CHOOSING YOUR JEWELRY
HOW CAN I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE OF JEWELRY?
Unfortunately, there is no better way than to visit your jeweler who can measure your size with a ring sizer.
All the essential information for purchasing your jewelry
MANUFACTURING
HOW ARE YOUR JEWELRY MADE?
Our jewelry is all handmade, in silver and gold plated, using the lost wax technique or bead and stone weaving. Each piece is unique, involving a more or less long and delicate manufacturing process.
CAN YOU CUSTOMIZE JEWELRY BASED ON CUSTOMER PREFERENCES?
We are open to customization projects within our capabilities and available time. Feel free to email us to discuss any potential projects.
WHERE ARE YOUR JEWELRY MADE?
Our jewelry is designed and made in our workshop in Brussels. Casting and gilding are done in various Belgian factories, while our chains, used for making our necklaces, are exclusively sourced in Europe.
WHAT STAGES ARE INVOLVED IN CREATING A JEWEL, FROM DESIGN TO FINALIZATION?
For the Silver 925 Coral range, each piece undergoes a wax design process before casting, removal from the casting point, and polishing. Some pieces also require setting time to integrate a stone or a gold plating bath.
For the "reef" and "polyps" collection, a long colorimetric testing time is required to define the range for each season. Each piece is then hand-woven before being assembled on a chain, loop, or clasp.
CAN YOU CREATE CUSTOM JEWELRY FOR SPECIAL EVENTS SUCH AS ENGAGEMENTS OR WEDDINGS?
We would be delighted and honored to fulfill your most personal projects. Please email us as soon as possible so we can best meet your expectations.
CAN I GET A QUOTE FOR CUSTOM JEWELRY WITHOUT COMMITMENT?
You can request a quote before placing any orders.
STORE AND WORKSHOP
WHERE IS YOUR JEWELRY STORE LOCATED?
Currently, Alga is physically based in Brussels. Their workshop and main store are located at the Continental Creative Market, 41 Place de Brouckère, 1000 Brussels.
WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF YOUR STORE?
Friday from 3pm to 9pm
Saturday and Sunday, from 1pm to 7pm.
However, we remain reachable via DM on Instagram or by email at alga.jewelry@gmail.com throughout the week for any inquiries.
CAN I VISIT YOUR JEWELRY CREATION WORKSHOP IN PERSON?
It is possible to visit the workshop without an appointment during the opening hours indicated below:
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 1pm to 7pm.
DO YOU OFFER EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIONS IN THE STORE?
Some collections are indeed only available in-store.
CAN YOU PERFORM REPAIRS OR ADJUSTMENTS TO ALGA JEWELRY IN THE STORE?
Yes, it is possible to use Alga's services for repairs following a request made by email to alga.jewelry@gmail.com. We will respond within 72 hours.
DO YOU OFFER JEWELRY CLEANING AND POLISHING SERVICES?
No, however, we can direct you to excellent partners.
DO YOU OFFER CUSTOMIZATION SERVICES IN THE STORE?
Initiating a customization service can be done by email at alga.jewelry@gmail.com but also in-store during the opening hours indicated below:
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 1pm to 7pm.
ARE THERE ANY ADVANTAGES TO BUYING IN-STORE COMPARED TO BUYING ONLINE?
Apart from delivery, prices in-store and on the website are identical.
CHOOSING YOUR JEWELRY
HOW CAN I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE OF JEWELRY?
Unfortunately, there is no better way than to visit your jeweler who can measure your size with a ring sizer.
MAINTENANCE
HOW CAN I AVOID DAMAGING MY JEWELRY?
Your jewelry is happiest when you wear it. Silver rings oxidize less when in contact with the body, but it's important to remember to remove your jewelry when doing manual work.
HOW CAN I MAINTAIN MY JEWELRY?
There are various techniques to restore your jewelry's shine:
Ultrasonic cleaning, if you have one, is the most effective way to clean all the nooks and crannies of your jewelry.
Soaking in white vinegar can also remove any corrosion traces, remember to rinse it well afterwards.
Rubbing your jewelry with an old toothbrush and toothpaste will also have a quick polishing effect.
WHAT SERVICES DOES ALGA OFFER FOR JEWELRY MAINTENANCE?
You can send us your jewelry for repolishing or re-gilding. The handling and work will be provided for the first time, but the shipping and gilding costs will be at your expense.
DO I NEED TO POLISH MY JEWELRY REGULARLY?
Alga jewelry has delicate details that excessive polishing could damage, so we recommend a maximum of three polishings for your piece.
HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MY PEARLS?
You can clean your pearls with a soft cloth and warm water. Never apply perfume to them.
SHIPPING AND DELIVERY
WHAT ARE ALGA'S SHIPPING TIMES AND COSTS?
Shipping costs and times vary depending on the destination. All our packages are sent with a tracking number and €3.5 insurance via postal service. Deposits are exclusively on Mondays and Thursdays, excluding holidays:
For Belgium, delivery time is 1 to 3 days from the deposit date, with prices ranging from €5 to €15 depending on weight.
For France, delivery time is 3 to 5 days from the deposit date, with prices ranging from €10 to €25 depending on weight.
For European Union countries, delivery time is 5 to 10 days from the deposit date, with prices ranging from €15 to €30 depending on weight. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to deliver outside of Europe, but we are working to collaborate with stores where you can find our products.
CAN ADDITIONAL DELIVERY TIMES APPLY TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS?
Custom-made products require a longer processing time, which will be communicated to you by our team in advance.
TO WHICH COUNTRIES DOES ALGA DELIVER?
Currently, we are only able to take orders for delivery within the European Union.
HOW WILL MY ORDER BE PACKAGED?
Your order will be protected in a box, which will be further contained in a shockproof protective pouch.
WHICH DELIVERY ADDRESSES ARE ACCEPTED?
Any address or pick-up point.
CAN I HAVE MY ORDER DELIVERED TO DIFFERENT ADDRESSES IF IT CONTAINS MULTIPLE PRODUCTS?
Unfortunately, we do not offer this service at the moment. You will need to place separate orders for each delivery address.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY ORDER IS READY FOR HAND DELIVERY?
An email will be sent to the email address used during the order.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO COLLECT MY ORDER IN PERSON?
To collect your order in person, please bring the order confirmation email and an identification card.
CAN I ASK SOMEONE ELSE TO COLLECT MY ORDER IN PERSON FOR ME?
Yes, a signed authorization accompanied by your identification card will be required.
ORDERS AND PAYMENT
WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS CAN I USE?
Currently, our Stripe payment platform is the only way to pay for your orders. This option includes transaction and data protection.
HOW CAN I MODIFY OR CANCEL MY ORDER?
If an order has not yet been shipped, you can contact us via alga.jewelry@gmail.com to modify or cancel it.
CAN I PLACE AN ORDER BY EMAIL?
Email orders are reserved for personalized orders, professionals, and distributors.
WHICH CREATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON ALGA?
All creations displayed on our website are available for purchase.
CAN I CUSTOMIZE AN ITEM?
By emailing us, we will be happy to arrange for a personalized order.
HOW MANY ITEMS CAN I PURCHASE PER ORDER?
To protect our items from potential resale, a maximum of 10 items per order is allowed.
CAN I ADD A PERSONAL MESSAGE TO MY ORDER IF IT'S A GIFT?
There is a section on our website reserved for leaving a personal message when sending your gift.
ARE ALGA CREATIONS ACCOMPANIED BY A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY?
All our creations come with a stamped and signed certificate guaranteeing their uniqueness.
EXCHANGES AND RETURNS
HOW CAN I RETURN OR EXCHANGE AN ITEM?
You can return or exchange a product within 15 days of receipt. The return must be accompanied by a tracking number sent to our workshop at 41 Place de Brouckère, 1000 Brussels.
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR EXCHANGE AND RETURN?
Only products with defects can be returned for a refund, in which case the return shipping is covered by us. If the product is not the right size or if you simply wish to opt for another item, we reserve the right to request a return at your expense.
HOW LONG DOES THE REFUND PROCESS TAKE?
Upon receipt of your item and analysis of its condition, we will process the refund within 15 days.
CAN I EXCHANGE OR RETURN A GIFT?
If you received one of our pieces as a gift and it does not suit you, you can exchange it, but the return and exchange of a new piece will be at your expense. Please provide the buyer's order number to request your exchange.