
FAQ's
General Questions:
Do you provide gift wrapping or special packaging?
All of our pieces come in our luxurious Martina Hamilton packaging, including a box, a gift bag and an information card about the collection as standard. In addition to this, we can gift wrap your package in our signature purple and gold wrapping. Please specify when ordering if you would like your packaging gift wrapped.
On-line gift voucher
Purchasing a digital gift voucher creates a unique code. The recipient of your Gift Voucher can enter this code at checkout to subtract the gift card value from their order total. Gift vouchers purchased on this site will never expire. They are non-refundable and redeemable only against on-line purchases from this site. On-Line Gift vouchers cannot be redeemed in our shop. They are for the use of online purchases only.
Can I visit your physical store or studio?
We would love you to visit our physical store in Sligo, which is called The Cat and The Moon. Opened in 1989, The Cat and the Moon and Martina Hamilton showcase the best of Irish Craft and Design. Everything in our shop is designed and made in Ireland, using skills and makers’ traditions, which have been handed down through generations.
Upstairs we have The Hamilton Gallery, which has become a significant fixture in visual arts programming in Ireland, with exhibitions changing every month. A thriving showcase for new works from many of the country’s leading visual artists, it also pioneers the work of many emerging artists.
We also have a private room for Commission appointments, where you can discuss engagement rings, wedding bands or a bespoke creation with Martina Hamilton herself.
Ordering and Shipping
How can I track my order?
Your order is shipped via An Post and all shipping is free of charge worldwide. Your parcel will be sent registered, and we will notify you through email on dispatch with a tracking number. This can be tracked directly on https://www.anpost.com/Post-Parcels/Track/Search
Do you offer international shipping?
We offer international shipping through registered post with Ireland’s state-owned postal service An Post. We deliver to a range of international destinations including Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA. Please contact us directly if you are ordering from a country outside of the above, as we may still be able to accommodate your purchase.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Once your order has been confirmed through email as dispatched, the following timeframes* apply for Registered Post:
Ireland: 1 - 2 working days
Northern Ireland: 2 - 3 working days
UK: 4 - 7 working days
Europe: 7 - 10 working days
Rest of World: 10 - 15 working days
*The above Timeframes are guidelines from An Post. Timeframes may be longer during seasonal gifting periods, especially during the Christmas season.
Please Note:
For ring purchases involving Ring Sizing and Stone Setting, you may experience up to two weeks delay before dispatch. Should we anticipate a lead in period in excess of this we will contact you with this information.
For full commissions including personalisations and 18ct Gold, lead time may be 4 - 6 weeks. The timeframe for bespoke pieces will be discussed during your consultation with Martina Hamilton. The lead time only starts after a deposit has been paid. For more information, please contact us directly.
Is shipping insurance included?
Every order shipped will include insurance through An Post. This is free of charge. In the highly unlikely event of an order being returned due to defect or damage, Martina Hamilton will include the price of insured return postage in your refund. Please contact us before returning damaged or defective items so we can advise you on postage.
All returns should be made to:
Martina Hamilton Jewellery Design, 4 Castle Street, Sligo, Ireland. F91 P863
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
We also accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Union Pay and Shop Pay.
Product Information
What materials are used in your jewellery?
All of our jewellery is made from hallmarked sterling silver and solid gold. This means that all pieces will carry the legally appropriate Irish Hallmark from the Irish Assay Office, Dublin Castle. This is an internationally recognised guarantee of the quality of the metal incorporated into the design.
Each hallmark is specific to the jeweller who creates it. All of Martina Hamilton pieces carry the hallmark MCG, which stands for Martina’s maiden name “Martina Catherine Gillan”. This means that your jewellery can always be traced back to our workshop, even hundreds of years from now.
Our solid gold pieces are made in 9ct yellow gold, 10ct rose gold and 10ct white gold. However we can commission pieces in hallmarked 18ct gold and platinum, on request.
All of our pieces are handcrafted from recycled silver and gold, as sustainability is a huge aspect of our company.
Some of our sterling silver pieces have a gold detail of 22ct gold plating. This is when our master goldsmiths plate a layer of 22ct gold over sterling silver to create a two-tone effect. Over time, this plating may wear off. However our workshop will re-plate any of our pieces in 22ct gold for a nominal fee.
In regards to our gemstones, we use a mixture of diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones. If there is a gemstone you are looking for that we do not have, please reach out to see if we can source this for you.
Can you explain the different carats of gold you use?
24ct Solid Gold is pure gold, meaning it is 99.9% gold with very minimal impurities. It's the highest purity of gold available, offering a rich color, but requires careful handling due to its softness. This softness, unfortunately, is not suitable to be worn everyday. In order for functionality, gold must be alloyed with other metals to give it strength and durability. This is why we use 9ct, 10ct and, by request, 18ct solid gold in our designs. These offer the best jewellery for everyday wear.
The Carat of Solid Gold determines the ratio of pure gold to other alloyed metals.
- 9ct gold is the lowest purity of solid gold. It’s more affordable and durable, which makes it a popular choice for everyday jewellery. It has a slightly paler color compared to higher-carat gold. All of our yellow gold pieces are made in 9ct solid gold as standard.
- 10ct gold has a slightly higher gold content, giving it a richer color. It remains durable and cost-effective, offering a balance between quality and affordability; making it a good choice for active or daily wear. All of our rose gold and white gold pieces are made in 10ct solid gold as standard.
- 18ct gold is considered a high-quality gold, often used in luxury jewellery. It has a rich, deep color and retains a good balance of durability and purity. Due to the higher ratio of pure gold, 18ct gold is more valuable, and therefore more expensive. Because this gold is more malleable, it is more prone to scratches than lower purities of gold. We can make any of our pieces in 18ct solid gold as a commission. Please contact us directly for this option.
- 22ct gold is very close to pure gold, with a vibrant yellow color. Due to the softness of this gold, we offer 22ct gold as a plating detail only. We have multiple collections handmade in Sterling Silver, which is then plated in 22ct gold. This allows for a two-tone effect, showcasing the best of both metals.
Are your diamonds and gemstones ethically sourced?
At Martina Hamilton, all of our diamonds and semi-precious gemstones are sourced through respected suppliers all over the world. We have been making handmade jewellery in our Sligo workshop for over 35 years, and have built great relationships with the very best diamond dealers and gemstone suppliers across the world to ensure we have high quality conflict free stones.
Repairs and Maintenance
Do you offer a warranty on your products?
We offer a 1 year craft flaw warranty on all of our pieces. Proof of purchase is needed to avail of your warranty. Our team of goldsmiths are always available in our Sligo workshop to bring your piece back to life, even if it's outside the warranty. You can bring your jewellery into our shop, or post your jewellery to Martina Hamilton for a cleaning service or repair service. Please contact us directly at info@martinahamilton.ie before posting your jewellery to our workshop, so we can discuss further.
How should I care for and clean my jewellery?
Sterling silver and solid gold are designed to be worn everyday, however, over time your Martina Hamilton piece may discolour. Here are some tips to keep your jewellery fresh:
- A gentle clean with a soft 100% cotton cloth
- Try to not wear your jewellery in the shower or when swimming in the sea
- Do not wear your jewellery in a chlorinated swimming pool
- Apply any perfume, body lotion, tanning products, creams, dry shampoo etc before you put on your jewellery
Regularly using a polishing cloth, or bathing your jewellery in warm water with mild soap can bring back the shine. However this is not recommended for any piece with a pearl, or any piece that is plated in gold; as the plating may rub off.
Our workshop offers a cleaning service on all Martina Hamilton pieces, with prices starting at €5 per piece (depending on the metal). Please contact us directly if you would like to avail of this. Our Goldsmiths are delighted to bring your piece back to its original shine.
Do you offer repair services for your jewellery?
We offer a repair service on all Martina Hamilton pieces, no matter how old the piece is, or if the piece is discontinued. Our master goldsmiths will be delighted to repair your piece for you to cherish for many years to come. If your piece is outside of our 1 year craft flaw warranty, we can repair your piece for a nominal fee. Please drop into our shop or contact us on info@martinahamilton.ie to discuss in more detail.
I have lost one earring, can I buy a single earring?
We are sorry to hear you have lost one of your earrings. We can of course sell a single earring, in order for you to complete your pair again. Single earrings are sold at half the price of a pair. However, you need to contact us directly to arrange for a single earring sale. You cannot buy a single earring on our website. Alternatively, you can drop into our shop and we can assist you straight away. We would recommend bringing your remaining earring into us, in order to purchase the best match.
Refund and Exchanges
What is your refund/exchange policy?
If you are not fully satisfied with your purchase, items can be returned to us within 30 days of delivery and are eligible for a full refund, an exchange or an in-store credit to the value of the original order. To qualify for a refund/exchange, the goods must be returned undamaged, in their original packaging, with proof of purchase. If your Martina Hamilton piece was a gift and you don’t have a receipt, we are happy to offer you an exchange only, as long as the jewellery is in pristine condition.
Refunds will be made via Shopify through the original payment service used, and sent directly to the customer who made the purchase. We cannot refund amounts to a different / third party account other than the one used to make the original payment.
Please note: Special Made-to-Order commissions and personalized items are non-returnable on a change of mind basis.
Martina Hamilton does not accept responsibility for goods stolen, lost or damaged during return. We strongly advise customers to insure returns against loss or damage.
In the highly unlikely event of an order being returned due to defect or damage, Martina Hamilton will include the price of insured return postage in your refund. Please contact us before returning damaged or defective items so we can advise you on postage.
All returns should be made to:
Martina Hamilton Jewellery Design, 4 Castle Street, Sligo, Ireland. F91 P863
Policies and Guarantees
What is your policy on pricing and promotions?
Our pricing is set to offer the best value to our customers, and we strive to keep it competitive. We have taken into account the craftsmanship, design, precious metal and gemstones, along with the fact that all of our pieces are handmade from start to finish in Ireland, when setting our final prices. Promotions, discounts, and offers are subject to availability and may change without prior notice. We recommend checking our website or subscribing to our mailing list for the latest updates on special offers. Please note that discounts cannot be applied to previous purchases or combined with other promotions unless otherwise stated.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
We do not offer finance or payment plans on our website. However, we take deposits and regular payments in our physical shop, or over the telephone. Please contact us on +353 (0)71 9143686 to discuss this further.
How do you handle disputes or complaints?
We take customer satisfaction seriously and are committed to resolving any issues promptly. If you have a complaint, please contact us directly, and we’ll listen carefully to your concerns. We will work with you to find a fair and timely solution, whether it’s a replacement, refund, or another appropriate action. Your feedback is important to us and helps improve our services.
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.
Still have questions? We're happy to help! Please email us at info@martinahamilton.com and we will get back to you.