Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions we are asked most about materials, sizing, care, gifting and choosing the right piece. Each product page lists the exact materials, dimensions and care advice for that item. If anything here differs from a product page, the product page applies.

Materials

Is stainless steel jewellery good for everyday wear?

Yes. Many of our stainless steel pieces are made from 316L stainless steel, which our product pages describe as tarnish-resistant and designed for daily wear. Stainless steel copes well with water, but rinse it after the pool or the ocean. Stainless steel is not nickel-free. However, 316L holds its nickel tightly and suits most people, including many who are sensitive to nickel. See our stainless steel rings, stainless steel bracelets and cuffs and the guide to jewellery for sensitive skin.

What does 925 sterling silver mean, and will it tarnish?

Sterling silver is marked 925 because it is 92.5 per cent silver, alloyed with other metals for strength. It can tarnish when exposed to air, moisture and chemicals, and a silver polishing cloth usually restores the shine. Many of our silver pieces are rhodium plated. Rhodium gives a brighter, whiter finish and adds resistance to tarnish and scratching. Browse sterling silver jewellery or read the sterling silver bracelet buying and care guide.

What is tungsten carbide, and can a tungsten ring be resized?

Tungsten carbide feels dense and heavy and resists everyday surface scratches better than many traditional jewellery metals. It is very hard but not flexible, so a severe impact can crack it rather than bend it. Tungsten rings generally cannot be resized, so check your size carefully before ordering. See the tungsten ring collection and our comparison of tungsten, zirconium, Damascus steel and meteorite wedding bands.

What is Damascus steel?

Damascus steel is known for its layered, patterned surface of swirls, waves and lines. Every pattern varies, so no two pieces look exactly alike. The grooves can collect residue. Where the product care notes allow, clean it with a soft brush and mild soapy water, then dry it thoroughly. Browse the Damascus ring collection.

Is the meteorite in your jewellery real?

Yes. Our meteorite pieces use genuine meteorite, such as Gibeon and Muonionalusta, as named on each product page. These iron meteorites show natural crystalline Widmanstätten patterns, so every piece is unique. Iron meteorite can be more sensitive to moisture than modern alloys, so keep it away from water and harsh chemicals and follow the care advice for that piece. See meteorite jewellery and meteorite rings.

What is the difference between titanium and black zirconium rings?

Titanium is light, with a contemporary grey tone, and suits people who dislike a heavy ring. Zirconium is heat-treated to form a hard black surface and is lighter than tungsten. Both can have limited resizing options, so accurate sizing matters. See the titanium and zirconium ring collections and the ring materials guide.

Sizing

How do I find my ring size?

Measure the inside diameter of a ring that already fits the intended finger. Then compare it with the chart on our ring size guide. We use Australian letter sizes, and many ring listings also show the US size, for example “T/10”. If you fall between two sizes, choose the larger one. Measure at normal room temperature, and remember that wide bands can feel tighter than narrow ones.

How do I choose a bracelet size?

Wrap a flexible measuring tape snugly around your wrist where the bracelet will sit, usually just above the wrist bone. If you don’t have a tape, use non-stretch string and measure it against a ruler. Many of our beaded bracelets are listed by wrist size in centimetres. Compare your measurement with the size or length shown on the product page. The men’s jewellery sizing guide covers rings, bracelets and necklaces.

What necklace length should I choose?

Product pages state the chain or necklace length, and some also say whether a chain is included. To see how different lengths sit and layer, read the men’s necklace length guide, then browse necklaces and pendants or neck chains.

Care

Can I shower or swim in my jewellery?

It depends on the material. Stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, zirconium and Damascus steel handle showering, but rinse them after the pool or the ocean. Remove sterling silver, gold- or rhodium-plated pieces, leather, natural stone beads and macramé cord before showering or swimming. The full table is in can you shower, swim or sleep in your jewellery.

How should I clean and store my jewellery?

Put jewellery on after fragrance, sunscreen and grooming products have dried, and wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing. Remove it for sport, heavy lifting and household cleaning. Store each piece separately, in a dry jewellery box or pouch, to avoid scratches and tangles. Read how to clean and care for men’s jewellery and how to organise a men’s jewellery box, or browse watch and jewellery cases.

Gifting

Do your pieces come gift boxed?

Most do. The product description says whether a piece comes in a premium gift box or a presentation box.

What are good gift ideas for men?

Shop by budget with gifts under $100, gifts $100–$200 and luxury gifts $200+, or see our gift sets. Pens, wallets and cufflinks avoid sizing questions altogether. For ideas, read gifts for men who have everything, groomsmen gifts that actually get worn again and Christmas gifts for men by budget.

Choosing a collection

Which collection suits which occasion?

For weddings, see men’s wedding rings, wedding cufflinks and the wedding jewellery guide. For suits and business wear, try cufflinks and tie bars, tie pins and lapel pins, and see how to choose cufflinks. For everyday and casual wear, look at beaded bracelets, leather bracelets and stainless steel rings. For something unusual, explore meteorite and Damascus steel.

Which brands do you carry?

Alongside our own T.M.J label, we stock Hoxton London, David Aster, Dalaco, Cudworth, Hugo Boss, Simon Carter and Målerås crystal from Sweden. The guide to the brands at Theodore explains what each is known for.

Orders, shipping and returns

How do shipping and returns work?

Delivery options and costs are on our Shipping page and in the full Shipping Policy. Return conditions are on our Returns & Refunds page and in the full Refund Policy. The service, price and delivery estimate shown at checkout apply to your order.

Is my jewellery covered by a warranty?

Most products carry a 1-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The product page states the warranty for each item.

Where are you based, and how can I get help?

We are an Australian-owned store at 587 Chapel Street, South Yarra VIC 3141, in Melbourne. For help with sizing, materials or an order, email info@theodoremensjewellery.com, call +61 435 619 821 or use our contact page. You can read more about Theodore Men’s Jewellery.