FAQ
From what age can prints be taken?
Hand and footprints can be taken from birth onwards. Babies usually start to develop fingerprints at around six months old but it will vary from child to child and really good line detail is often not visible until between one and two years of age. Some children will have stronger prints than others at the same age, so the detail of the print will depend on the individual. Younger babies can still have impressions taken of their tiny fingers although they will lack the line detail.
What if I have an existing print that I would like to use?
If you have a print that you have taken previously just let me know and I will be happy to use this to make your silver.
How do I take the prints at home if I order online?
Fingerprints are taken by pressing the finger into a moulding compound (which is similar to plasticine). You will receive enough compound to take two prints so that I can choose the best one to use. Please do make sure that you are satisfied with the quality of the print before returning it as this is how it will appear on your silver. If you're still not sure, I can send out another kit for £3.50 (inc p&p).
Miniprints (hand, foot and pawprints) are taken by wiping a mess-free inkless wipe over the hand, foot or paw and then pressing down onto the special paper provided where the print will magically appear within seconds! There should be enough room on the A4 paper to take a few prints so that I can choose the best one or if you still want to try again I can send out another kit for £3.50 (inc p&p). You can either email a jpeg of the prints or send it back to me in the post.
Can adults' prints be taken too?
Yes of course! Grown-up prints make ideal gifts for girlfriends and boyfriends, husbands and wives. They are particularly popular as gifts for brides and grooms on their wedding day.
What if I have some handwriting or artwork that I would like imprinted onto silver?
If you have a child's drawing or handwriting or perhaps the signature of a loved one that you would like miniaturized and imprinted into silver you can either email me a jpeg of it or send it in the post. If it is of sentimental value I would recommend sending it by Special Delivery.
Do you offer an engraving service?
Yes I am happy to engrave names or dates on the front or reverse of your silver free of charge.
Why does silver tarnish?
Pure silver is a precious metal which naturally tarnishes over time although this can be accelerated by coming into contact with certain chemicals in the environment. It is therefore important to remove your jewellery before showering, bathing or swimming, and it is advisable to use a silver cleaning cloth to keep your jewellery shining brightly. These can be added to your order for an extra £3.50. Please do not use a silver dip however as these may adversely affect the appearance of your pieces.
How should I care for my silver?
Pure silver is a relatively soft metal so care should be taken in the day-to-day wearing of your jewellery, and it is advisable to remove bracelets and bangles when doing manual tasks such as housework or gardening. Likewise if worn on a charm bracelet or keyring the silver may develop small scratches due to coming into contact with other pieces of metal.
What are the delivery times?
If ordering online, your print-taking kit will be despatched within one to two days of your order being placed. Once you return the prints you can expect your silver within three weeks of me receiving them. If you are in a hurry and need your order by a particular date just let me know and I will do my best to have it ready in time.
What are the delivery costs?
The cost of postage and packing for online orders is £6.95. This includes despatch of your print-taking kit by first-class post and delivery of your finished pieces by Royal Mail Special Delivery (fully insured with Royal Mail).
Print-taking kits and silver cleaning cloths are sent first class and postage is free of charge.
Can I buy a gift voucher?
Yes! Gift vouchers are very popular for birthdays, baby showers, christenings, weddings, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day and Christmas. You can choose whatever amount you would like and the voucher can be used in part or full payment of any product.
Can I cancel my order?
Orders can be cancelled prior to the despatch of the impression kit, and a full refund of any payment will be made. If the kit has already been despatched, a refund will be given minus £5 to cover the cost of the kit and postage. Cancellation will not be possible once I have begun work on your order.
What is your returns policy?
Care is taken to make sure that all products are made to the highest standard. Due to the personal nature of the products, returns cannot be accepted except in the following cases:
- Delivery of a product that is different to that ordered
- Where a name or message is different to what was specified on the order
- Where the product is faulty
Please inspect your item(s) for damage when you receive them. If you are not entirely happy, please contact me within 48 hours and I will do everything possible to resolve the problem. It is recommended that you return items via special delivery as I am unable to accept liability for goods lost or damaged in transit.