Is this real gold?
No. Our pieces are made from a brass base with a hand-polished gold-tone finish. This means they have the warmth and lustre of gold without the weight or the cost of solid precious metal. The finish is applied by hand, piece by piece, and buffed to a soft shine. It is not a spray or a dip — it is a layered process, done slowly, and checked before every piece leaves the bench. We do not use solid gold. Every piece is honest about what it is, so you know exactly what you are wearing.
What does "gold-tone" mean?
Gold-tone is a hand-applied finish over a brass base. The base gives the piece its weight and structure; the finish gives it its colour and warmth. Think of it as the difference between a solid gold ring and a gold-leaf frame — one is valuable for its material, the other for its craft. Our pieces are the latter: the value is in the design, the hand-setting, and the attention at every step, not in the weight of the metal. Every ANREENA piece starts as a brass blank, shaped and polished, then finished with a gold layer by hand. It is a labour-intensive process — and it is why we can offer pieces at this price without cutting corners on the making.
Will the gold tone fade or tarnish?
With regular wear and basic care, the finish will hold its colour for years. Gold-tone does not tarnish the way silver does — it does not oxidise or turn green. What it can do, over a very long time, is soften gently where it rubs against skin or fabric. A few small habits make the difference: wipe the piece with a soft, dry cloth after wearing — this removes the oils and lotions that slowly wear the finish; remove it before swimming, bathing, or exercise — chlorine and salt water are harder on the finish than daily wear; and store it in its own pouch, not jumbled with other jewellery. Do these three things, and the finish will outlast your patience with the trend.
Do you offer re-plating?
Yes, for every piece we make, for as long as you own it. If the finish softens with years of wear, write to us at hello@anreena.co.uk with a photo of the piece. We will re-plate it by hand and send it back to you — a small fraction of the cost of a new piece, and a fraction of the environmental toll. This is not a special service. It is part of what we mean when we say "lifetime craftsmanship." A piece that earns its place on your body should not be thrown away when it shows its age.
Can I wear it in the shower? To bed?
You can, but we would gently suggest not making a habit of it. Gold-tone finish is durable, but water and sleep are not its natural environment. The shower introduces soap and heat; sleep introduces friction and pressure. Neither will destroy the piece overnight, but both will shorten the time before the finish asks for a re-plate. Think of it like a favourite linen shirt — you can sleep in it, but it will last longer if you do not. Our pieces are designed to be lived in, not saved for special occasions. But a small ritual — taking it off at the end of the day and giving it a quick wipe — is an act of care that the piece will repay.
What are the stones made of?
We use hand-set crystals, cubic zirconia, and faux pearls, chosen for their clarity and cut rather than their origin. Every stone is set by hand and inspected before it leaves the atelier. We do not use natural gemstones or precious stones. The beauty of the piece, for us, comes from the setting — the way the light moves across a well-cut crystal, the way a pearl drop catches a glance. That is craft, not raw material. And it is what we are good at.
How do I know which size to choose?
For earrings and necklaces, the product page lists the exact drop length and width. For rings, we are working on a printable ring sizer — write to us in the meantime and we will help you find your fit. If you are unsure, order the piece you love and try it at home. If it does not sit right, return it within 14 days for a full refund or exchange. Free, no questions asked.
Why is the price so low if it is handcrafted?
Because we do not use precious metals. The cost of a piece of jewellery is almost entirely the cost of its raw material. A solid gold ring costs £300 because it contains £250 worth of gold. Our pieces cost less because they contain brass and a hand-applied finish. What you are paying for is the design, the hand-setting, the finishing — the craft. Not the weight of the metal. We think that is a fair exchange: you get something beautiful, made slowly, without paying for a material you cannot see.
How long does shipping take?
UK orders arrive within 2–5 working days. International orders take 5–14 working days depending on the destination. All orders are shipped insured. Complimentary shipping on all UK orders over £50.
Can I return it if I do not like it?
Yes. You have 14 days from delivery to return any piece for a full refund or exchange. The piece must be unworn and in its original packaging. We inspect every return by hand. Write to us at hello@anreena.co.uk and we will send you a returns label. Free, no questions asked.