Frequently Asked Questions and General Information
What is my ring size?
Use this ring sizer to determine your size:
Printable Ring Sizer (PDF)
Printable Ring Sizer (PDF)
Do you do jewelry repair/resizing work?
Generally no. We can often do simple repairs on components such as jump rings, etc. But we do not specialize in repairs or resizing.
How much do you charge?
Once again to stay true to our nontraditional nature our average base prices are not per hour, but per piece by complexity.
- Custom Casting: $15 to $30, plus add-ons
- Custom Fabrication: $25 to $35, plus add-ons
What are the stories of the metals?
Learn about the nontraditional metals we use in our jewelry. Click here to read The quick read histories of…
What shipping methods are available?
• Free standard domestic shipping with tracking
• Free local pickup*
• International standard shipping
* By Appointment Only
• Free local pickup*
• International standard shipping
* By Appointment Only
What is Artisan Jewelry?
Artisan jewelry is defined as handmade, one of a kind, or limited edition jewelry created by skilled studio craftspeople. The term can be applied to all jewelry types (fine, fashion, and semi-fine also called bridge) so as long as the context of its definition exists. Art jewelry is often used to describe the same base definition. As the names suggest, this jewelry typically emphasizes creative expression and design over intrinsic value.
As a side note due to the predominance of nontraditional metals or materials our jewelry mostly falls into the fashion/bridge category.
As a side note due to the predominance of nontraditional metals or materials our jewelry mostly falls into the fashion/bridge category.
What is in-house gemological lab service and How is it different than a independent gemological laboratory?
Our in-house gemological lab service refers to the basic identification and grading services done by an in-house gemologist that performs necessary gemological testing. You can submit your item(s) to us to receive basic Identification and grading by our in-house gemologist by going to our other amenities page.
An independent, advanced gemological laboratory goes beyond the basics and can perform advanced testing that includes, but is not limited to: Digital optical imaging, UV-Vis spectroscopy, real-time X-radiography/microradiography, advanced refractometry, high energy UV and X-ray fluorescence, computed micro-tomography (μCT), country-of-origin tests, and conclusive identification of synthetics & most treatments. In some cases, we may recommend referral to an independent advanced gemological laboratory for advanced testing.
An independent, advanced gemological laboratory goes beyond the basics and can perform advanced testing that includes, but is not limited to: Digital optical imaging, UV-Vis spectroscopy, real-time X-radiography/microradiography, advanced refractometry, high energy UV and X-ray fluorescence, computed micro-tomography (μCT), country-of-origin tests, and conclusive identification of synthetics & most treatments. In some cases, we may recommend referral to an independent advanced gemological laboratory for advanced testing.
What does Jump mean?
The term jump describes a ring and/or component that has been pressed instead of soldered shut, therefore having a seam a "jump". Though not as strong as if soldered, it can usually endure normal wear.
This was a important option to have especially in our "stackable rings" as one of our clients deals with arthritis and sometimes their fingers swell and they can't enjoy jewelry otherwise, as this means that the ring can open up a bit to allow it to flex with swelling.
This was a important option to have especially in our "stackable rings" as one of our clients deals with arthritis and sometimes their fingers swell and they can't enjoy jewelry otherwise, as this means that the ring can open up a bit to allow it to flex with swelling.
Do you work with traditional metals (gold, silver, and/or Platinum)?
Short answer, generally no. However we have worked with silver, and more limitedly gold in the past. But of course at higher base costs. Please contact us to discuss possible use of these metals in your item.
My jewelry looks “old”!
Aging (darkening, tarnishing, or oxidizing) is a natural reaction for almost all metals over time depending on the person and environment this could be a fast or slow process. If you like the aging process you can embrace and enjoy it! If you don’t like the aged look of your items clean them up using the info below in the How to clean your jewelry section.
Do you offer any Watch Services?
Short answer, no. We are more versed in the art of Jewelry Design & Manufacture, and gemological science; and not in the art of watchmaking. But on special requests to those who are in the local area we do offer battery replacements. Please visit our Watch Battery Replacements page for more details.
How to clean your jewelry:
Aging (darkening, tarnishing, or oxidizing) is a natural reaction for almost all metals over time depending on the person and environment this could be a fast or slow process. If you don’t like the aged look of your items the key is to deal with it at the first sign before it gets heavy or it’s a lot harder to remove, if it can be at all.
Most often jewelry just needs a routine gentle wipe down with an ultra-soft cloth to remove most grime. But for more resilient dirt the need for deeper gentle cleaning by using a diluted water and gentle soap mix with an ultra-soft cloth or an ultra-soft “baby” toothbrush may be needed. Finish up with a ultra-soft cloth to dry and shine.
If Heavy tarnish (the item is discolored) is allowed to happen it will need an even deeper but still gentle cleaning and can be dealt with in a few ways: Use a dab of a gentle all-purpose jewelry cleaner/polish on an ultra-soft cloth or send it to us for a cleaning.
Some items require more special care in cleaning, below is how to care for them:
Most often jewelry just needs a routine gentle wipe down with an ultra-soft cloth to remove most grime. But for more resilient dirt the need for deeper gentle cleaning by using a diluted water and gentle soap mix with an ultra-soft cloth or an ultra-soft “baby” toothbrush may be needed. Finish up with a ultra-soft cloth to dry and shine.
If Heavy tarnish (the item is discolored) is allowed to happen it will need an even deeper but still gentle cleaning and can be dealt with in a few ways: Use a dab of a gentle all-purpose jewelry cleaner/polish on an ultra-soft cloth or send it to us for a cleaning.
Some items require more special care in cleaning, below is how to care for them:
- To clean patina, lacquered, plated, and other coated items wipe gently with an ultra-soft cloth dry or moist (water only). Use care and clean only when needed to avoid damaging the coatings.
- To clean leather items use an ultra-soft cloth with a diluted water and gentle soap mix. Wipe off excess moisture. Do not submerge in water. Allow the leather to dry completely before storing
- To clean satin finish items gentle wipe down with an ultra-soft cloth to remove most grime. But for more resilient dirt the need for deeper gentle cleaning by using a diluted water and gentle soap mix with an ultra-soft cloth or an ultra-soft “baby” toothbrush may be needed. Finish up with a ultra-soft cloth.
What? I am green!
Copper, copper alloys, and metals alloyed with copper may cause the “Green Effect”, this of course depends on your body chemistry and how the metal reacts to it. The green stains are caused by deposits of copper carbonate; copper in its metallic form cannot be taken in by our bodies, while copper compounds are. They become visible when your body dissolves the copper faster than it absorbs its compounds, they normally absorb & disappear overnight, or they can be washed off with soapy water.
The following will prevent or at least diminish the effect:
The following will prevent or at least diminish the effect:
- Apply a thin layer of anti-perspirant to the area where the Jewelry will lay this will prevent perspiration from reacting with the metal.
- Keep your skin clean & dry, and also keep jewelry clean as tarnish will increase the possibility of green. Now if you like the “aged” look but do not want the green, we can seal the age with a clear lacquer just send us the piece and we will do the rest.
Basic General Care Tips:
- It is recommended to use any perfumes, alcohol-based solutions such as hand sanitizers, hairsprays, or lotions before putting on your jewelry, as repeated contact with such chemicals can cause the materials to dull, oxidize or be damaged. Take the time to insure that cosmetics, alcohol-based solutions, and perfumes are dry/set on your skin.
- Remove jewelry when bathing, cleaning, or performing strenuous physical activities. Wearing in very humid, salty, or chemical environments (such as a beach, sauna, or pool) is not recommended as it can cause items to tarnish prematurely. Avoid exposure to abrasive surfaces. Avoid prolonged exposure to intense light, heat, cold, and moisture. Submerging in water or the use of cleaning chemicals may cause irreversible damage.
- Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place. It is recommended to keep your jewelry in its original box when not in use, if not then at least a fabric-lined jewelry case or box with compartments and dividers with a piece of chalk or an anti-tarnish tab. Just as you like to have your own spaces don’t jumble your jewelry pieces in a drawer or jewelry case, keep them in their place.
How do I pay my Paypal invoice?
You can pay a money request or invoice by clicking Pay Now in the email you received from paypal. - If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can create a new account before you pay. If you don’t want to create an account, you can pay using a credit or debit card.
Here’s how:
Here’s how:
- Check your email inbox for an email from us that includes the money request or invoice.
- Click the Pay Now button in the email. (If you don’t see it, click the link in the email, or copy and paste the link into your browser’s address bar.)
- If you already have a PayPal account, enter your password and click Log In.
- Review the money request or invoice, and then click Pay Now to complete your transaction.
- To create a new PayPal account and pay using your new account, click Continue and follow the instructions.
- To pay without creating a PayPal account, click debit or credit card.
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