“When will I receive my order?”
Custom made orders process in 5 to 7 business days, unless item(s) is a special order then process time will vary and will be discussed with you. If you order an item that is ready to ship, your order will ship within 1 to 2 business days.
All items are shipped using First Class mailing services through USPS.
“What shipping carriers do you use?”
We ship all our orders via USPS First Class. However, in some cases UPS is less costly. In those instances, I will ship with UPS.
If you are located inside the United States you should receive your order within 2 weeks. If you are located internationally, please allow 4 to 6 weeks to receive your order.
“Do you create custom/specialty orders from scratch?”
Absolutely. Please contact us for a quote and other pertinent information.
“Am I able to get an item with a different gemstone?”
In most cases, yes. Some gemstones are are extremely rare and or difficult to find. Also, some colors can not be found or simply don’t exist.
Please contact us for more specific answers.
“Do you offer discount codes?”
If you’re an Exclusive Member, I will periodically send you discount codes. These discount are for you only and not given to those not on my email list. To sign up for Exclusive Membership and to receive a special discount code follow this link:
“Are your materials ethically sourced?”
Yes, I purchase all my metal from Rio Grande. Here’s what they say…
“Ethical sourcing is an integral guiding principle for our business. We hold ourselves to the standards articulated in this policy:
Only accept gold from refiners on the LMBA (London Bullion Market Association) good delivery list, EICC/GeSI conflict – free compliant smelter list, certified members of the Responsible Jewellery Council or refiners which certify and independently audit that all gold supplies are conflict free, in accordance with one of the following standards: RJC chain of custody standard, OECD Responsible Supply Chain of Minerals from Conflict Affected and High Risk Areas Supplement or World Gold Council Conflict-Free Standard.”
Rio Grande is also committed to sourcing recycled gold and silver whenever feasible. Due to the high demand for recycled materials, the supply has decreased.
For more information, follow these links:
Richline Group Social Responsibilities
“What types of metal do you use?”
I use Argentium silver (when available), sterling silver and gold filled metal as well as fine silver. Both Argentium and gold filled are used in sheet, wire and chain forms. The fine silver is used for pieces where a Keumboo technique has been applied. On occasion, I use double clad rose gold filled materials. The Specialty Items are handcrafted with brass, copper and Argentium. All specifics will be listed in the item descriptions.
“What is Argentium silver?”
Argentium silver is 93.5% silver, 6.5% copper and contains 1% germanium which inhibits tarnish. This type of silver is nickel free and hypoallergenic. All Argentium silver is made from recycled silver.
Sterling silver is made from 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.
“What is fine silver?“
Fine silver is .999 pure. It offers a bright white color which is best suited for pieces not exposed to daily wear and tear. It is less subject to tarnish than sterling silver.
“What is the difference between Gold Filled and Gold Plated Metal?”
“Gold-filled jewelry has 100x more gold alloy than gold plated and because that layer is so much thicker, it means gold-filled jewelry lasts longer and stands up to wear and tear better than gold plated. All it would take is one small scratch on a gold-plated piece to expose the jeweler’s brass underneath”.
“Will your jewelry tarnish?”
Most metals will eventually turn green and tarnish under the right circumtances. Especially when exposed to air and moisture. Copper will tarnish to various patina’s which most people like. As brass ages, the color has more of a “vintage” look. Gold-filled material rarely tarnished but will under certain circumstances as will silver.
With every order, I enclose a polishing pad should you need it. I also enclose a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” to help keep your jewelry from tarnishing.