Frequently Asked Questions and General Information
What is my ring size?
Please use this ring sizer to determine your size: Printable Ring Sizer (PDF)
Most of our jewelry is not resizable and would require it to be rebuilt if resizing is required. So please make sure to find the best size for you!
Most of our jewelry is not resizable and would require it to be rebuilt if resizing is required. So please make sure to find the best size for you!
Do you repair jewelry or offer resizing?
Generally no. We can often do very simple repairs on components such as jump rings, etc. But we do not specialize in repairs or resizing.
We guarantee our jewelry against all defects in material or workmanship. So if your jewelry breaks due to a material or workmanship error we will repair it. Not all items can be repaired and would need to be rebuilt. If you jewelry is still under the Workmanship Warranty and the repair is needed due to a material or workmanship error the work will be done all without charge. If the repair is needed due to normal wear and tear or caused by abuse work will be done for a fee. Most of our jewelry is not resizable and would require it to be rebuilt if resizing is required.
We guarantee our jewelry against all defects in material or workmanship. So if your jewelry breaks due to a material or workmanship error we will repair it. Not all items can be repaired and would need to be rebuilt. If you jewelry is still under the Workmanship Warranty and the repair is needed due to a material or workmanship error the work will be done all without charge. If the repair is needed due to normal wear and tear or caused by abuse work will be done for a fee. Most of our jewelry is not resizable and would require it to be rebuilt if resizing is required.
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…
Do you work with traditional metals (gold, silver, and/or Platinum)?
Generally no. However, on special request, we have worked with sterling silver in the past. But of course, at higher base costs. Please feel free to contact us if you’d like to discuss using this metal as a base in your design.
What shipping methods are available?
• Standard domestic shipping
• Free local pickup*
Footnotes: *In-person pickup by appointment only.
• Free local pickup*
Footnotes: *In-person pickup by appointment only.
How do I pay/what payment methods do you accept?
The payment process is handled by standard invoicing, starting with an estimate (if requested), a deposit before production, and the remaining amount when complete prior to pickup or delivery.
We can accept checks, money orders, and cash payments. For those that are not in the local area and are not comfortable sending payments through the mail, your bank may have a "bill pay" option that can safely handle the payments. Currently, we do not accept card or other online payments at this time.
We can accept checks, money orders, and cash payments. For those that are not in the local area and are not comfortable sending payments through the mail, your bank may have a "bill pay" option that can safely handle the payments. Currently, we do not accept card or other online payments at this time.
What is Artisan Jewelry?
Artisan jewelry is defined as jewelry created by skilled studio craftspeople and often one of a kind, limited edition, non-mass-produced and/or handmade. The term can be applied to all jewelry categories (fine, fashion/costume, and semi-fine also sometimes called bridge) so as long as the context of its definition exists. Art jewelry (sometimes referred to as a category itself) is often used to describe the same base definition. As the names suggest, this jewelry is typically emphasized with creative expression and design over intrinsic value.
What’s a Jewelry Artist?
A jewelry artist is mostly a "jeweler (one who makes or repairs jewelry)" by another name. However, it often refers to a jeweler focused on designing and creating jewelry rather than repairing it.
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 standard gemological testing and grading. We use conventional and some unconventional gemological testing equipment to uncover your stone’s attributes. 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 and grading using both standard and advanced gemological testing equipment that includes, but is not limited to: Digital optical imaging (to determine proportions, measurements, facet angles, and potentially other characteristics), 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 and grading using both standard and advanced gemological testing equipment that includes, but is not limited to: Digital optical imaging (to determine proportions, measurements, facet angles, and potentially other characteristics), 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 an important option for us to think about especially in our "stackable rings" as a number of our customers deal with arthritis and sometimes their fingers swell and they can't enjoy their jewelry or it becomes stuck, but with this jump the ring can open up a bit to allow it to flex with swelling.
This was an important option for us to think about especially in our "stackable rings" as a number of our customers deal with arthritis and sometimes their fingers swell and they can't enjoy their jewelry or it becomes stuck, but with this jump the ring can open up a bit to allow it to flex with swelling.
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 Watch Services?
Yes and no. We are more versed in the art of Jewelry Design & Manufacture, and gemological science; and not in the art of watchmaking. Therefore we don't do any mechanical repair or servicing. But 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.
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