Help Center
Quick Answers
email: support@jenshansen.com
phone: +64 3 5480640
We’re open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm NZ time. We usually reply within one business day.
We are based in New Zealand and ship worldwide. All prices on this website are shown and charged in NZ dollars. Approximate prices in other currencies may be displayed for guidance only. Your bank may apply exchange fees.
Sterling silver designs typically start around US$75. Solid gold pieces typically start around US$350. Custom work varies with design, metal and gemstones.
Start with your budget and the design you love. We will optimise the 4Cs to maximise beauty for your spend and can propose options at different price points.
Orders shipped outside New Zealand are not charged NZ GST, which saves you 15 percent. Import duties, VAT or local taxes in your country are your responsibility and may be collected by the carrier or customs. For UK deliveries there is a minimum order value of US$185 due to HM Customs processing rules.
Custom projects typically begin around US$350 for simpler designs in sterling silver and from there for gold and gemstones. We’ll confirm a quote once we understand your design, metal and stone choices.
Yes, we ship internationally with DHL Express to most countries. There are a few places we cannot currently ship to due to carrier restrictions: India, Indonesia, Greece, Montenegro, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Romania, Russia, Mexico and Portugal. Click for Shipping & Returns information
International with DHL Express usually takes 2 to 7 working days, depending on location. Delivery to PO Boxes is not available in most countries.
Within New Zealand, CourierPost typically delivers next working day to urban addresses, with rural addresses taking a little longer.
If the item is in stock, it can often ship the same or next working day. Made-to-order pieces usually take 1 to 3 weeks depending on the design. We will confirm the timeline when you order.
Shipping is calculated at checkout based on destination and service. We offer tracked, insured delivery worldwide with DHL Express.
Yes. Multiple items in the same order ship together for one shipping charge. Click here for Shipping and Returns page.
Orders exported from New Zealand are not charged NZ GST. Import duties and taxes in your country may apply and are the customer’s responsibility. Your local customs office or DHL can advise approximate charges.
Stock items usually arrive within the standard DHL Express timeframe of 2 to 7 working days. If your piece is made to order, allow an additional 1 to 3 weeks before shipping.
No. For manufacturing and licensing reasons the gold-plated tungsten-carbide rings cannot be supplied without the required markings.
Sorry, no. Licensing terms do not allow us to alter the external engraving pattern on licensed replicas.
Yes. Use our Elvish transliterator tool to plan your message and we will confirm the final artwork with you. See how your message would translate into elvish on this page
Engraving is NZ$115 per side. Select “Custom Engraving” when ordering or email studio@jenshansen.com. Engraving typically adds about 1 week after design approval.
We can engrave most messages, symbols and patterns on engravable metals if there is space. Standard fonts or a clear black-and-white artwork file work best. For legal reasons we cannot reproduce the exact copyrighted One Ring inscription. Personalised Elvish messages are welcome.
See our Ring Size FAQ for tips, a printable sizer and international conversions. Ring Size FAQ information
Visit our Nelson studio and we will assess the best resizing method. Simple bands are often adjusted the same day. If you are overseas, a reputable local jeweller can assist, or we can arrange a return for resizing. Some engraved or complex designs may need specific techniques.
Please see our Returns and Refunds page for full details. Returns and Refunds information.
We accept major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB, as well as PayPal and BitCoin.
Yes. Email support@jenshansen.com with the subject “Bank Transfer” and we will provide details. International bank transfers can take several business days and may incur bank fees.
For major purchases we can arrange staged payments while we craft your piece. Email support@jenshansen.com with the item you are considering and your preferred instalment amount and frequency.
A 25 percent deposit starts your order. The balance is due before delivery. We accept major credit cards, PayPal and direct credit.
Yes, if it is your own design or inspiration rather than a direct copy of another maker’s work. We will advise on feasibility in your choice of metals and gems.
Yes. Email support@jenshansen.com with your ideas, metal preference, stones and budget. We will propose sketches and options.
Sterling silver. The chain shown in the films was supplied by Jens Hansen.
Yes. We make the officially licensed The One Ring for Wētā Workshop in gold-plated tungsten-carbide, sterling silver and 10K solid yellow
We can also engrave your own personalised Elvish message on suitable metals. Licensed gold-plated tungsten-carbide rings cannot be engraved.
Multiple sizes were made for different scenes. For on-hand wear, Frodo wore an 18ct yellow gold ring in USA size 10. A size 11 was used on the chain.
Yes. Our precious-metal Movie Rings can be supplied without markings. Check No for the "Include Hallmarks" option when ordering.
Our precious-metal Movie Rings are faithful replicas of the original Jens Hansen design used on screen. They are not part of the licensed Wētā consumer line. The licensed Wētā The One Ring products are separately available.
Officially licensed rings produced by other manufacturers may differ in weight, dimensions and finish. Our Movie Ring follows the original Jens Hansen proportions used for the film. Please read the independent report on Ring replicas at www.lunchip.com for more information.
No. Tungsten rings cannot be resized and are not economical to manufacture in custom sizes.
Sorry, no. As licensed merchandise, one presentation box is supplied per ring. We cannot supply replacement boxes separately.
No. Licensing restrictions do not allow us to offer an unplated version.
Replating is not a service we offer and is usually uneconomic on tungsten-carbide given the relatively low cost of buying a new replacement.
Tungsten-carbide cannot be resized and removal requires specialist tools. Gold or platinum bands can be resized and serviced over time, so we generally recommend precious metals for wedding and engagement rings.
You can request we delete any personal data by emailing support@jenshansen.com We process requests as soon as we can and will confirm once actioned.
Visit our Nelson studio and we will assess the best resizing method. Simple bands are often adjusted the same day. If you are overseas, a reputable local jeweller can assist, or we can arrange a return for resizing. Some engraved or complex designs may need specific techniques.
Jens Hansen offers a return-to-studio lifetime workmanship guarantee on all our jewellery. This means that if, in the unlikely event, a workmanship defect is ever discovered, we will repair or replace the item at no cost other than your shipping costs to us, if any. A workmanship defect is any flaw stemming from how a piece was originally crafted—for instance, an improperly done setting or solder joint that fails over time.
However, the guarantee does not cover everyday wear and tear, accidental or consequential damage, or repairs performed by an unauthorized third party. Normal use and environmental effects—such as knocks, scratches, or worn-down metal, clasps, links, settings or claws—require regular maintenance or repair not included in the guarantee. If a piece was repaired or damaged by an outside provider, we may not be able to guarantee that repair or any subsequent impact on the item.
If you suspect a problem related to a workmanship defect, simply return your jewellery to our studio for assessment. Our expert jewellers will evaluate its condition, determine whether the issue stems from a manufacturing fault, and then proceed with any necessary repair or replacement. This process ensures that you are protected from hidden manufacturing issues while clarifying what sorts of damage fall outside the lifetime workmanship guarantee.
Jewellery FAQ
You will find examples of jewellery made of pure metals like platinum, but pure gold is soft and isn't practical for daily wear. Other metals are mixed with gold to make it more durable (and to lower its cost). For example, platinum or nickel can be added to pure gold to create white gold; adding copper produces a rose or pink tint; while silver gives gold a greenish tint.
Even though gold will be in different carats it is still classed as solid gold.Gold-plated jewellery is when a base metal (copper, brass, nickel, silver) is covered with a thin layer of gold, giving a great look but one that will have to be maintained.
Gold-plated jewellery can be the biggest source of allergic reactions due to the plating wearing off and the base metal being exposed to cause irritation. Jens Hansen uses Sterling Sliver as the base metal to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
The purity is shown by a fineness mark. Platinum commonly PT950. Gold: 18ct 750, 14ct 585, 10ct 417, 9ct 375. Fine silver 999 and sterling silver 925. Minimum legal standards vary by country. For example, the US recognises 10ct and the UK recognises 9ct.
No, these are industrial metals and even though they may be light, strong, hard and appealing, the fact is they can't be sized later if your finger gets bigger (which tends to happen as we age), and often they can not be cut off in an emergency.
We can also use the Japanese metal folding technique called Mokume gane, which creates a stunning intertwined pattern of two - four different metals.
Regular wear helps reduce tarnish. Silver darkens when left unworn or exposed to sulphur sources like hot pools. Use a silver polishing cloth or reputable silver dip. Warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush work for general cleaning. We are happy to sonic clean and buff your jewellery, or you can visit a reputable local jeweller.
14 carat gold is very hard but it is paler than 18 carat. 14 carat also contains less gold than 18 carat, and is more likely to give allergy or corrosion problems depending on the wearer’s skin.
That said, the color difference is not ‘dramatic’ and many people are very happy with 14 carat. You will find some excellent articles at http://www.18carat.co.uk/information.html which may help you make up your mind about which type of gold to have your jewellery made in.
A diamond’s beauty is extremely complex. Understanding what makes them beautiful is not a simple task. As specialists in diamonds, we want to help you make an informed decision when selecting your diamond.
Diamonds are forever; but not all are created equal. At Jens Hansen we act as your independent guide, showing you a large range of non-conflict stones, and recommending the perfect diamond for you and your budget.
The individual sparkle and brilliance of a particular stone depends on its carat, colour, clarity and most importantly cut. Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions about diamonds, to help you choose your perfect stone. If you require more information please contact us.
A diamond is a crystal of pure carbon formed under high pressure and temperature. Diamonds are the hardest natural material and resist scratching, but like any crystal can chip if struck. Good setting design and sensible wear keep them looking their best.
The vast majority of the world's diamonds are now mined in Russia, Australia and several African countries such as Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zaire and Sierra Leone. Once the diamonds are extracted, approximately 80% pass through the hands of De Beers and on to the cutting centres of Antwerp, New York and Tel Aviv. From here diamonds may take a number of different channels before being mounted into a piece of jewellery.
We buy cut and polished diamonds directly from reputable and trusted merchants to ensure our customers get the quality you deserve, for the right price.
Carat is weight. One carat equals 0.2 grams. Cut is proportions, symmetry and polish, and has the greatest impact on sparkle. Clarity describes natural inclusions, graded from Flawless to Included. Colour for white diamonds is graded D to Z, where D is colourless.
The "Ideal Cut" is a cut based on a specific set of proportions for a round brilliant diamond proposed by gem cutter Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919.
While Tolkowsky's original theories presented only one particular combination of proportions for creating the best balance of brilliance and dispersion, today the American Gemological Society recognizes any diamond falling within a narrow range of proportions and finish quality as being an "Ideal Cut" (also called an "AGS 0" or "AGS triple zero").
Finding the rough diamonds is only the first step. Once diamonds have been mined and processed out of the 'overburden' (that is, the kimberlite rocks in which they are imbedded), the rough crystals are sorted and categorized according to their size, color, shape and other characteristics.
The most common route is through the channels of De Beers' Central Selling Organization (CSO). The majority of what is bought through the CSO is sent to London to be offered to buyers through De Beers' marketing arm - the Diamond Trading Corporation (DTC).
The DTC holds ten week-long selling sessions called 'sights' each year. These sights are by invitation only, and only a handful of diamond manufacturers from around the world (called 'sightholders') are allowed to attend. These sightholders may cut the rough diamonds they buy themselves, or they may sell some of the rough diamonds to smaller manufacturers. These smaller manufacturers cut the rough diamonds and sell to jewelry manufacturers (who set the diamonds into finished pieces of jewellery and then sell the jewellery to jewellery retailers), or to diamond wholesalers (who then, in turn, sell the diamonds to diamond retailers).
We buy cut and polished diamonds directly from a sightholder, eliminating the middle men and ensuring our customers get the quality they deserve for the right price.
In the less common route from mine to market, some independent miners elect not to sell their mine production to the DeBeers cartel. Instead, they offer newly mined diamonds directly to other world buyers.
Diamonds often hold value over time, but prices can move with the market. Choose a diamond for beauty and meaning first. We will help you select the best quality within your budget.
Certification does not change the diamond. It documents independent grading of the 4Cs. We recommend reports from leading labs such as GIA. Lab standards vary, so independent grading helps with insurance and comparison.
Yes. We ship with DHL, fully insured and tracked.
The precious stones are diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire, while all other gemstones are semi-precious.
This distinction reflects the rarity of the respective stones in ancient times, as well as their quality: all precious stones are translucent with fine colour in their purest forms, except for the colourless diamond, and are very hard (8-10 on the Mohs scale).
Other stones are classified by their colour, translucency and hardness. The traditional distinction does not necessarily reflect modern values, for example, while garnets are relatively inexpensive, a green garnet called tsavorite, can be far more valuable than a mid-quality emerald.
New Zealand has pounamu (jade or greenstone), paua and paua pearls, and Ruby Rock (Goodletite). These are distinct local materials used in jewellery.
We have a wide range of stones available, from precious diamonds to semi-precious Lapis. We like to use a range of sizes, shapes and cuts for the most interesting jewellery. Jens favoured the cabochon cut for most of his early designs and used a lot of semi-precious stones.
It wasn’t until later that he started using the full range of stones and cuts, which we continue to work with today. We will also use our customers' stones, whether they be ones someone has bought on their travels or from jewellery that they would like to have remodelled.
Yes. Sapphires are durable and suit daily wear. Remove jewellery before bed, exercise, household chemicals and swimming. Extra care is needed with emeralds, opals and pearls.
Often yes. A lapidary can recut or repolish chips and abrasions. Some work can be done in the setting. In other cases the stone is removed for best results. We will advise the safest approach.
This is a list of birthstones, and a bit about the colour and wear of each gemstone.
January – Garnet. Garnets are found in many colours - mainly red, orange, and yellow, but they can also be green, blue, purple, brown, black, pink and colourless. Garnets have a range of hardness on the Mohs scale of about 6.5 to 7.5. So they are great for everyday wear.
February – Amethyst. Amethyst occurs in primary hues from a light pinkish violet to a deep purple. Amethyst was once included with the most valuable gemstones (along with diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald), but it has now lost much of its value due to the discovery of extensive deposits in locations such as Brazil. It is now commonly used in silver designs, which bring out its fantastic colour.
March – Aquamarine. Aquamarine (from Lat. aqua marina, "water of the sea") is a blue variety of beryl and is a relation to Emerald. The deep blue version of aquamarine is called maxixe. Aquamarines are relativity hard but can be brittle, so avoiding hard knocks is advised. (Bloodstone is also this month’s birthstone).
April – Diamond. Diamond is the hardest natural material known, with a hardness of 10 (hardest) on this scale. Diamond's hardness has been known since antiquity, and is the source of its name. When it comes to colour in order of rarity, colourless diamond, by far the most common, is followed by yellow and brown, by far the most common colours, then by blue, green, black, translucent white, pink, violet, orange, purple, and the rarest, red."Black", or Carbonado, diamonds are not truly black, but rather contain numerous dark inclusions that give the gems their dark appearance.
May – Emerald. Emeralds are a variety of beryl that is green in colour and has a hardness of 7.5 - 8 on the 10 point Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Due to most emeralds being highly included, their toughness (resistance to breakage) is classified as generally poor so any large knocks should be avoided.
June – Pearl. Pearls occur in the wild, but they are rare. Cultured or farmed pearls make up the majority of those that are currently sold. Pearls from the sea are valued more highly than freshwater pearls. Imitation or fake pearls are also widely sold in inexpensive jewellery, but the quality of their iridescence is usually very poor - and generally speaking, artificial pearls are easily distinguished from genuine pearls.Pearls have a tendency to absorb moisture so it is best to avoid submerging them in water or spraying perfume while you are wearing them. (Moonstone & Alexandrite are also birthstones for this month).
July – Ruby. Rubies are pink to blood-red gemstones, a variety of the corundum. Rubies are a relative of sapphire and are in the top three hardest stones on the Mohs scale of hardness.
August – Peridot. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one colour: basically an olive green. The intensity and tint of the green however depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure, so the colour of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow-green through to olive green to brownish green.
September – Sapphire. Sapphires are one of the hardest coloured stones. They come in Blue, Green, Orange, Pink and Multi-coloured (Parti Sapphires). The only colour they don’t come in is red (these are rubies). Sapphires are fantastic for everyday wear. They are found in many different places; Sri Lanka have Ceylon Sapphires which are a fantastic vibrant blue; and Australia has mainly party ones or a dark blue almost black coloured sapphire. The most prized sapphires are found in the Padar region of Kashmir. These are rarely available as the mines have been on hold since around 1979.
October - Opal. Opals are commonly found in Australia and Asia. They are usually made up as a dome which consist of three layers - two of quartz and one tiny piece of opal between them, or two layers of quartz and one of opal. Because the opal has the quartz glued to the opal it is not advised to get these stones wet or give them a hard life; they should only be worn for special occasions and in a good strong protective setting. (Pink Tourmaline is also this month's birth stone and is far better than opals for everyday).
November – Topaz. Pure topaz is colourless and transparent but is usually tinted by impurities; typical topaz is wine, yellow, pale grey or reddish-orange, blue brown. It can also be made white, pale green, blue, pink (rare) and reddish-yellow or opaque to transparent/translucent. Orange topaz is also known as precious topaz, while Imperial topaz is yellow, pink (rare, if natural) or pink-orange. Brazilian Imperial Topaz can often have a bright yellow to deep golden brown hue, sometimes even violet. Naturally occurring Blue Topaz is quite rare. Typically, colourless, grey or pale yellow and blue material is heat treated and irradiated in order to produce a more desired darker blue.Mystic topaz is colourless topaz which has been artificially coated, giving it the desired rainbow effect. (Citrine is also this month’s birth stone).
December – Zircon. Zircon is a remarkable mineral, if only for its almost ubiquitous presence in the crust of Earth. It occurs in igneous rocks (as primary crystallization products), in metamorphic rocks and in sedimentary rocks (as detrital grains). Large zircon crystals are seldom abundant. Zircon occurs in many different colours, including red, pink, brown, yellow, hazel, black, or colourless. The colour of zircons sometimes can be changed by heat treatment. Depending on the amount of heat applied, colourless, blue, and golden-yellow zircons can be made. These stones are precious gems and should not be confused with Cubic Zirconias, which are synthetic. (Turquoise is also this month’s birthstone).