Frequently Asked Questions
General info
Who are Walter Bull and Son?
Walter Bull are a 5th generation family jewellers based in the Cotswold town of Cirencester, experts in fine modern and pre-owned jewellery since 1815. James Gegg is the Great Great Grandson of Walter Bull and continues the legacy of sourcing the highest quality fine jewellery to last the generations. Our shop is run by Stuart and the team who are experts in their field and will be able to help you find your perfect piece of jewellery.
Do you have a shop I could visit?
Our shop is in the beautiful market town of Cirencester in the heart of The Cotswolds.
Our address is
10 Dyer Street
Cirencester
GL7 2PF
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What time are you open?
Our shop is open Monday to Saturday 9-5pm.
You can book an appointment to visit us if you have something specific you are looking for or pop in anytime during our opening hours.
Are all of the products in your collection for sale online?
Most of the products that we stock are available to buy online and in the shop. However, some of our homeware and larger items are only available in the shop. If you would prefer to see the items in person you are welcome to pop into our Cirencester shop. If this isn’t possible, please get in touch (link) if you would like more information and we would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Why do you sell both pre-owned and new jewellery?
Walter Bull offers both new and antique jewellery whilst always maintaining a commitment to exceptional quality and craftsmanship. We have a strong fascination with historical pieces due to their unique craftsmanship and beauty. However, our new contemporary jewellery collection meets this same high quality and allows us to offer pieces that reflect current trends and innovations in jewellery design.
The beauty of our collection is that our historical pieces from a bygone era can be worn together with a contemporary edge to create your own distinctive style.
When was your jewellery made?
Our jewellery collection is curated from both new and pre-owned pieces, you can explore our collection based on your preference for a vintage or modern piece and mix and match.
Our pre-owned collection can be viewed by era, style, gemstones and metal. On each pre-owned product listing you will see the approximate era that the item was made. These periods include Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Retro and Mid Century.
Our new jewellery collection is sourced for it’s contemporary design and versatility. It often features cutting edge craftsmanship and materials that align with current trends, making it perfect for those seeking stylish and up-to-date pieces. Modern pieces can also be tailored to fit today’s lifestyles, offering a range of designs from minimalistic elegance to bold statements. Our blog includes plenty of information about choosing a piece that is perfect for you including important detail about each period and the characteristics.
How can you guarantee what age the jewellery is?
We use all of the clues that the jewellery gives us to distinguish the age of the piece, including hallmarks, materials, signatures and the way in which it was made. Whilst we can’t always guarantee the exact date a piece was manufactured, we can establish the era to the best of our knowledge. All information is included in the product listing and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have too.
What condition are your pre-owned pieces in?
We are buying jewellery regularly and therefore have a lot of beautiful pieces to choose from but only the finest quality pieces are selected for our collection. We focus on the craftsmanship, history and quality of the piece, taking into account when it was made. All of our pre-owned pieces are checked in our on-site workshop to ensure the stones are stable, the piece is polished and cleaned and ready to wear. If a piece is not in excellent condition but is still an interesting piece this will be reflected in the listing.
Is your jewellery ethical?
We specialise in antique and vintage pieces, promoting sustainability by preserving and repurposing timeless treasures. By giving new life to historic jewelry, we minimise environmental impact and support responsible craftsmanship
Do you purchase jewellery?
We are always looking for new pieces to add to our collection and are buying regularly. If you would like to sell your jewellery, whether it’s a couple of items or an estate collection get in touch.
Our registered valuer (link) visits monthly and can provide probate and insurance valuations. Get in touch to book an appointment.
What payments do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards as well as Paypal. We can take payments over the phone, please contact us
When are items dispatched after ordering?
We try to dispatch items within 2 working days of receiving the order, we will send you a tracking link through RoyalMail so that you can keep an eye on the delivery.
What is your delivery policy?
All items over £75 are delivered worldwide for free. In the UK Royal Mail dispatch our orders and worldwide deliveries go through DHL express. Your item is sent fully insured and at the risk of Walter Bull and Son, a signature will be required on delivery of the item.
Workshop questions
What is your returns & exchanges policy?
All orders can be returned for a full refund or exchange within 30 days of ordering. Items must be returned in the same condition they were sent in. Returns can be sent through our portal, the first return is free and then additional will be charged.
For international orders, you are responsible for any customs duties and sales taxes incurred.
Do you offer ring sizing?
Yes, just choose the ring size that you need at checkout, see our guide here (link) to help you to choose the best size. All ring purchases include one free resizing. Most rings can be resized, however there a small amount of rings that cannot be resized easily due to their design. If a ring cannot be resized then this is stated in the listing.
How long does ring sizing take?
How much does ring sizing cost?
One free sizing is included with your ring purchase (you can choose to save this until a later date) but within a year of purchase. Further resizing is charged depending on the work which can be discussed with the team.
Do you offer jewellery resizing services?
Yes, we can resize most types of jewellery including rings, bracelets, and necklaces to ensure a perfect fit. You can measure yourself using our sizing chart or come into the shop in Cirencester and we can help you to choose the correct size.
Can you restore antique jewellery?
Our workshop specialises in restoring antique pieces with the utmost care, preserving their historical and sentimental value. We can also remodel pieces to create a new item to suit your taste, just get in touch with our team to discuss. (link)
What types of repairs do you provide for jewellery?
We offer a wide range of repairs, from clasp replacements to stone resetting, soldering, and more, all of our repairs are carried out in our on-site workshop and we keep you updated if anything changes along the way.
My item is very precious, who will carry out my repair?
Our goldsmiths on site are highly skilled artisans, we use traditional techniques and modern equipment to ensure that our repairs are carried out meticulously. If our goldmsith believes that a repair may compromise the structure of your jewellery they will discuss this with you and offer an alternative option.
How long does it typically take to complete a repair?
Simple repairs take 1-2 weeks, while complex or antique restorations may require additional time, typically 3-4 weeks.
Do you provide polishing or cleaning services for jewellery?
Yes, we offer professional cleaning and polishing to bring back the sparkle and luster of your treasured pieces.
Can you repair jewellery from other brands?
Absolutely, our skilled artisans are experienced in handling jewellery from a variety of brands both pre-owned and new.
How much do jewellery repairs cost?
We can give an estimate of the cost of your repair when we see the item, depending on the level of work that is needed and the materials we will give you a guide. In the unlikely event that anything changes once the item is in the workshop, for example it needs slightly different work we will get in touch to discuss this with you before carrying this out.
How long does it take for a repair to be carried out?
Our waiting time is normally around 3weeks, however this changes regularly so when you book in you will be notified of the current waiting time.
Do you provide a warranty or guarantee for your services?
Yes, all our repair and bespoke services come with a guarantee, ensuring the highest standards of workmanship.
How can I track the status of my repair or bespoke order?
You can contact us via phone or email, and our team will provide updates on your item’s progress.
Do you insure items left for repair or bespoke work?
Yes, all items left with us are fully insured for the duration of their time in our care.
Watch repairs and other services
Do you repair all types of watches, including vintage models?
Yes, we repair most types of watches, including luxury and vintage timepieces, with a focus on precision and care.
What does a watch service or repair include?
Services can include cleaning, battery replacement, movement adjustment, part replacement, and full overhauls as needed.
How often should my watch be serviced?
Most watches benefit from servicing every 3-5 years to ensure optimal performance.
Can you replace watch batteries?
Yes, we offer quick and reliable battery replacement services for most watch models.
Do you offer watch strap replacements?
Certainly. We stock a range of high-quality straps and can fit them to your watch.
How long will it take to repair or service my watch?
Depending on the complexity, repairs typically take 1-4 weeks.
Bespoke Jewellery Services
Can you help me to design a custom piece of jewellery?
Absolutely. Our designer works closely with you to create a piece that reflects your vision, blending our expertise with your ideas. If you have jewellery that is sentimental that you would like to remodel into a new piece we are able to help you to design a custom piece to your design.
What is the process for creating bespoke jewellery?
The process begins with an initial consultation to discuss your ideas and preferences. We then provide sketches or CAD designs, followed by selecting materials. Once approved, our craftsmen bring the design to life.
How long does it take to create a bespoke item?
This depends on the complexity of the design, but typically it takes 6-8 weeks from the design finalisation to completion.
What materials can I choose from for custom jewellery?
You can select from a wide array of precious metals from gold, platinum and silver and ethically sourced gemstones, including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, the world is your oyster when it comes to choosing. We can source specific sizes, cuts and carats to suit your budget.
Can I use gemstones or materials I already own in a bespoke piece?
Yes, we can incorporate your existing gemstones or heirloom materials into new pieces, we can also reuse your own gold from pieces.
Is there a consultation fee for bespoke design services?
There is no fee for bespoke design, we ask for a deposit once the item has been designed and you have confirmed you are going ahead.
Jewellery Care
How should I clean my jewellery at home?
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently polish your jewellery. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. For more intricate pieces, warm water with a mild soap is usually safe, but always check for specific care instructions.
Can you professionally clean my jewellery?
Yes, we offer professional cleaning services to safely restore the brilliance of your jewellery.
How can I protect my jewellery from damage?
Store pieces separately to prevent scratches, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals (like perfume or cleaning agents), and remove jewellery during physical activities.
How do I care for antique or vintage jewellery?
Antique jewellery requires extra care. Clean gently with a soft cloth, avoid water or cleaning solutions, and store in a cool, dry place. For more detailed advice see our page on cleaning your jewellery and if in doubt, book an appointment to get your jewellery cleaned in our workshop.
Can I wear my jewellery every day?
While many pieces are designed for daily wear, delicate or antique items may need special consideration. Ask us for guidance on your specific item.
Watch Care
How do I care for my watch?
Keep your watch away from extreme temperatures, strong magnetic fields, and water if it’s not waterproof. Regular servicing is also essential to maintain accuracy.
How often should I wind my mechanical watch?
Most manual watches should be wound daily, while automatic watches need wearing or placement on a watch winder to stay powered.
How can I clean my watch at home?
Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. For deeper cleaning or water resistance checks, we recommend professional services.
When should I replace my watch battery?
Replace the battery as soon as the watch stops or shows signs of slowing down. Leaving a dead battery inside can cause damage.
Storage & Long-Term Care
What’s the best way to store my jewellery and watches?
Store them in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use individual compartments or pouches to avoid scratches.
Are jewellery and watch boxes important for care?
Yes, the original boxes or purpose-built cases provide the ideal protection against environmental factors like dust and moisture. Explore our selection of jewellery boxes (link) to keep your jewellery safe.
Do gemstones require special care?
Yes, gemstones vary in hardness and sensitivity. For example, pearls should avoid perfumes and oils, while diamonds can be cleaned with mild soap and water.
General info
Are your gemstones graded?
In order to be completely accurate diamonds and gemstones have to be removed from their settings to be assessed and as this is not possible with pre-owned jewellery we give approximate colour/clarity for diamonds and estimated carat weights.
Do you offer a warranty against damage?
Within the first 6 months of purchase if there is a problem with your jewellery please get in touch and we will assess the damage. Depending on the issue we will either repair it or provide you with a quote for repairing.
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