatched.
If your order has already been dispatched, your return will be handled in accordance with our Returns & Refunds Policy and, where applicable, your Right of Withdrawal.
If you need to cancel an order, please contact sales@martinahamilton.ie as soon as possible, quoting your order number.
Policies and Guarantees
What is your policy on pricing and promotions?
We work hard to offer fair and competitive pricing that reflects the craftsmanship, quality materials and time involved in creating each piece of jewellery by hand in Ireland.
From time to time we may offer promotions, discounts or special offers. These are subject to availability and may be withdrawn or amended without notice unless otherwise stated.
Promotional discounts cannot usually be applied to previous purchases and cannot be combined with other offers unless specifically stated.
We recommend subscribing to our newsletter to hear about new collections, exclusive offers and seasonal promotions.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
Yes. We offer Klarna at checkout, allowing eligible customers to spread the cost of their purchase.*
Klarna payment options are subject to eligibility and approval by Klarna. Available payment methods may vary depending on your location and the value of your order.
If you would prefer to discuss a bespoke commission or another payment arrangement, please contact us directly and we'll be happy to advise.
*Klarna is an independent payment provider. Terms and conditions apply.
How do you handle disputes or complaints?
We are committed to providing excellent customer service and want every customer to be delighted with their Martina Hamilton jewellery.
If you have a concern or complaint, please contact us as soon as possible. We'll carefully review the issue and work with you to find a fair and timely resolution.
Most concerns can be resolved quickly through direct communication. If your complaint relates to a faulty product, your statutory consumer rights are not affected.
You can contact us by email at sales@martinahamilton.ie or by telephone during our business hours.
Is my payment information secure?
Yes. All payments made through our website are processed using secure, encrypted payment technology. We do not store your full payment card details.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay and Klarna, giving you a range of secure payment options.
Customisation and Services
Do you offer custom jewellery design services?
We are always happy to create a unique, handcrafted piece tailored to your individual style and preference. Whether you're looking for a custom engagement ring, a personalized necklace, or a special gift, we will work closely with you to try and bring your vision to life. From selecting the materials to designing your idea, we ensure that every detail is crafted with care and precision.
Feel free to contact us to discuss your custom design, and we'll be happy to guide you through the process!
Can I request modifications to existing designs?
If you see a piece you love but would like to make adjustments—whether it's changing the metal, altering the size, adding gemstones, or tweaking the design to suit your personal taste—we’re happy to work with you. Simply get in touch with us to discuss the changes, and we’ll guide you through the customisation process.
Can I provide my own gemstones for a custom piece?
We love incorporating gemstones that hold personal significance to you. However, we recommend you to have an in-store consultation with Martina Hamilton in our Sligo Studio. Martina will be able to advise how best we can incorporate your gemstone into a personal handcrafted piece of jewellery.
Do you offer engraving services?
We can engrave a word or initials on your jewellery to make it even more meaningful. However, please note that the size and space available on certain pieces may limit the length or complexity of the engraving. Our engravings work best on the inside of our handmade rings, or on our jewellery that does not have a textured finish. Please reach out to us directly, or drop into our Sligo Studio, if you are interested in purchasing a piece of our jewellery with an added engravement. We will be able to advise on the best options available.
How do I begin a bespoke commission?
Starting a bespoke commission is simple. Contact us by email, telephone or visit our Sligo studio to arrange an initial consultation.
During your consultation we'll discuss your ideas, style preferences, budget and timeline. Whether you're creating an engagement ring, remodelling heirloom jewellery or designing a completely unique piece, Martina will guide you through every stage of the process.
Once the design and quotation have been agreed, we'll begin handcrafting your jewellery in our Sligo workshop. We'll keep you updated throughout the process until your finished piece is ready to collect or ship.
Still have questions?
We'd love to help. Please contact us at sales@martinahamilton.ie, call +353 (0)71 9143686, or visit our Sligo studio. We'll be happy to answer any questions about our jewellery, bespoke commissions or your order.