Bij Madamas willen we dat je met een gerust hart kan shoppen. Daarom vind je hier antwoorden op de meest gestelde vragen over verzending, retour, ringmaten, privé afspraken en onze vintage juwelen. Omdat elk stuk zorgvuldig geselecteerd werd en vaak een uniek verleden met zich meedraagt, begrijpen we dat je soms graag wat extra informatie of persoonlijk advies wil. Transparantie, vertrouwen en persoonlijke service staan voor mij centraal — zowel voor als na je aankoop.Vind je hieronder toch niet meteen het antwoord dat je zoekt? Neem dan gerust contact op via het contactformulier. Ik help je met plezier zo snel mogelijk persoonlijk verder.

Veelgestelde vragen

What material are the vintage jewels made of? +

Our jewelry is selected with the utmost care and pre-checked for authenticity. We only choose solid gold (from 8k to 18k) and quality gemstones. For each item, the materials used are clearly stated. Do you have any questions or would you like to see additional photos? Let us know – we are happy to help you.

How do I know for sure that the jewelry is made of real gold and genuine gemstones? +

Before sale, each jewel is verified for authenticity and quality by experts. We exclusively work with solid gold and high-quality gemstones, and we transparently display the materials in the product description. Feel free to request additional details or close-ups – we believe it's important that you buy with confidence.

Where do your vintage jewels come from? +

Madamas personally selects her jewellery throughout Europe, with an eye for quality, authenticity and the unique character of each piece. Every piece of jewellery tells a story; we only choose jewellery that is in excellent condition so that you receive a timeless piece.

Are all vintage Madamas jewels truly unique? +

Yes – each piece is a unique vintage jewel that is only available once. If you see your dream jewel, don't wait too long; once it's sold, it won't return. On our website, we always show the current availability.

What makes your vintage jewelry different from new jewelry? +

Vintage jewelry has charm and character. Additionally, it's sustainable: you give an existing piece a new life and contribute to less mass production. Each piece of jewelry is thus a piece of history and a unique eye-catcher.

How do I clean gold jewelry? +

Take good care of your gold by removing jewellery when swimming, exercising, or working with chemicals, and store them separately in a soft pouch. Clean your jewellery regularly with warm water and a drop of mild soap; use a soft brush and dry them thoroughly afterwards. This way, your vintage jewellery will remain sparkling and last a long time.

Are vintage jewels sustainable and ethical? +

Vintage jewellery is by definition a sustainable choice: by giving existing jewellery a new lease of life, we avoid new mining and combat waste. Moreover, we check each piece for quality and origin, and work with reliable suppliers. This way, with a vintage jewel, you not only pass on history, but also make a conscious choice for people and the planet.

Is it safe to have my vintage jewel shipped? +

Absolutely. We ship all jewellery via insured shipments. Your package will only be delivered upon signature, so everything is safe and traceable.

How do I know what size is right for me? +

The size of each piece of jewellery is clearly stated on its product page. For rings, you can measure your size at home with our Ringzy ring sizer. Are you unsure? Feel free to contact us for personal advice; we are happy to help you find the perfect fit for your jewellery.

Can I have the size adjusted? +

That depends on the design. The product page will state whether the size can be adjusted. Rings, in particular, can often be enlarged or reduced; please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will let you know what is possible.

Can you personalize or customize a piece of jewelry? +

Our focus is on unique vintage pieces, so we do not design entirely new jewellery. Minor adjustments, such as changing a ring size or engraving a ring, are possible. Please contact us to discuss your idea; together, we will see what is feasible.

Can I view or try on the vintage jewelry in person? +

Yes. You can book a private fitting appointment to view and try on your favourite jewellery. During this appointment, we will take ample time to discover your style and showcase various pieces. You will receive personal advice on materials and combinations, and you are free to decide without obligation.

How do I make an appointment? +

Scheduling a fitting is easy using the booking tool on the website. You will receive an email confirming the time and location.

Do I need to pay a deposit for an appointment? +

We ask for a down payment of €25. This amount will be fully offset if you purchase a piece of jewellery within 30 days.

Where do you deliver and what are the shipping costs? +

We mainly deliver in Belgium and the Netherlands. Deliveries to other countries are possible at an additional cost. The exact shipping costs and estimated delivery time will be displayed during checkout.

How long does delivery take? +

In Belgium and the Netherlands, you will usually receive your jewel within a few business days. International shipments may take a little longer; you will always receive a track-and-trace code to follow the progress.



Can I pick up my order in Antwerp? +

You can pick up your jewel during a private fitting appointment. We don't have a standard collection point yet, but your jewel will be ready for you during the appointment so you can take it home with you immediately.

What is your return policy? +

You have 14 days from receipt to return or exchange your jewellery. The item must be unused, in its original condition and packaging, and with proof of purchase. Report your return via the contact form, and we will send you the correct instructions and an insured return address.

Do I pay for return shipping? +

Yes. The return shipping costs are for your own account. We recommend shipping insured to protect your package.

Do I get my money back or a voucher? +

Upon receipt of your return, we will process a refund in the form of a digital voucher, unless explicitly stated otherwise by the customer. This voucher has no expiry date and can be used at any time for another piece of jewelry. Shipping costs are not refunded.

How long does a return take to process? +

We process returns within 14 business days of receipt. You will receive an email once your voucher is available.

Do you offer a warranty on vintage jewelry? +

Yes. Every piece of jewelry has a 6-month warranty from the date of delivery. This warranty covers material and manufacturing defects; normal wear and tear is not covered.

What is covered by the warranty and what is not? +

Manufacturing defects or hidden flaws are covered by the warranty. Damage caused by improper use or exposure to extreme conditions will not be reimbursed. Normal use means wearing it according to recommendations – so not during heavy work or in contact with aggressive chemicals.

How do I start a warranty claim? +

Please contact us via our contact form with your order number and a description of the problem. You return the jewel for inspection; the cost of the return shipment is at your own expense. If the complaint is justified, we will repair it free of charge or offer a suitable solution.

How do I use a gift voucher? +

Enter the unique gift voucher code at checkout. The amount will be automatically deducted; any remaining balance will remain available until the voucher has been fully used.

Which payment methods do you accept? +

We accept Apple Pay, Bancontact, Google Pay, Klarna, Maestro, Mastercard, Shop Pay, and Visa. This allows you to pay securely with the method you prefer.

How do you handle my personal data? +

We respect your privacy. Your data will only be used for processing your order and for communication about our products and services. We strictly adhere to Belgian privacy legislation.

What are the characteristics of your chunky rings?+
Chunky rings are statement rings with a robust design. In this collection, you'll find 9 kt, 14 kt, and 18 kt gold rings with colorful stones such as amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, garnet, peridot, emerald, spinel, tourmaline, and topaz. They give your look a striking vintage appeal.
Where do you get your jewelry from?+
Madamas Antwerp curates its collection by traveling all over Europe. Each piece is carefully selected for quality, authenticity and originality. As a result, the jewelry is not only unique, but also carries a piece of European history.
Are the jewels nickel-free or hypoallergenic?+
As the jewelry is made of real gold, it typically does not contain nickel. If you have a specific allergy or sensitivity, please let us know; we are happy to provide additional details about the composition.
Do you offer a tool to measure my ring size at home?+
How do I recognize real gold?+
Real gold typically has a hallmark such as “10K”, “14K”, “18K” or “24K” indicating its purity. Pay attention to its warm color and weight; real gold feels heavy and is not magnetic. Simple tests like a magnet or water test (real gold jewelry sinks due to its high density) can give an indication, but for complete certainty, we recommend consulting a jeweler for a professional acid test.
What's the best way to care for my gold jewelry?+
Wear your gold jewellery with care by taking it off when swimming or cleaning, and avoid contact with chlorine and harsh products. Store them separately in a soft pouch to prevent scratches. Clean your jewellery with warm water, a little mild dish soap and a soft brush — or use Madamas' specially designed cleaning kit — and then dry them thoroughly. This way, your jewellery will retain its shine, year after year.
Which products fall under 'Cleaning and care'? Answer:+
Madamas Antwerp sells a jewelry cleaning kit to safely maintain your jewelry. The kit includes a soft brush and a mild cleaning agent that you can use to clean gold and gemstone jewelry.
What does 'carat' mean for diamonds?+
A carat (ct) is a unit of weight for a diamond. Although the price often increases with carat weight, the ultimate value is determined by the combination of cut, colour, clarity, and carat. When choosing a diamond ring, it is therefore wise to consider all “four C’s” rather than focusing solely on size.
Why is a diamond's color important?+
A diamond's color indicates its purity. Completely colorless diamonds are the rarest and are graded with a high GIA color grade, such as D to F. As you move down the scale towards Z, the stone develops a more yellow tint due to natural imperfections. These subtle color differences can significantly impact the price, even though an untrained eye may sometimes see little difference.
Why is the 'cut' so important for diamonds?+
The 'cut' or facet shape determines how a diamond is faceted and greatly influences its brilliance. A well-cut diamond refracts light optimally, ensuring maximum sparkle. All diamonds reflect light, but without quality cutting techniques, their true brilliance is not revealed. Therefore, choose a diamond with good cut quality to get the most out of your investment.
What does clarity mean in diamonds?+
Is size or quality more important in a diamond?+
Many people think that a bigger stone is always better, but that’s not necessarily the case. A larger carat can come at the expense of quality, unless you're willing to pay a high price. Experts say that if you have a limited budget, it's better to choose a smaller diamond of higher quality than a large stone with less clarity or color. Ultimately, the balance between size and quality determines the appearance and long-term value of your ring.
Do you sell pendants with a chain included?+
Our pendants are available individually or in combination with a chain. For the price of a pendant with a chain, please take a look at the vintage necklaces page.
What is the condition of antique and vintage jewelry?+
Antique and vintage jewelry has been previously worn and may show signs of age. Dealers often use a condition chart: “excellent vintage condition” means minimal wear, while “very good antique condition” may show slight patina or oxidation accumulated over time. At Madamas Antwerp, we only select jewelry that is in beautiful, wearable condition.
What's the difference between yellow, white, and rose gold?+
All colors of gold are made by alloying pure gold with other metals. Yellow gold is the classic color and primarily contains gold and silver/copper. White gold is created by mixing gold with nickel or palladium; it resembles platinum and may have a rhodium plating for extra shine. Rose gold gets its pink color from a higher copper content. The choice of color is often a matter of taste, but rose gold is the strongest due to the copper, and white gold sometimes requires replating to maintain its color.
What materials do you use?+
Can I combine a pendant with a chain of my choice?+
Yes, that's definitely possible. Many of our pendants are sold separately, so you can combine them with a necklace that perfectly matches your style. Are you unsure about the right length or style? Feel free to send a message — I'd be happy to help you put together your ideal combination.
Do gold earrings stay shiny or do they tarnish over time?+
Solid gold earrings retain their warm luster and do not oxidize like sterling silver. They are timeless pieces that are always in style and, unlike silver, do not tarnish. Our vintage earrings made of 14k or 18k gold are carefully polished and remain beautiful with daily wear. Store your earrings separately and avoid contact with harsh chemicals to protect their shine.
Are gold earrings suitable for people with sensitive ears?+
Many people with metal allergies have no problem with pure gold. Since gold is a noble metal, it rarely causes irritation. The higher the carat, the more pure gold is in the alloy; 18 kt or 22 kt are therefore better for people with a nickel allergy. However, white gold is usually mixed with palladium or nickel, so choose yellow gold or rose gold earrings if you are allergic to nickel. Our collection consists only of real gold pieces with a high gold content to ensure comfortable and hypoallergenic wear.
What do the numbers 10 kt, 14 kt, 18 kt, and 24 kt mean for gold earrings?+
Karat indicates how much pure gold is in the alloy. A higher karat means a higher percentage of gold: 24 kt is 100% gold, 18 kt is 75%, 14 kt is 58.3%, and 10 kt is 41.7%. In Europe, these purities are often indicated by numbers such as 750 (18 kt) and 585 (14 kt). Solid gold earrings of higher karat are softer and richer in color, while 14 kt is ideal for daily wear thanks to its combination of durability and affordability.
What are the different colors of gold used in earrings and how are they made?+
What is the difference between solid gold earrings and gold filled or gold plated earrings?+
Solid gold earrings are made from an alloy where gold is present throughout. Gold-plated or gold-filled earrings have only a thin layer of gold on a base of another metal. This layer wears off with intensive use and can lead to discolouration or allergic reactions. Anyone who wants to wear their earrings daily and is looking for a durable choice should opt for solid gold. Gold-filled or gold-plated earrings are cheaper and suitable for occasional use, but they lack the longevity and value of solid gold. At Madamas Antwerp, you will find only authentic vintage gold earrings, ensuring quality and lasting beauty.
Who is Madamas Antwerp and what is the story behind the name?+
Madamas Antwerp is an Antwerp-based jewellery brand that stems from my personal story. For me, Madamas is the way to keep the memory of my grandmother Jeanine alive. The name 'Madamas' refers to 'Adamas' — Ancient Greek for diamond — and to the 'M': the 'madams' who wear Madamas jewellery.
Why choose vintage jewelry?+
Vintage jewelry is sustainable and unique. It has a history and charm that cannot be replicated by mass production, and wearing existing pieces reduces the demand for new mining. According to one study, the CO₂ impact of new gold production is approximately 200 times greater than that of recycled gold, so choosing vintage saves natural resources and provides a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.
Can I have a ring resized if the fit isn't perfect?+
In many cases, it is possible to resize a ring. Contact us via the form or send a message; we'd be happy to explore the possibilities together. Please note that customisation may not always be possible with delicate vintage pieces; we will advise you honestly on this.
Can you personalize or engrave jewelry?+
Are the gemstones conflict-free and certified?+
I deliberately do not work with external certificates as standard, as this would increase the price of a jewel by an average of €300. Instead, I choose to collaborate with trusted, reliable partners and have each piece thoroughly inspected.
What makes your collection unique?+
Each jewel in the webshop is a one-of-a-kind vintage piece that is only available once. Once a ring, bracelet, or necklace is sold, it will not be restocked. This way, you will always find an exclusive item that nobody else has.
Are you sustainable and ethical?+
Sustainability is key. Vintage jewellery is by definition the reuse of existing materials; this reduces the demand for new mining, which drastically lessens the environmental impact. In addition, research shows that the CO₂ footprint of gold recycling is many times lower than that of new gold mining. By choosing vintage, you contribute to a circular and ethical jewellery sector.
Are the pieces cleaned and checked before being offered for sale?+
Yes. Every vintage piece is pre-inspected for quality and authenticity and, if necessary, cleaned or professionally checked. This ensures you receive a beautiful, wearable jewel that is ready for a new life.
What exactly is antique, vintage, and estate jewelry?+
Which karat gold is best for daily wear?+
14k is the best choice for everyday rings, necklaces, and bracelets because it offers a good balance between purity and hardness. It is durable and affordable and is the most popular choice worldwide. 18k has a more luxurious appearance and is ideal for engagement or wedding rings but is slightly softer.
What are the "four C's" and why are they important?+
The “four C’s” stand for Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. These factors together determine the quality and value of a diamond. For example, a well-cut diamond can appear more brilliant than a heavier stone with poorer cut quality, allowing you to spend your budget efficiently. For our vintage rings, in addition to the four C's, we also pay attention to authenticity and character, so you receive a timeless jewel.
How can I find out my partner's ring size without spoiling the surprise?+
You can borrow a ring that your partner wears regularly and measure its size (diameter). Don't worry if the size isn't perfect: most jewelers offer a resizing service to ensure the ring fits comfortably. At Madamas Antwerp, we recommend our Ringzy ring sizer for home use and offer free size advice to ensure your proposal goes smoothly.
Should I involve my partner in choosing the ring, or should it be a surprise?+
Some couples appreciate the traditional surprise, while others prefer to shop together to ensure the ring meets both their expectations. If you're going for a surprise, subtly observe her style or ask a friend for advice. Our vintage collection includes both classic and contemporary designs, and we are happy to help you create the perfect proposal moment.
How do I choose the right engagement ring for my partner when there are so many options?+
How much should I spend on an engagement ring?+
The old rule of "two to three months' salary" is outdated. Your budget should be based on what you can comfortably afford. There are beautiful rings in various price ranges, so choose a ring that suits your financial capabilities and avoid unnecessary pressure. 1. Vintage rings often offer more value for money and are more sustainable.

  • Not quite what you were looking for? Returns are easy within 14 days of purchase.

  • A question or doubt?
    Feel free to send me an email — you'll receive a personal reply within 48 hours.

  • 6 months warranty.
    Does your jewel still need some love after this period? Contact us.

  • Ordered before 5 PM?
    Then your package will be on its way to its new home the same day.