Do you accept returns?
Yes, I gladly accept returns and exchanges (however not on custom orders). I pride myself of my workmanship and the fine quality of gems used and strive for 100% satisfaction. If you are dissatisfied, for any reason please notify me within 3 days of receiving the item. I will adjust the item to your specifications, or gladly refund your purchase price (not the shipping costs) after the item has been received back.
All items must be returned in new/unused condition, postage is paid by the buyer and item must be shipped back within 7 days.
Do you do offer CUSTOM WORK services?
Yes, and I love working on making your dream jewelry a reality and will work hard to achieve that goal.
There is a 25% (nonrefundable) deposit required for custom work.
Ugh, I’ve lost an earring . . . can you help?
We all have lost earrings and yes it’s a bummer! Should you lose an earring, please contact me. If I have the components/stones, I will gladly remake one for you at half the price of the original pair or at a negotiated price.
How should I store/protect jewelry?
Store your jewelry in a container and prevent pieces from moving around. It is advised that you keep your pieces wrapped up in tarnish prevention cloths or an air-tight protective bag. A plastic zip-lock bag is ideal.
Sterling silver should be stored away from moisture and oxygen and excess contact with water should be avoided (remove before showering and swimming if possible). Moisturizers, perfumes, hair and body products will also hasten the tarnishing process so it is best to apply those before your jewelry. Skin chemistry can the also be the culprit in a piece that is tarnishing quickly, this can't really be avoided but is not generally harmful and does not indicate a problem with the metal.
What can you tell me about Oxidized Sterling silver?
Oxidized Sterling silver undergoes a special surface treatment (oxidation is also a process that happens over time naturally to sterling silver). Never use any abrasive methods to clean these pieces, as these will remove the surface treatment all together. The best way to care for these pieces is to rub them gently with a soft cloth (cotton jersey is great) lengthwise in one direction. If they remain dull or have residue on them you can first soak them in warm soapy water and gently go over the area with your fingers and then pat dry thouroughly (never rub). The black oxidation will occasional change over time and the patina may change. It depends on individual body chemistry as to if the tarnish will wear off as well as how much contact the jewelry has with skin. The patina will change as the piece ages, making your piece unique to you, and growing more beautiful with wear. If over time you’d like an item re-oxidized, I am happy to provide that service for a nominal fee.
Gold, Gold Fill, Gold Vermeil, Gold Plate . . . so what's the difference?
Gold-plated jewelry has a base of some other metal, such as brass, covered with a thin layer of gold. This is what you’ll find on the lower end of the price spectrum. Gold-plated jewelry rubs off easily, revealing the metal underneath and losing its color and shine quickly. It also tarnishes quickly from my own personal experience.
Gold vermeil is similar to gold-plated jewelry but the difference is that the layer of gold is thicker and the metal underneath is sterling silver. It will last longer than gold-plated jewelry, but the gold layer can still rub off and reveal the silver underneath.
Gold-filled jewelry, contrary to the name, is not actually filled with gold. Rather, a thick layer of gold is bonded to another metal, such as brass or copper. The gold layer is 5% of the total weight. Gold-filled jewelry is a great economical alternative to solid gold. If taken care of, it can last as long as solid gold and won’t tarnish or rub off.
Solid gold jewelry is not actually 100% solid gold, because pure gold is too soft to create durable jewelry. Instead, gold is alloyed with a mixture of metals like silver, copper, and zinc. Solid gold jewelry is the most expensive and high quality option as it’s long-lasting, doesn’t rub off or flake, and doesn’t tarnish. 14k, 18k and 22k are all gold alloys that make for some beautiful jewelry!
What about Opal care?
As with all opals, they should NOT be cleaned by steam, in an ultrasonic cleaner, with any harsh cleaning agents, or warm soapy water because of its hydrophane nature – cleaning an Ethiopian opal with soapy water or other liquids could cause contamination of the gem if any residue remains in the opal after drying. Trapped residue could reduce play of color, negatively affect transparency, change the gem’s color, or cause internal cracking. AFTER EVERY WEAR, THE BEST CLEANING METHOD FOR ETHIOPIAN OPAL JEWELRY IS TO USE A CLEAN, SOFT, DRY MICROFIBER CLOTH TO GENTLY REMOVE FINGERPRINTS, DIRT, RESIDUE, AND OILS. Short-term contact with plain water does not seem to harm Ethiopian opals. If the Opal gets wet from rain or other cause, simply dry off surface with a clean microfiber cloth and then let the stone naturally air dry for 24-36 hours – any absorbed water will leave the stone and its play of color should be restored to its previous state without any cracking. Do not attempt to speed up the natural air-drying process by applying heat of any kind.
Yes, I gladly accept returns and exchanges (however not on custom orders). I pride myself of my workmanship and the fine quality of gems used and strive for 100% satisfaction. If you are dissatisfied, for any reason please notify me within 3 days of receiving the item. I will adjust the item to your specifications, or gladly refund your purchase price (not the shipping costs) after the item has been received back.
All items must be returned in new/unused condition, postage is paid by the buyer and item must be shipped back within 7 days.
Do you do offer CUSTOM WORK services?
Yes, and I love working on making your dream jewelry a reality and will work hard to achieve that goal.
There is a 25% (nonrefundable) deposit required for custom work.
Ugh, I’ve lost an earring . . . can you help?
We all have lost earrings and yes it’s a bummer! Should you lose an earring, please contact me. If I have the components/stones, I will gladly remake one for you at half the price of the original pair or at a negotiated price.
How should I store/protect jewelry?
Store your jewelry in a container and prevent pieces from moving around. It is advised that you keep your pieces wrapped up in tarnish prevention cloths or an air-tight protective bag. A plastic zip-lock bag is ideal.
Sterling silver should be stored away from moisture and oxygen and excess contact with water should be avoided (remove before showering and swimming if possible). Moisturizers, perfumes, hair and body products will also hasten the tarnishing process so it is best to apply those before your jewelry. Skin chemistry can the also be the culprit in a piece that is tarnishing quickly, this can't really be avoided but is not generally harmful and does not indicate a problem with the metal.
What can you tell me about Oxidized Sterling silver?
Oxidized Sterling silver undergoes a special surface treatment (oxidation is also a process that happens over time naturally to sterling silver). Never use any abrasive methods to clean these pieces, as these will remove the surface treatment all together. The best way to care for these pieces is to rub them gently with a soft cloth (cotton jersey is great) lengthwise in one direction. If they remain dull or have residue on them you can first soak them in warm soapy water and gently go over the area with your fingers and then pat dry thouroughly (never rub). The black oxidation will occasional change over time and the patina may change. It depends on individual body chemistry as to if the tarnish will wear off as well as how much contact the jewelry has with skin. The patina will change as the piece ages, making your piece unique to you, and growing more beautiful with wear. If over time you’d like an item re-oxidized, I am happy to provide that service for a nominal fee.
Gold, Gold Fill, Gold Vermeil, Gold Plate . . . so what's the difference?
Gold-plated jewelry has a base of some other metal, such as brass, covered with a thin layer of gold. This is what you’ll find on the lower end of the price spectrum. Gold-plated jewelry rubs off easily, revealing the metal underneath and losing its color and shine quickly. It also tarnishes quickly from my own personal experience.
Gold vermeil is similar to gold-plated jewelry but the difference is that the layer of gold is thicker and the metal underneath is sterling silver. It will last longer than gold-plated jewelry, but the gold layer can still rub off and reveal the silver underneath.
Gold-filled jewelry, contrary to the name, is not actually filled with gold. Rather, a thick layer of gold is bonded to another metal, such as brass or copper. The gold layer is 5% of the total weight. Gold-filled jewelry is a great economical alternative to solid gold. If taken care of, it can last as long as solid gold and won’t tarnish or rub off.
Solid gold jewelry is not actually 100% solid gold, because pure gold is too soft to create durable jewelry. Instead, gold is alloyed with a mixture of metals like silver, copper, and zinc. Solid gold jewelry is the most expensive and high quality option as it’s long-lasting, doesn’t rub off or flake, and doesn’t tarnish. 14k, 18k and 22k are all gold alloys that make for some beautiful jewelry!
What about Opal care?
As with all opals, they should NOT be cleaned by steam, in an ultrasonic cleaner, with any harsh cleaning agents, or warm soapy water because of its hydrophane nature – cleaning an Ethiopian opal with soapy water or other liquids could cause contamination of the gem if any residue remains in the opal after drying. Trapped residue could reduce play of color, negatively affect transparency, change the gem’s color, or cause internal cracking. AFTER EVERY WEAR, THE BEST CLEANING METHOD FOR ETHIOPIAN OPAL JEWELRY IS TO USE A CLEAN, SOFT, DRY MICROFIBER CLOTH TO GENTLY REMOVE FINGERPRINTS, DIRT, RESIDUE, AND OILS. Short-term contact with plain water does not seem to harm Ethiopian opals. If the Opal gets wet from rain or other cause, simply dry off surface with a clean microfiber cloth and then let the stone naturally air dry for 24-36 hours – any absorbed water will leave the stone and its play of color should be restored to its previous state without any cracking. Do not attempt to speed up the natural air-drying process by applying heat of any kind.