Frequently Asked Questions

Personalized? Would you like …

make something custom-made?

That’s wonderful news. We would be happy to schedule an appointment with you for a ‘personal design experience‘.

incorporate fingerprints?

Fingerprints make a piece of jewelry timeless, meaningful, personal, and stylish. They add true character.

Caroline Bila has been specializing in incorporating fingerprints into jewelry for over 15 years. We place great importance on using the latest techniques and capturing each fingerprint in maximum detail. We continue until we achieve the perfect impression.

Some examples:

  • A couple incorporates their fingerprints not only into their wedding rings, but also into a piece of jewelry as a gift for their father, mother, or witnesses.
  • Parents gift their daughter earrings or their son cufflinks featuring their thumbprint, wishing them success.
  • A witness gives the groom a collar pin featuring the bride’s fingerprints.
  • A fiancée gifts her partner a piece of jewelry with fingerprints instead of the traditional watch.

incorporate ashes?

Memorial jewelry as a lasting tribute to loved ones. Ashes can be incorporated visibly or invisibly. Forever.

We would be happy to schedule an appointment with you for a ‘personal design experience‘.

 

A specific font?

Have you chosen a special typeface for your wedding, birth announcement, or another meaningful occasion? Would you like to see this typeface reflected in your engraving?

These engravings are possible both during a ‘personal design experience‘ and on our webshop jewelry. We guide you through every step of the process.

Handwriting?

Handwriting holds deep emotional value for most people. The handwriting of a loved one is unique and often carries many memories. That is why, for many, it adds great meaning to have it engraved into a piece of jewelry.

These engravings are possible both during a’personal design experience‘ and on our webshop jewelry. We guide you through every step of the process.

A meaningful melody?

Say it with music—or from the heart. Do you have a first dance or another meaningful piece of music that means a lot to you? Or would you like to capture the ‘beats of love’—someone’s heartbeat—within your ring? It’s possible. During the ordering process, you will be asked which type of personalization you would like to add.

These engravings are possible both during a ‘personal design experience‘ and on our webshop jewelry. We guide you through every step of the process.

Incorporate other personal elements?

That’s wonderful news. We would be happy to schedule an appointment with you for a ‘personal design experience‘.

Sizing ?

How do I determine my ring size ?

There are several ways to determine your ring size. See below which method best suits your situation. Also be sure to take the following tips into account:

  • Fingers can swell. Avoid measuring your finger in extreme temperatures. Very cold or very warm days can give an inaccurate result.
  • It is best to measure your ring size at the end of the day.
  • If your knuckles are larger, it is recommended to choose one size up.
  • Ring sizes can differ between your left and right hand.
  • For wider rings (from 5 mm), it is recommended to choose one size up.
  • Pregnancy can affect ring sizes.
  • If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one.

The circumference of a ring is expressed in millimeters. This measurement is used in most European countries, but not worldwide. Download our conversion chart for an overview of all international sizes.

Measuring an existing ring

Via an app

There are several reliable apps available today to determine the inner diameter of a ring. Simply search for “ring sizer app” in the Play Store or App Store. Choose an app with strong reviews from a large number of users. If you measure your size this way, please let us know in the comments which app you used.

 

Using a caliper

Measuring the inner diameter of a well-fitting ring is an excellent way to determine your ring size. Taking this measurement with a caliper will give you the most accurate result. You can then compare it with our conversion chart.

 

Place the ring on our size chart

Place a well-fitting ring on our size chart and focus on the inner diameter. You can then read the correct size within the circle.

 

Ruler

Measuring the inner diameter of a well-fitting ring is an excellent way to determine your ring size. Measure across the widest point on the inside of the ring. You can then compare this with our conversion chart.

Measuring without an existing ring / measuring your finger

Print a paper ring sizer

You can print this paper ring sizer. Follow the instructions provided on the PDF to determine your ring size. 

How can I keep it a surprise ?

Here’s a natural English translation:

A ring size can be difficult to find out in secret, and for many people it becomes an exciting challenge. It takes creativity.

  • Measure an existing ring?
    • The ring should ideally have a similar width to ensure a good fit.
    • Make sure it is a ring she wears on the same finger.
    • Don’t forget to put it back in exactly the same place.
  • Ask loved ones you trust to keep the secret.
  • While she’s sleeping?
    • A last resort, if there really are no other options.
    • Only do this if she is a very deep sleeper.
    • Print a ring sizer
  •  

What if the size isn’t correct ?

If the ring size turns out to be too large or too small, it can be adjusted in most designs. You can submit a service request for this. The cost will depend on the design, material, and the number of sizes that need to be adjusted. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

How can you clean and protect your jewelry ?

Protect ?

This starts with how you store your jewelry. Jewelry is best stored separately to protect it from dirt and scratches. Diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth and can damage other jewelry and/or diamonds. The best way is to store each piece in its own box. If you prefer to keep all your jewelry together in one box, it is best to wrap each piece separately in a small pouch or zip bag.

Cleaning ?

Jewelry can quickly become dull once it gets dirty. This is caused by oils from the skin, lotions, make-up, soap residue, and more. With the tips below, you can keep your jewelry looking its best.

Professional

Having your jewelry professionally maintained is always the safest option. The most effective cleaning method is an ultrasonic bath. These devices remove impurities from even the smallest corners and crevices. Jewelry is usually professionally cleaned every few years, often before an important occasion.

For diamond or gemstone jewelry, it is also important to have the settings checked annually. This helps ensure your jewelry lasts for generations and prevents stones from coming loose.

Cleaning at home

Gold, platinum, diamonds, and gemstones can easily be cleaned at home. These materials are durable and do not discolor. A strong dishwashing liquid, such as Dreft, works very well. Place your jewelry in cold water with dish soap and gently warm the water. Let it soak for about 3 hours. Afterwards, you can clean the jewelry with a soft brush. Toothbrushes can be too hard and abrasive; a soft makeup brush is a better option. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

Important: Always check that all gemstones are still securely set after cleaning. Never expose a gemstone to sudden temperature changes (from cold to hot or vice versa), as this may cause it to crack.

Silver can also be cleaned easily at home. Due to oxidation, it can quickly appear dark and dull. A silver polish and polishing cloth will restore its shine in no time.

Materials ?

Which materials do you work with ?

In our webshop jewelry, we exclusively work with precious materials such as platinum, gold, silver, and gemstones.

In the ‘personal design experience’, this depends entirely on the client’s request. This can also include materials such as leather, ashes, sand, bronze, and more. At that moment, we explore everything that creates the right impact.

What is the difference between white gold and platinum ?

White Gold

Symbol Au, atomic number 79, density: 19,320 kg/m³, melting point: 1064°C, boiling point: 2970°C. White gold is naturally a bright yellow precious metal and is made white by adding alloy metals such as palladium, silver, copper, or nickel. White gold is highly valued, corrosion-resistant, and very malleable. Gold has captured the human imagination since its discovery.

Unfinished white gold has a slight yellowish tint. That is why white gold jewelry is coated with a layer of rhodium, a very hard metal with a bright white shine. This rhodium layer gives it a white color similar to platinum. Without this layer, it is referred to as natural white gold or champagne white gold.

Platinum

Symbol Pt, atomic number 78, density: 21,500 kg/m³, melting point: 1768°C, boiling point: 3825°C. Platinum is naturally a white precious metal. Unlike white gold, no alloys are added to achieve its white color, and platinum has a very high purity of 950/1000. Alloys below this standard may not be called platinum in Belgium.

Platinum is the most durable, pure, and rare precious metal in the world. It is extremely scarce, hypoallergenic, and mined in only a few locations worldwide. It is highly resistant to corrosion, does not degrade or oxidize, and is significantly less prone to damage than gold. To extract one ounce (31.1 grams) of platinum, around ten tons of ore must be mined—a process that takes approximately eight weeks. It is also the most expensive precious metal to work with.

What if I would like to add a gemstone or have something adjusted ? (e.g. after a birth)

In most cases, this is possible. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Process ?

Can I try on the jewelry ?

All of our personalized jewelry is made to measure and crafted in our atelier once the order has been placed. We do not keep pieces in stock for fitting.

How long does it take to receive my jewelry ?

Jewelry from our ‘personal design experience’ is fully bespoke and depends on the project. This can range from 3 weeks to several months. The timeline is discussed and agreed upon during the design consultation.

Is a rush order possible ?

Some pieces can be made on a rush basis. Please contact us so we can review the possibilities together.

After-sales service ?

What if I need to have something repaired ?

Uw tevredenheid is belangrijk voor ons. Een juweel is een gebruiksvoorwerp waar helaas af en toe iets mee kan voorvallen. We zorgen ervoor dat ons vakmanschap aan de hoogste normen voldoet en repareren de juwelen die door Bila gemaakt zijn, graag voor u. Hiervoor kan u contact met ons opnemen. 

Is this covered under warranty ?

If your jewelry breaks under normal use within two years of purchase, it is covered under our warranty. By normal use, we mean that the piece has been worn with care and attention. Jewelry is not resistant to pulling, bending, or hard impact.

What if I would like to add a gemstone or have something adjusted (e.g. after a birth)?

In most cases, this is possible. Please feel free to contact us to discuss the options.