Jewelry Care and FAQ
Q: What is sterling silver?
A: Sterling silver is an alloy of silver that contains 92.5% pure silver and approximately 7.5% copper, nickel or zinc.
Q: What is gold-filled?
A: Gold-filled is 14K gold fused onto sterling silver or brass. It is different from plated gold as it will not flake or rub off and it will not tarnish.
Q: My silver jewelry is tarnishing. What can I do about that?
A: Tarnish occurs naturally when certain metals are exposed to air and moisture. You can polish your sterling silver jewelry with a polishing cloth and it will return to its original luster and shine.
Do not polish oxidized surfaces (darker metal parts), it will remove the patina. Rather clean the jewelry gently in warm soapy water.
Q: What can I do to prevent tarnishing?
A: Since tarnishing is a natural process, it will happen eventually. However, you can slow the process down by keeping your jewelry away from humidity, chemicals, hair spray, and perfume, so put on your jewelry after your perfume. Try to keep your jewelry out of the bathroom, shower, kitchen and hot tub*. It also helps to store your jewelry in plastic bags with non-tarnish jewelry paper.
Chlorinated water can damage and ruin your jewelry, so I would recommend removing all jewelry before going near any chemically treated water.
Q: Can I polish my jewelry by dipping it into a chemical polishing dip?
A: I would not recommend this as I cannot by responsible for any damaged caused by chemical polishes. Your best bet is to hand polish with a polishing cloth. It might take a little effort but is worth it in the long run. I'm happy to help with polishing in-house for a nominal fee. Just shoot me an email and we’ll get it all sparkly and new again.
Q: What is oxidized or patinaed metal?
A: Oxidation is a chemical process where your metal jewelry is tarnished or discolored, leaving a desired patina or finish. For example, oxidized sterling silver goes from shiny silver to shiny grey or black.
Q: I have a metal allergy and cannot wear a lot of jewelry; can I wear the pieces you make?
A: The metal allergy is usual a reaction to nickel. Good news! My jewelry sterling silver and gold-filled jewelry does not contain any nickel.
Q: You don't offer my ring size on your website. Can you make a ring at a different size?
A: Yes! I can easily accommodate different ring sizes. Please contact me for more information.
Q: I need my ring resized. Can you help?
A: It depends on the piece you have purchased. Please contact me and we can figure it out.
Q: I broke my favorite piece of your jewelry! Can you repair it?
A: Absolutely! Email me and we can get the ball rolling.
Q: Do you do general repairs and resizing?
I do not work on other designers' jewelry, including repairs or resizing. Please contact the original designer for help with this.
Q: I lost one earring. Do you sell half-pairs?
A: YES. The replacement cost is usually 50% of retail, email me and I will get this taken care of for you.
Q: Do you do custom work?
A: Absolutely! Learn more about the process here.
Q: Are your materials ethically sourced?
A: Yes! I use recycled metal whenever possible and materials that come from only honest, ethical, and reputable sources.
Q: Where is your jewelry made?
A: Everything is handmade in my studio in Seattle, WA from design sketches to stone setting and final finish.
Q: Who makes your jewelry?
A: I make all the pieces I sell.
Q: Do you do custom wedding and engagement rings?
A: YES! Learn more about my custom jewelry design process here.