FAQs
How is Bad Toad jewellery made?
The majority of Bad Toad pieces are made using the lost wax process. Initial designs are hand-carved into wax. A mold is then produced from the wax carving which is cast in solid 925 sterling silver, or gold and finished by hand in our workshop in Bristol.
What materials are used?
Our jewellery is made from either solid 925 Sterling Silver, or solid 9ct or 18ct Gold. We do not offer any plating at Bad Toad, all items are solid silver or gold.
Does every piece have a hallmark?
Under the Hallmarking Act 1973, dealers who sell precious metal jewellery or items made of precious metal must display a dealers notice explaining the approved hallmarks.
The hallmarking process is carried out by an independent body known as the Assay Office, which has been providing hallmarking services for over 700 years. The hallmark is a mark of quality and authenticity and is applied to jewellery pieces that have been tested and verified to meet the legal requirements for precious metal content.
The hallmark consists of several marks, including the Leopard's Head mark of London, which indicates that the jewellery has been tested and hallmarked by the London Assay Office. In addition, the hallmark also includes the sponsor's mark, which is a unique identifier assigned to the jewellery maker. The sponsor's mark is an essential element of the hallmarking process, as it enables the Assay Office to trace the jewellery back to its maker if necessary.
Precious metals are rarely used in their purest form but are usually alloyed with other metals for workability, durability, wearability. It isn't possible to detect an article's precious metal content by sight or touch. Therefore, it is a legal requirement for an Assay Office to hallmark articles containing precious metals if they are described as such. (Weight exemptions apply for items below certain weights. For silver 7.78g, gold and palladium over 1g, and platinum over 0.5g to have a UK recognised hallmark.)
Our dealers notice is available to view here.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
As all our jewellery is lovingly handcrafted please allow approximately 8 weeks for the production of your item(s) and additional time to post your item(s) to you, unless the item is listed as ‘Ready to ship’ in which case it’ll posted straight out to you.
How to care for my Bad Toad jewellery?
Silver Care
Prevent Tarnish: Silver naturally tarnishes over time, especially when exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals (like perfumes or lotions). To reduce tarnishing, store silver pieces in airtight containers or anti-tarnish bags and avoid wearing them in high-moisture environments.
Cleaning:
Regular Cleaning: Use a soft microfiber cloth or a dedicated silver polishing cloth. Gently buff the piece to restore shine.
Deeper Cleaning: For pieces that have tarnished, use a mild silver cleaning solution or a homemade mix of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak the silver piece briefly, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Avoid Abrasive Materials: Never use paper towels, tissues, or anything abrasive, as they may scratch the silver.
Storage: Store silver in a dark, dry place in a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewellery box. Avoid storing multiple pieces together, as silver can be soft and prone to scratches when it rubs against other metals.
Gold Care
Avoid Chemical Exposure: Gold is resistant to tarnish but can dull or corrode with repeated exposure to chemicals. Avoid contact with chlorine (from pools or cleaning supplies), lotions, or perfume.
Cleaning:
Regular Cleaning: Like silver, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to maintain gold's shine.
Deeper Cleaning: For a gentle clean, use a solution of warm water and mild soap. Let the piece soak briefly, then gently clean with a soft brush. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
Professional Cleaning: Gold can be periodically cleaned by a professional jeweller to maintain its lustre.
Storage: Store gold jewellery separately in a soft pouch or compartment to prevent scratching. While gold is relatively durable, it can still be scratched by harder gemstones or metals.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do ship internationally. The shipping fee may vary depending on your location.
Do you accept returns?
If you are unhappy with your online purchase, we will be able to accept returns and offer a refund or exchange if the item is returned within 28 days of receiving. You are responsible for paying to return the item back to us and any additional adjustment/resizing fees, we will then cover the postal costs to send the item back to you. Bespoke or commission pieces are exempt from returns and do not qualify for a refund.