Buying Online Guide

We have produced this guide to help you with an online purchase using our fully secure new ordering system. We are acutely aware of the importance of buying a wedding ring, but we hope with the aid of this guide to remove any worries you may have.

First and foremost, this website is here to enable people who are unable to visit our shop, to view our Celtic Wedding Collection, very much like a catalogue. If you wish to order, then like a catalogue, you can proceed with selecting the ring you require and filling out the order form and paying for it, albeit electronically. From our point of view it is very important to realise that the order comes to people rather than a computer. We open the order just as we would open the mail, and from then on someone will deal with everything and let you know of progress.

All Rings come in a Presentation Box.

Site Operation

The website features our Celtic Wedding Ring Collection split into various ranges, you can view which range suits you. The benefit of a Website is that new designs can be added as they are made, these may not be allocated to one of the ranges so you should also checkout the 'new additions' category. The site works in a simple tier system, in that you pick the range you like, then the design and this will bring you to the ring information page, where you can see a close-up view of the ring, its description and where you can pick the material of your choice, you also have the option to buy. The buying process is fully secure via the authenticated secure server of Argyll Internet Ltd, the designers of the site.

Stock

We hold quite a number of rings in stock and while we have a selection of 14ct. Yellow Gold, 18ct. Yellow Gold, White and Rose Gold our main stock is in 9ct. Yellow Gold and Silver. Higher carats are made to order and can take between 1 - 4 weeks (Platinum orders may take up to 8 weeks). We make careful note of the 'Required For' date you will have filled out on the order form, and of course will do everything to get your order to you for then. If there is just not sufficient time make and hallmark, we will notify you immediately. If your order is not in stock, then we will email you with the approximate delivery date, all the time keeping you updated on progress.

Sizing

We have, we hope, solved the problem of sizing, because there are different worldwide sizing systems, by allowing you to select your size using your own National Sizing System. It is very important that we supply you with the correct size, therefore we advise quite strongly, that you have your finger measured by your local jeweller. Most jewellers will be happy to do this for you, please take a note of the width of the ring, as this will affect the size required (normally the wider the ring, the larger the size required). Please DO NOT send diameter measurements or string, as these are very inaccurate. Also please do not worry about sizes, we offer a free re-sizing or exchange sizing service, the only charge is for return postage. (Note: As long as the exchange size falls within the same price bracket, if not the difference is charged, or refunded if in a lower bracket).

Returns & Cancellation

Normally the Which WebTrader code of practice allows for cancellation of order within 7 days. Because of the precious nature of most of our products and because of abuse of these privileges and especially the bespoke nature of some of our products, we do not offer this 7-day cancellation right, please read carefully below (This does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer.);

All Silver and 9ct Products can be returned for a full refund only after acceptance by the Proprietor Mr A. Cathro, However products in the following circumstances cannot be returned: Products of a higher carat that are made specifically for you, bespoke Silver and 9ct. Gold products. In exceptional circumstances we may accept returns outwith the scope, however this will be at the discretion of Mr. A. Cathro.

Carat Choice

Should the carats be matched with your engagement ring? When two rings of the same carat are worn together, e.g. the wedding ring and engagement ring, then over a long period of time they wear at an even rate. If a harder 9ct. ring is worn against the softer 18ct., the 18ct. will wear more quickly. This is only true, of course, if both rings will be worn constantly together.

White & Rose Gold

How do you get White and Rose Gold?
White Gold is obtained by mixing the pure yellow gold with another rarer precious metal called palladium and small amounts of other metals to produce a palladium alloy. Palladium is an extremely white metal and in 9ct (37.5 percent pure gold), is by far the dominant colour, so white gold is achieved. In 18ct. the dominant colour is the pure yellow gold (75 percent pure gold), so the rings take on a soft white colour. The very white colour now associated with White Gold is achieved by plating a white gold ring with Palladium, while this can be done it does wear off over time, so our range tends not to be plated. Some high street chains simply plate yellow gold with Palladium, no serious manufacturer does this and no ring in our range is just plated yellow gold. Rose Gold is achieved exactly the same way but using a copper alloy)

Payment

Payment can be made by Visa, Access, MasterCard, American Express and Switch. When we receive an order, if the item is in stock, your credit card will be processed straight away. On back orders your Credit Card will be pre-authorised, which means we advise authorisation that the amount due is to come from the card within the advised timescale. Your credit card company retains the amount to allow for payment. The transaction is completed on the day of despatch and only then is the card charged.

Complaints

In the unlikely event you should have any reason to complain, please write, phone or email Alan Cathro at The Iona Shop, 2 Queens Park Place, OBAN, Argyll, PA34 5RS - Tel. 01631 562071 - Email. enquiries@ionashop.com.

Order Enquiry, Customer Support and Service

To check the status of your order, or for any other enquiry please contact either Alan Cathro or Sandra Blainey by phone on 01631 562071 or email enquiries@ionashop.com. Normally we will keep you informed of progress of your order.

Privacy Policy

Your details are only held for our own use, they are not released to any third party, we respect your privacy. You can contact Alan Cathro at enquiries@ionashop.com, regarding any matters concerning your privacy. The Iona Shop only collects the details, through the ordering process, which is necessary to complete your order and is collected lawfully and in accordance with the Data protection Act 1998. The Iona Shop does not send out any marketing material or spam emails.

Small Print

We endeavour to maintain prices for rest of the year, however we reserve the right to alter prices in respect of a change in the VAT rate or a significant change in the price of Gold and especially Platinum. The website prices do not include VAT, so if your order is from within the EEC, VAT will be added to the price at checkout.