FAQ

Livadia launches in limited drops. Some pieces are available ready to ship, while others are made to order — this will be clearly indicated on each product page. Occasionally certain pieces are one of a kind and once gone, will not be restocked.

Livadia pieces are crafted in 14-karat yellow gold and oxidized silver, with diamonds, coloured gemstones, and guilloche enamel. Each charm is made using traditional handcrafted techniques — intaglio stone carving and guilloche enamel work — that have been practised for centuries. The stones and materials are selected for their beauty, depth, and the way they age. For more detail on specific materials used in each piece, please refer to the individual product pages.

Intaglio is one of the oldest forms of gemstone carving, with origins in ancient Greece and Rome. Intaglios were worn as seals and signet rings by the ruling classes — pressed into wax to authenticate documents and mark ownership. They depicted gods, mythological scenes, portraits of emperors, and symbols of power and protection. To wear an intaglio was to carry meaning — a declaration of identity, belief, or allegiance rendered in stone. They were among the most prized possessions of the ancient world, collected by emperors and passed down through generations.

The technique involves carving an image or scene directly into the surface of a stone, creating a recessed design that catches light differently depending on the angle.

Livadia uses reverse intaglio — a technique in which the carving is made into the underside of the stone rather than the face. For this collection, cabochon stones were chosen for their smooth domed surface, which acts as a natural magnifier — drawing the eye into the carved scene below and giving it a sense of depth and dimension that feels almost alive. Light passes through the stone and illuminates the carving from within, so the image shifts and glows depending on the angle.

Each carving is done entirely by hand, meaning no two pieces are exactly alike. The slight variations between carvings are not imperfections — they are evidence of the human hand at work.

Guilloche is an engraving technique in which a precise, repetitive pattern is cut into a metal surface by hand or machine — creating an intricate textured ground. Translucent enamel is then laid over this engraved surface in thin layers, allowing the pattern beneath to show through. The result is a depth and luminosity that solid enamel cannot achieve — the surface appears almost to move, catching light differently as it shifts.

The technique reached its pinnacle in the workshops of Fabergé in 19th century Russia, whose iconic enamelled eggs and objects remain among the most celebrated examples of decorative art ever made. It was also widely used in Victorian jewellery and objets d'art, prized for its extraordinary richness of colour and its labour-intensive craft.

Guilloche enamel is rarely used in contemporary jewellery — the skill required to execute it is highly specialised and the process is time consuming. At Livadia it is worked entirely by hand, and no two pieces will ever be identical. The slight variations in colour and texture between pieces are not flaws — they are the signature of the technique itself.

Livadia pieces are made to be worn. Not saved for special occasions, not kept in a box — worn, layered, lived in. Over time they will soften, patina, and take on a character that is entirely yours. This is not wear and tear. This is the point.

Gold

Our charms are crafted in 14-karat yellow gold. Gold is durable but not indestructible. To clean, soak briefly in warm water with a drop of gentle dish soap, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storing. Store pieces separately to avoid scratching — a soft pouch or individual compartments work well.

We recommend removing your pieces before bathing, swimming, exercising, or sleeping. While daily wear is encouraged and expected, prolonged exposure to water, chemicals, and impact will accelerate wear over time.

Silver

Several of our charms feature oxidized silver settings and borders. Silver naturally tarnishes and darkens over time — on a Livadia piece, this is intentional. The deepening patina enriches the contrast between the silver and gold, and between the metal and stone. We encourage you to let it age.

That said, each order includes a tarnish cloth. If you prefer a brighter finish on the silver elements of your piece, a gentle buff with the cloth will restore the shine. The choice is yours.

Enamel

Guilloche enamel is a centuries-old technique in which translucent enamel is laid over an engraved surface by hand. It is durable but requires a little consideration. Avoid dropping enamel pieces onto hard surfaces — enamel can chip if subjected to sharp impact. Keep away from harsh chemicals, perfumes, and ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage or dull the surface over time. To clean, simply wipe gently with a soft damp cloth. Do not soak or scrub. Treated with care, enamel will retain its depth and luminosity for generations.

Stones

Handle stones with care and avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or sudden temperature changes. If in doubt, a soft damp cloth is always safe.

All Livadia pieces are final sale. We do not offer returns or exchanges. Each piece is handcrafted to order and made with exceptional care — we encourage you to reach out to us at info@livadiastudio.com before placing your order if you have any questions about a piece.

In the event that your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving it with photographic evidence and we will make it right.

Custom and bespoke pieces are non-refundable under any circumstances once a deposit has been paid and production has begun.

Yes — producing a custom piece is one of our greatest pleasures. To learn more about the process and get in touch, please visit our Custom & Bespoke page.

This depends on the piece. Ready to ship pieces are processed and dispatched within 3–5 business days. Made to order pieces typically take 6–8 weeks from the date of purchase. Production timelines will always be clearly indicated on each product page.

If you have a specific deadline or occasion in mind, please reach out to us at info@livadiastudio.com before placing your order and we will do our best to accommodate you.

We ship worldwide. Shipping within the United States is complimentary on all orders. For international orders, a shipping fee will be calculated at checkout. Please note that any applicable duties, taxes, or import fees are the responsibility of the customer.

All domestic orders are shipped via FedEx with signature required on delivery. We do not leave packages unattended.

Yes — if your piece needs attention, please reach out to us at info@livadiastudio.com to discuss. Depending on the nature of the repair, we will advise on the best course of action. In most cases, pieces are repaired locally in New York. We will provide instructions on how to safely send your piece to us.

Livadia uses only natural diamonds in all collection pieces. For custom and bespoke work, we are happy to accommodate clients who prefer lab grown diamonds — please mention this when you get in touch.