Frequently Asked Questions
For information regarding shipping and returns, please consult the dedicated policies:
CUSTOM ORDERS/DESIGNS
How do I place a custom order?
Please navigate to my Custom Jewelry CAD page to read all of the information and kick off the process! If you have any questions after reading that, do not hesitate to contact me!
What are your make times?
Make times are generally anywhere from 3-6 weeks currently from CAD approval, and can be affected by a variety of factors:
- Needing to sourcing materials that I do not carry in my regular stock, such as a gemstone
- Unforeseen logistical issues with my casting companies
- Illness or otherwise unavailable to work
- Issues with your order that require remaking any part of it
I understand that timing can be crucial with jewelry orders, so in the event that your make time changes beyond my standard turnaround, I will communicate that as soon as I am aware. If you have a time-sensitive or rush request, please let me know ASAP so I can tell you if it is doable or not and how much it will affect costs.
How often will you keep me updated?
I believe more communication is better than less, so I plan to let you know any time I have a major update on your order. Among standard updates like order/shipping confirmations, I will also confirm when your order has been sent to casting, when I receive the cast for your order, and when I have finished your piece for pre-shipment approval. If I am sourcing a stone for you, I will let you know when the stone has been shipped to me and when I receive it. I do not want there to be any surprises here, that's for sure!
Can you make me a copy of a piece of jewelry you've made before?
As a rule, all of my pieces are one-of-a-kind and I will not make an exact copy of the same piece. Using the same base design for the setting obviously complicates what is considered a "copy," so here are the exact parameters that I mean by copy:
- The same base setting, with the same metal (even if it is a different ring size)
- The same stone type, color, and shape (for calibrated lab stones, natural stones and labs with non-calibrated cuts will almost always guarantee a design cannot be copied)
This rule doesn't prevent you from getting an Empyrean Daybreak ring in 14k yellow gold with a colorless marquise diamond just because someone else did, but the point of the rule is to prevent my work from feeling like copy/paste stock jewelry as opposed to each piece being crafted specifically for one owner. In the case of diamonds, even lab diamonds vary greatly with the same specifications, so you do not have to worry about someone "stealing" your dream jewelry before you have a chance to order it yourself.
My exceptions to the rule would be if the original client requested the following:
- A remake due to loss of the original
- A decoy/travel copy with less expensive materials
- A matching piece to give to loved one (or enemy, I suppose)
The above assumes that it is possible to copy the original piece, as very unique center stones will obviously make that impossible. If you by chance still have your center stone and want to reuse it for a remake, you will have the option of shipping it back to me.
Can you make a design that does not currently exist in your catalog?
Potentially, if I review your request and decide that it not only suits my skill level but is also something I am willing to take on. I will not willfully copy another designer's work, for example. Please note that if the design fits well with my catalog, I reserve the right to start offering it as a base design for custom orders.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, I offer payment plans for custom orders, but I require at least 50% of the total cost to begin work. Between production starting on your piece and it being shipped, you can choose to work out a payment schedule with me for the remaining 50%. Your order will not be shipped until it is paid in full.
If a custom order requires me sourcing a stone or material that I do not have in stock, the associated cost of that portion will be due in full to begin work, plus the regular 50% or greater deposit for the rest of the work.
If you require a payment plan that goes beyond what I offer, Shop Pay Installments is a built-in, third party option at checkout.
MATERIALS
What types of gemstones do you work with?
I work with a wide variety of mined and lab stones, because I simply find a wide variety of gemstones beautiful and interesting! That being said, I do not guarantee that every stone will be the right fit for your lifestyle/the frequency that you would like to wear your ring. I report information on each individual stone as accurately and complete to my knowledge as possible so you can make an informed decision on whether or not to purchase it. If you have any questions about a specific stone or project you have in mind, as always, just let me know.
What types of metals do you work with?
I like to offer as many metal options as I have at my disposal, because I want to cater to as many peoples' tastes as I can. I currently offer:
- Sterling silver*
- Argentium Silver
- Brass*
- Bronze*
- Copper*
- Yellow Gold (10k, 14k, 18k)
- White gold (10k, 14k, 18k) CONTAINS NICKEL
- Rose Gold (14k, 18k)
- Platinum
*Metals listed with an asterisk will develop a visible patina over time due to oxidization. Please choose your desired metal according to the look and level of maintenance you are comfortable with. Other metals will be much more resistant to developing patinas. While platinum does not patina due to oxidization, it will develop a similar look due to micro-abrasions.
Please note that I do not plate any of my metals, so if this is a concern for you, please reach out before placing your order.
Will my skin turn green/black from your jewelry?
Possibly! It's going to depend on your own biology and your choice of metal. The effect is generally not considered harmful to your health, so if you don't mind it then it isn't cause for alarm. The culprit is going to be copper content, so if you order your piece in full copper or a different metal that's alloyed with copper, it is to be expected for many people.
Do you do enameling?
I do not work with true enamel, which is melted glass, but I am able to imitate the general look of enameling with epoxy resin. This is common in the jewelry industry, especially in costume jewelry, and is referred to as "cold enameling." I personally choose not to obfuscate the truth to sound fancier, but it's unfortunately a very widely used term and works as a shorthand for people who don't know much about enamel. I did a lot of research to find a resin with performance I am happy with, but please consult the below section on jewelry care to keep it looking its best.
CARE/PROPER MAINTENANCE
Are your pieces suitable for everyday wear?
They can be! It depends on what materials you choose for your center stone and metal. Please let me know if a piece needs to be wearable for every day and I will steer you in the right direction. I generally make my designs to be durable, but with some creative choices, that may not be an option.
How do I take care my center stone?
Proper care for your center stone will greatly vary depending on what type of stone it is and how it's set. Please take note of your stone's hardness, as anything at or below a 7 on the Mohs scale will be delicate for daily wear. Additionally, some stones cannot be exposed to ultrasonic cleaners, high heat, or even water in some cases without sustaining cosmetic or structural damage. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me before placing your order! I am happy to offer consulting for which stone best fits your lifestyle.
How do I care for my metal?
Every piece of jewelry I ship comes with a complimentary polishing cloth, which I recommend you use frequently to keep your metal clean. Some of my metal options, such as sterling silver, brass, bronze, and copper will tarnish/patina when exposed to enough moisture, chlorine, and sulfur (i.e. sweat, cosmetics, pools, harsh cleaning chemicals, high levels in the air etc.). I recommend giving these pieces a wipe with your polishing cloth any time you notice visual changes.
While polishing cloths can help with minor buildup of tarnishing and buildup, more significant cleaning can be done with Dawn dish soap and a soft toothbrush if your center stone is durable enough to withstand it. Dawn is designed to de-grease while being gentle, so I would stick to doing that at least once every 1-2 weeks.
For much more extreme cleaning needs, some pieces (but not all) can be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner occasionally. I have even used Bar Keeper's Friend on a couple of my brass pieces, but that is an extremely abrasive solution that is capable of damaging your jewelry, so please proceed with caution and do not use it on any metal that the manufacturer does not expressly recommend. I do notice that Bar Keeper's Friend has a tendency to remove uneven patina in brass and replace it with a brushed satin finish, as using it causes micro-abrasions in metal. If you want a mirrored finish that won't get ruined easily, I would avoid any metal that patinas.
What are the general recommendations for all of your jewelry?
As a rule of thumb, I recommend taking off your jewelry when doing any of the following to avoid damage to your jewelry (or even yourself in some cases):
- Swimming, sitting in a hot tub, bathing/showering, being submerged in water for prolonged periods of time for whatever reason
- Exercising, especially weightlifting
- Manual labor, such as gardening or moving boxes
- Operating power tools
- Sleeping
This is not an exhaustive list, but they are the major ones to consider. Don't say I didn't warn ya!
SIZING/REPAIRS
What ring size system do you use?
I use standard US sizing, and I can typically work within sizes 1-13.75 (including whole, quarter, and half sizes) due to the capabilities of my CAD software. In the interest of size inclusivity, I am more than happy to work outside of that range if needed, but it may just take me slightly longer to produce your CAD layout.
Can you resize my ring?
Unfortunately, I do not have the proper tools or experience to resize rings. In the event your ring needs to be resized, I recommend taking it to a local jewelry repair business. I cannot accept liability for your ring not fitting if I was given the wrong size to produce it in. However, in the event that the size is incorrect by more than the standard 0.2mm tolerance for finishing, please contact me immediately so we can decide on a resolution.
Do you have a warranty?
My orders carry a six-month warranty that begins on your delivery date, which includes inspecting and retightening of prongs if needed and covers unexpected warping or damage to your jewelry from regular wear. Aside from resizing or internal engraving, I cannot honor my warranty if another jeweler works on your piece.
I cannot cover the following problems, and I recommend taking out a third party insurance policy to cover them instead:
- Loss of your center stone
- Damage due to extreme circumstances/accidents/improper care
- Theft or loss
Can you repair my jewelry?
If I'm being honest? Probably not in most cases. I am an amateur and I lack the skills and resources to properly repair pieces beyond minor fixes like retightening prongs or repairing resin "enameled" elements. I highly recommend having a local jeweler to consult if your piece is in need of repairs, they will have much greater capabilities than I do. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to have the work covered by your third party insurance.