Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions,
we've got answers
We get a lot of the same questions before people order — about the engraving, the materials, what to put on the tag, how long delivery takes. We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, just message us — we're real people in a real workshop, and we like talking to dog owners.
Will the engraving fade over time?
No. Our engraving is 2.5D — meaning it's cut deep into the metal, not printed on the surface. The colour is hand-applied into the engraved channel and bonds with the metal. Even after years of wear, mud, salt water and dog play, the text stays sharp and readable. We're so confident in this that we offer a lifetime guarantee on the engraving — if it ever becomes hard to read, we'll replace it free.
Are your dog tags rust-proof?
Yes. We make our dog tags from solid brass, which doesn't rust. Brass develops a natural patina over time (a soft golden-brown tone) but this doesn't affect the engraving and many customers actually like the aged look. If you prefer the original mirror finish, you can polish it back in seconds with any household brass cleaner.
What's the difference between brass and other tag materials?
Brass is heavier, sturdier and won't rust — three things you don't get with cheaper aluminium or plated tags. Aluminium tags are lighter but bend easily and the engraving wears off quickly. Stainless steel is durable but the engraving is usually shallow and surface-level. Our brass tags are 2mm thick (much thicker than most), with deep 2.5D engraving filled with colour — built to last for the life of your dog.
How thick are your dog tags?
Our brass dog tags are 2mm thick. Most tags on the market are around 1mm or thinner — meaning they bend, scratch easily, and the engraving wears off faster. The extra thickness gives the tag real weight, makes it harder to bend, and gives us enough material to engrave deeply without compromising strength.
Does brass tarnish?
Yes — but it's not a problem. Brass develops a natural patina over time, especially with daily wear. This is a slow, even darkening that many people find attractive. It doesn't affect the engraving or the structural quality of the tag. If you prefer the original bright finish, you can polish it back in seconds with any brass cleaner from a hardware shop.
Is this tag legal for UK dogs?
Yes — and we make sure of it. UK law (the Control of Dogs Order 1992) requires every dog in a public place to wear a collar with a tag showing the owner's name and full address (including postcode). Phone numbers aren't legally required but we always recommend adding one. Our personalisation flow guides you through what to include so you don't miss anything.
What information should I put on a dog tag?
The legally required information is your full name and address with postcode. Beyond that, we recommend a phone number (so anyone who finds your dog can call you immediately) and optionally "Microchipped" (to discourage theft). You don't have to include your dog's name — some owners deliberately leave it off so a stranger can't call the dog by name.
How do I choose the right size for my dog?
We make two sizes: 25mm (medium) and 30mm (large). The 25mm is our most versatile — it works for most dogs from chihuahuas to medium-sized labradors, and even cats. The 30mm is for larger breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Newfoundlands. If you're unsure, the 25mm is almost always the right call. Still not sure? Send us a message with your dog's breed and we'll help.
How long does the engraving last?
For the lifetime of the tag — guaranteed. Our 2.5D deep engraving is cut into the metal, not printed on it. The colour is hand-applied into the engraved channels and bonded with the brass. Customers regularly come back four years later to order a tag for a new puppy and tell us the original is still perfectly readable. If yours ever isn't, we'll replace it.
How many lines of text fit on the tag?
Our hoop tags have three engraving zones — left, right, and bottom — which lets us fit more information cleanly than a standard disc tag. We don't enforce a strict character limit because we adjust the font size to fit your text. If you want a lot of detail, we make it work; if you want minimal text, it'll look bold and clean.
Do I have to engrave my dog's name on the tag?
No. Some owners deliberately leave the dog's name off so a stranger can't call the dog by name (a small safety consideration). The legal requirement is your full name, address and postcode — your dog's name is optional. Many customers use the name space for "Microchipped" or "Please call" instead.
Can I order a custom design?
Yes — and we don't charge extra for it (unless it's a genuinely complex request). We're jewellers, not a stamp factory. If you have a specific design in mind, message us first and we'll let you know if it's possible. Most things are. We've engraved everything from family crests to children's drawings to coordinates of where someone got married.
Can I change my engraving after I've ordered?
Yes, as long as we haven't started making it. We aim to dispatch within 3 working days, so message us as soon as possible — we'll usually catch the order before it's cut. Once the engraving is done, we can't undo it (it's cut into the metal), but we'll always do our best to help.
What if my text is too long?
We'll make it fit. Unlike most engravers, we don't enforce strict character limits — we adjust the font size to fit your message. If your text is so long that it would become unreadable at small size, we'll message you to discuss alternatives before we cut anything.
Can I use the tag as a keychain?
Yes — quite a lot of customers do. The 25mm round in particular works beautifully as a key fob for house keys or car keys. It's much more durable than the cheap engraved keychains you get from key cutters, and it makes a nice gift. Just tell us how you want it engraved and we'll set it up the same way.
Can I have engraving on the front and back?
Yes — every tag is engraved front and back as standard. The front uses our 2.5D deep engraving with colour fill (the premium look). The back uses standard deep engraving (still very durable, just without the colour). On some product variants we charge a small extra for back engraving — this will be clearly shown at checkout.
What colours can I choose?
Our six standard colours are black, blue, green, red, pink, and purple. We can sometimes do custom colours on request — if you want something specific that's not in the list, just message us before ordering and we'll let you know if we can match it.
What kind of photo do I need to send for a memorial necklace?
Almost any photo works. We've engraved memorial pieces from old phone photos, low-resolution images, and photos other engravers said were too poor quality to use. The only ones we genuinely can't use are photos that are completely blurred or destroyed by camera flash. Everything else, we'll make work — we'd rather hear from you with a photo you're worried about than not hear from you at all.
Will you send me a preview of how the engraving will look?
We can if you'd like — just ask. Most customers don't, because they trust us with the work, and we'd rather you have your finished piece sooner than spend days going back and forth on previews. But if you'd feel better seeing a preview first, we're happy to send one. Either way is fine.
Can you work with a low-quality or blurry photo?
In nearly every case, yes. Twenty years of jewellery experience and a professional laser gives us a lot more flexibility than most engravers. We've worked from grainy photos, faded prints, and even photos taken of existing pieces of jewellery. The only ones we genuinely can't use are completely blurred photos or images destroyed by flash glare. If you're worried about your photo, send it over and we'll tell you honestly.
Can you recreate a fingerprint from existing jewellery?
Yes. If you have a fingerprint pendant or ring already and you want a matching or replacement piece, just send us a clear photo of the existing engraving and we'll recreate it. This is more common than you'd think — usually for matching pieces, replacement of lost jewellery, or re-creating something from someone who's passed.
Do you charge extra for the design work?
No — design and image preparation are included in the price. Most engravers charge £15-£25 extra for "custom design fees" or "image setup." We don't. The only extra cost is if you want a second image on the back, which is a small add-on shown clearly at checkout.
How long will my order take?
We aim to dispatch within 3 working days of you placing the order. Royal Mail then typically takes 1-3 days to deliver in the UK. So most orders arrive within a week. We also offer expedited shipping at checkout if you need it sooner — and if you have a deadline (a funeral, a birthday, a moving day), just message us and we'll do our best to prioritise.
Do you offer expedited shipping?
Yes — there's a tracked, faster shipping option at checkout. If your timeline is genuinely urgent (e.g. a memorial piece needed for a funeral), message us before ordering and we'll work out the fastest way to get it to you. We can sometimes dispatch same-day for genuine emergencies.
What if my parcel is lost in the post?
We'll send a replacement. Royal Mail occasionally loses or significantly delays parcels — it's frustrating but it happens, and it's not your fault. If your tracking shows your parcel has been stuck or hasn't arrived within a reasonable timeframe, just message us. We don't make you chase Royal Mail or jump through hoops — we'll get a replacement made and sent.
What's your return policy on personalised items?
Personalised items aren't legally returnable under UK consumer law (because they're made specifically for you). However, if there's a fault, a mistake, or anything you're not happy with, we'll always make it right — replacement, refund, or remake, whichever suits. We're not interested in the small print. If something's wrong, message us and we'll sort it.
I made a mistake on my order — what now?
Message us as fast as you can. We aim to dispatch within 3 working days, so if you spot the mistake quickly we can almost always catch it before we cut anything. If we've already engraved it, we'll talk through options — sometimes we'll remake at a discount, sometimes we'll find another solution. We don't ask whose fault it was.
What does the lifetime guarantee cover?
If the engraving ever becomes hard to read because of normal wear, we'll replace the tag free. That covers the typical reasons engraving fails on cheaper tags — fading, wearing off, or the colour rubbing out. We've been making these for years and the engraving genuinely doesn't fade, but we stand by it for life regardless.
What's not covered by the guarantee?
Loss, theft, or accidental damage (e.g. if your dog chews the tag, you run it over, or it gets crushed). The guarantee covers the engraving's durability — not the tag's existence. If your tag is lost or destroyed, we'll always offer a discount on a replacement, just not a free one.
How do I claim the guarantee?
Just message us with a photo of the tag. No forms, no proof of purchase needed (we keep our records). We'll confirm the replacement and send it out — usually within the same 3-day dispatch window as a new order.
How do I clean and care for my dog tag?
Brass develops a natural patina over time which doesn't affect the engraving. If you prefer the original mirror finish, polish it occasionally with any household brass cleaner — takes about 30 seconds. For sterling silver memorial pieces, send them back to us and we'll polish them free for life. We'll also be adding short care videos to the website soon.
Do you polish memorial jewellery for free?
Yes — for life. Sterling silver tarnishes naturally with wear, and we want your piece to look as beautiful as the day it arrived for as long as you have it. Send it back any time and we'll polish it back to mirror finish, free of charge. Chain repair is also included if anything ever needs fixing.
Will the engraving fade over time?
No. Our engraving is 2.5D — meaning it's cut deep into the metal, not printed on the surface. The colour is hand-applied into the engraved channel and bonds with the metal. Even after years of wear, mud, salt water and dog play, the text stays sharp and readable. We're so confident in this that we offer a lifetime guarantee on the engraving — if it ever becomes hard to read, we'll replace it free.
Are your dog tags rust-proof?
Yes. We make our dog tags from solid brass, which doesn't rust. Brass develops a natural patina over time (a soft golden-brown tone) but this doesn't affect the engraving and many customers actually like the aged look. If you prefer the original mirror finish, you can polish it back in seconds with any household brass cleaner.
What's the difference between brass and other tag materials?
Brass is heavier, sturdier and won't rust — three things you don't get with cheaper aluminium or plated tags. Aluminium tags are lighter but bend easily and the engraving wears off quickly. Stainless steel is durable but the engraving is usually shallow and surface-level. Our brass tags are 2mm thick (much thicker than most), with deep 2.5D engraving filled with colour — built to last for the life of your dog.
How thick are your dog tags?
Our brass dog tags are 2mm thick. Most tags on the market are around 1mm or thinner — meaning they bend, scratch easily, and the engraving wears off faster. The extra thickness gives the tag real weight, makes it harder to bend, and gives us enough material to engrave deeply without compromising strength.
Does brass tarnish?
Yes — but it's not a problem. Brass develops a natural patina over time, especially with daily wear. This is a slow, even darkening that many people find attractive. It doesn't affect the engraving or the structural quality of the tag. If you prefer the original bright finish, you can polish it back in seconds with any brass cleaner from a hardware shop.
Is this tag legal for UK dogs?
Yes — and we make sure of it. UK law (the Control of Dogs Order 1992) requires every dog in a public place to wear a collar with a tag showing the owner's name and full address (including postcode). Phone numbers aren't legally required but we always recommend adding one. Our personalisation flow guides you through what to include so you don't miss anything.
What information should I put on a dog tag?
The legally required information is your full name and address with postcode. Beyond that, we recommend a phone number (so anyone who finds your dog can call you immediately) and optionally "Microchipped" (to discourage theft). You don't have to include your dog's name — some owners deliberately leave it off so a stranger can't call the dog by name.
How do I choose the right size for my dog?
We make two sizes: 25mm (medium) and 30mm (large). The 25mm is our most versatile — it works for most dogs from chihuahuas to medium-sized labradors, and even cats. The 30mm is for larger breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Newfoundlands. If you're unsure, the 25mm is almost always the right call. Still not sure? Send us a message with your dog's breed and we'll help.
How long does the engraving last?
For the lifetime of the tag — guaranteed. Our 2.5D deep engraving is cut into the metal, not printed on it. The colour is hand-applied into the engraved channels and bonded with the brass. Customers regularly come back four years later to order a tag for a new puppy and tell us the original is still perfectly readable. If yours ever isn't, we'll replace it.
How many lines of text fit on the tag?
Our hoop tags have three engraving zones — left, right, and bottom — which lets us fit more information cleanly than a standard disc tag. We don't enforce a strict character limit because we adjust the font size to fit your text. If you want a lot of detail, we make it work; if you want minimal text, it'll look bold and clean.
Do I have to engrave my dog's name on the tag?
No. Some owners deliberately leave the dog's name off so a stranger can't call the dog by name (a small safety consideration). The legal requirement is your full name, address and postcode — your dog's name is optional. Many customers use the name space for "Microchipped" or "Please call" instead.
Can I order a custom design?
Yes — and we don't charge extra for it (unless it's a genuinely complex request). We're jewellers, not a stamp factory. If you have a specific design in mind, message us first and we'll let you know if it's possible. Most things are. We've engraved everything from family crests to children's drawings to coordinates of where someone got married.
Can I change my engraving after I've ordered?
Yes, as long as we haven't started making it. We aim to dispatch within 3 working days, so message us as soon as possible — we'll usually catch the order before it's cut. Once the engraving is done, we can't undo it (it's cut into the metal), but we'll always do our best to help.
What if my text is too long?
We'll make it fit. Unlike most engravers, we don't enforce strict character limits — we adjust the font size to fit your message. If your text is so long that it would become unreadable at small size, we'll message you to discuss alternatives before we cut anything.
Can I use the tag as a keychain?
Yes — quite a lot of customers do. The 25mm round in particular works beautifully as a key fob for house keys or car keys. It's much more durable than the cheap engraved keychains you get from key cutters, and it makes a nice gift. Just tell us how you want it engraved and we'll set it up the same way.
Can I have engraving on the front and back?
Yes — every tag is engraved front and back as standard. The front uses our 2.5D deep engraving with colour fill (the premium look). The back uses standard deep engraving (still very durable, just without the colour). On some product variants we charge a small extra for back engraving — this will be clearly shown at checkout.
What colours can I choose?
Our six standard colours are black, blue, green, red, pink, and purple. We can sometimes do custom colours on request — if you want something specific that's not in the list, just message us before ordering and we'll let you know if we can match it.
What kind of photo do I need to send for a memorial necklace?
Almost any photo works. We've engraved memorial pieces from old phone photos, low-resolution images, and photos other engravers said were too poor quality to use. The only ones we genuinely can't use are photos that are completely blurred or destroyed by camera flash. Everything else, we'll make work — we'd rather hear from you with a photo you're worried about than not hear from you at all.
Will you send me a preview of how the engraving will look?
We can if you'd like — just ask. Most customers don't, because they trust us with the work, and we'd rather you have your finished piece sooner than spend days going back and forth on previews. But if you'd feel better seeing a preview first, we're happy to send one. Either way is fine.
Can you work with a low-quality or blurry photo?
In nearly every case, yes. Twenty years of jewellery experience and a professional laser gives us a lot more flexibility than most engravers. We've worked from grainy photos, faded prints, and even photos taken of existing pieces of jewellery. The only ones we genuinely can't use are completely blurred photos or images destroyed by flash glare. If you're worried about your photo, send it over and we'll tell you honestly.
Can you recreate a fingerprint from existing jewellery?
Yes. If you have a fingerprint pendant or ring already and you want a matching or replacement piece, just send us a clear photo of the existing engraving and we'll recreate it. This is more common than you'd think — usually for matching pieces, replacement of lost jewellery, or re-creating something from someone who's passed.
Do you charge extra for the design work?
No — design and image preparation are included in the price. Most engravers charge £15-£25 extra for "custom design fees" or "image setup." We don't. The only extra cost is if you want a second image on the back, which is a small add-on shown clearly at checkout.
How long will my order take?
We aim to dispatch within 3 working days of you placing the order. Royal Mail then typically takes 1-3 days to deliver in the UK. So most orders arrive within a week. We also offer expedited shipping at checkout if you need it sooner — and if you have a deadline (a funeral, a birthday, a moving day), just message us and we'll do our best to prioritise.
Do you offer expedited shipping?
Yes — there's a tracked, faster shipping option at checkout. If your timeline is genuinely urgent (e.g. a memorial piece needed for a funeral), message us before ordering and we'll work out the fastest way to get it to you. We can sometimes dispatch same-day for genuine emergencies.
What if my parcel is lost in the post?
We'll send a replacement. Royal Mail occasionally loses or significantly delays parcels — it's frustrating but it happens, and it's not your fault. If your tracking shows your parcel has been stuck or hasn't arrived within a reasonable timeframe, just message us. We don't make you chase Royal Mail or jump through hoops — we'll get a replacement made and sent.
What's your return policy on personalised items?
Personalised items aren't legally returnable under UK consumer law (because they're made specifically for you). However, if there's a fault, a mistake, or anything you're not happy with, we'll always make it right — replacement, refund, or remake, whichever suits. We're not interested in the small print. If something's wrong, message us and we'll sort it.
I made a mistake on my order — what now?
Message us as fast as you can. We aim to dispatch within 3 working days, so if you spot the mistake quickly we can almost always catch it before we cut anything. If we've already engraved it, we'll talk through options — sometimes we'll remake at a discount, sometimes we'll find another solution. We don't ask whose fault it was.
What does the lifetime guarantee cover?
If the engraving ever becomes hard to read because of normal wear, we'll replace the tag free. That covers the typical reasons engraving fails on cheaper tags — fading, wearing off, or the colour rubbing out. We've been making these for years and the engraving genuinely doesn't fade, but we stand by it for life regardless.
What's not covered by the guarantee?
Loss, theft, or accidental damage (e.g. if your dog chews the tag, you run it over, or it gets crushed). The guarantee covers the engraving's durability — not the tag's existence. If your tag is lost or destroyed, we'll always offer a discount on a replacement, just not a free one.
How do I claim the guarantee?
Just message us with a photo of the tag. No forms, no proof of purchase needed (we keep our records). We'll confirm the replacement and send it out — usually within the same 3-day dispatch window as a new order.
How do I clean and care for my dog tag?
Brass develops a natural patina over time which doesn't affect the engraving. If you prefer the original mirror finish, polish it occasionally with any household brass cleaner — takes about 30 seconds. For sterling silver memorial pieces, send them back to us and we'll polish them free for life. We'll also be adding short care videos to the website soon.
Do you polish memorial jewellery for free?
Yes — for life. Sterling silver tarnishes naturally with wear, and we want your piece to look as beautiful as the day it arrived for as long as you have it. Send it back any time and we'll polish it back to mirror finish, free of charge. Chain repair is also included if anything ever needs fixing.