|
FAQ's
If you do not find the answer to your questions below, feel free to contact me.
Why should I buy handmade? TOP
I personally buy "handmade" as much as possible, and I'll tell you my reasons why - There are a lot of different advantages and benefits but here's my personal take on it:
Once you own a piece of fine handcrafted artisan jewelry, you will never go back to commercially made pieces. The look and feel is so unique, once you've had a taste of it, you will see the difference.
If you're taking the time to shop for a gift for someone or for yourself, wouldn't you rather get something that is a unique 'one of a kind' mini piece of art, made by one person with care and dedication? It's definitely more original than buying commercial items that are sold by the hundreds of thousands. Purchasing handmade jewelry and other handmade items from talented artisans is really a wonderful way to show your friends and family how special they are to you.
I really don't care for crowded shopping malls, traffic, trying to find a parking space, bad weather, feeling rushed and tired, etc. It's so simple and easy to order online, without having to leave the comfort of your home, at any time of day or night - and it will get delivered right to your door! How easy is that :-)
When you buy handmade items, you are supporting individual artists directly. You can create a link between the artist and yourself and the piece(s) that you purchase. It really makes a difference when you know who made the items you are holding in your hands. Do you make all the jewelry? TOP
Yes, I make all the jewelry that I sell all by myself. I also carefully package everything myself. What currency do you use? TOP
All the prices on my website are in US Dollars. To get a general idea of prices in your own currency, you can use this currency converter. What type of payment method do you accept? TOP
I accept all major credit cards and debit cards via Paypal. I also accept e-Checks via Paypal, but please note that if you select to pay by e-Check, I will not be able to ship your order until Paypal tells me that your payment has cleared.
** NOTE ** - You don't have to sign-up for a Paypal account to pay using Paypal.com. Paypal now accepts to process credit card payments without the need to log-in or create an account.
If you would like to sign-up for a Paypal account, you can do this at the end of the check-out process when it comes to the Paypal payment screen (you'll be asked to log-in or create an account if you wish).
You can also go directly to Paypal to sign up and read more about it. I've been using Paypal for my online purchases since 1999. It's easy, safe and extremely secure, and best of all, you do not have to pay any fees to 'send' money/make payments, and it keeps your banking and credit card details safe as the information is not shared with the seller.
For Canadian residents who have access to online banking, I can also accept Email Money Transfers/Online Banking Interac. Contact me for details prior to placing your order. Do you offer Gift Certificates? TOP
Yes, I do!
I offer Gift Certificates in various dollar amounts, and they are handled/distributed via Paypal. Please see the gift certificate section of my website for available amounts and details.
Please note that Canadian Rockies Art promotional discount codes cannot be used to purchase gift certificates, however, if you are the recipient of a gift certificate and you also have a promotional code, you can use both together to pay for your order on my website. How do I figure out my ring or bracelet size? TOP
If you do not know your ring size just contact me as I have a few easy ways to help you figure it out at home.
For bracelets that are strung/beaded, or with chains, please provide me with your actual wrist size. I have a bracelet sizer that will allow me to make sure that your custom bracelet will fit you properly. Let me know if you prefer your bracelets to fit more loosely or very snug.
How do I measure my hand and wrist for bangles? TOP
How to measure your "hand" for bangles:
Tuck your thumb inside your hand (as if you were going to slip on a bangle to wear it) and measure the widest spot around your hand using a string or a ribbon, and then measure the string/ribbon with a ruler.
I will make the bangles just slightly smaller than that measurement so that once you slip them on, they will stay on your wrist and not easily slip off when you move your hand.
So please make sure to give me your 'hand' size, and also give me your wrist size when you order some custom made bangles. What material do you use to string your jewelry? TOP
For strung jewelry, I only use Accuflex "49 Strands" medium-heavy nylon coated beading wire. The number of strands refers to the number of stainless steel wires that are twisted together to form the beading wire. On the market, there is 7 strands, 19 strands and 49 strands available in various 'weight'. 49 strands is also refered to as 'Professional' Jewelry Wire, it is the strongest available on the market, and not only it is strong, it also flows and drapes very nicely against the skin. It doesn't kink and it is made to last for many years.
On top of this, I use sterling silver or solid copper 'wire guardians' at each end of all my strung jewelry pieces. This protects the wire where it gets the most abuse, near the clasp area. It's a channel in which the 49 strands jewelry wire goes through so that the clasps attachments do not rub against the wire. This helps prevents breakage over time. I also use strong sterling silver or solid copper 'crimps' to safely close/secure the wire in place at each end (so that you don't end up chasing beads on the floor!), and I cover these crimps with sterling silver or solid copper 'Crimp Covers' to conceal the crimps and finish each piece perfectly and professionally.
I believe that attention to details, and the finishing of a piece of jewelry is extremely important. You invest your money in a piece of jewelry, you want to make sure that it is finished professionally using the highest quality and standards possible, because you want your investment to be sound and last you for many years of enjoyment. High Quality has a price, but when a piece of jewelry lasts you for many years, the investment is well worth it.
For my high-end pearl necklaces I use high quality silk, and I make a knot, by hand, between each and every single pearl. How do I clean and care for my jewelry? TOP
My jewelry designs are constructed to be sturdy and durable, and with proper care, they will last you for many years to come.
Sterling Silver tarnishes over time. You can let it age naturally (many do), or if you want to keep it nice and bright, you can carefully polish your pieces with a jewler's cloth. It's mainly the oxygen in the air that reacts with the metal alloy particules (copper) that are mixed in with sterling silver to make the silver sturdier (sterling silver is .925 silver and the rest is copper to make it stronger, because pure silver .999 is a softer material).
If you want to slow-down the tarnishing effect of air & light exposure, simply store all of your jewelry in small airtight ziploc bags (remove the air out of it as much as you can) and store them in a cool dark place, while you're not wearing your jewelry.
Always avoid spraying harsh detergents, chlorine and perfume on your jewelry. Apply your perfume first, then put on your jewelry. Also, note that Tourmaline gemstones should never be cleaned using an Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
The lampwork glass beads and dichroic glass cabochons that I use to create some of my jewelry pieces are all done by seasoned glass artists and are correctly annealed to prevent breakage, however, glass is glass, and it can still break if dropped on a hard surface - the same goes for the beach glass/sea glass - so treat your glass jewelry with care and it will last you for many years of enjoyment :-) Do you offer a Layaway Plan? TOP
Yes, I do.
For your convenience, I offer a layaway plan available for purchases totaling $100 or more. You just need to contact me with your list of items that you want to put on layaway, and I'll set up a special listing for you on my site.
For purchases totaling between US$100 and US$200 – it's a 2 payments plan:
The total order may include a single or several items adding up to US$100-US$200. The first payment will be a down-payment of 50% of the total at time of purchase. The balance* plus shipping fees (where applicable) will be due exactly 30 days after the initial purchase order date. You can make the 2nd payment earlier than the 30 days, and I will ship your order as soon as you have paid the balance. (Note on the payments: *Please do not send several small payments in between as Paypal charges me a fee to receive every single payment and the fees would end-up costing me a lot in the end, 2 payments max is allowed on this plan).
For purchases US$200 and above – it's a 3 payments plan:
Orders totaling US$200 and up at one time (may be one or multiple pieces but all in one single purchase order) can be split into 3 payments* across a 60 day payment period. The initial payment being 50% of total purchase amount, the 2nd payment is due exactly 30 days later at 25% of the balance owing, and the 3rd payment being the remaining 25%, is due exactly 60 days after initial purchase order date. Where due, shipping and insurance costs will be added to this 3rd and final payment. You can make the 2nd & 3rd payments earlier than mentioned here, and I will ship your order as soon as you have paid up the entire amount of your purchase. (Note on the payments: *Please do not send several small payments in between as Paypal charges me a fee to receive every single payment and the fees would end-up costing me a lot in the end, 3 payments max is allowed on this plan).
Please note that I reserve the right to terminate the payment plan at any time if payments are not received as scheduled. If a sale is canceled prior to completion by either party, the initial down-payment of 50% is non-refundable. All payments must be made via Paypal.
Once all payments are received and processed, your items will be shipped to you. If you have any questions regarding this Layaway plan and policy, please feel free to contact me at any time. I'll be happy to answer all your questions!
What about gifts? TOP
All my jewelry is carefully packaged and ready for gift giving. If you would like a small gift card, I will be most happy to include one free of charge for you if you let me know during the check-out process.
Please note that I do not ship to 3rd parties. I ship to the confirmed address in Paypal, so please make sure that your Paypal address is up to date to avoid any problems. Shipping and Packaging: TOP
I carefully package all my orders to make sure that your items safely reach their destination. I have been shipping jewelry worldwide for a couple of years now and I've never had anything get lost or get dammaged in transit.
All items in stock ship within 1 to 2 business days after receipt of cleared payment via Paypal.
Items that are made to order/made to size/custom are shipped within 1 to 2 business days after completion. Please allow between 3 to 5 business days for completion of your order. Shipping fees and destinations: TOP
Shipping within Canada and the USA is a flat US$2.00* per 'order' (you can purchase as many items as you like in your order and you will only pay a flat shipping rate of US$2.00).
I ship to most countries around the world for a flat rate of US$5.00. Please contact me so that I can set up a special listing for you with an adjusted shipping fee.
(*This flat shipping rate is not valid/does not apply for wholesale orders). Made To Order Items / Custom Sizing: TOP
All "Made to order" items and items that need to be resized to fit you properly are handled after you have placed your order and that payment has cleared for it.
In general, I ask for three (3) to five (5) business days to complete the work. Made To Order purchases ship within 1 to 2 business days after that. Do you accept returns? TOP
Yes I do.
If somehow your purchase just isn't what you were expecting, I will accept returns and exchanges on jewelry but you need to contact me first.
All returned items must be in new, not worn, condition, and be accompanied by all of the original packaging. I will consider returns/exchanges for up to 30 days from the date that I mail your order.
The cost of returning an item is the responsability of the buyer, and I highly recommend paying for insurance and tracking to return your purchase, as I will not be held responsible for items that get lost in transit on their way back to me.
I want you to be truly happy with your purchase, so please do not hesitate to contact me should there be any problems or questions.
Note: I cannot take any returns or exchanges on PDF Tutorials, custom made jewelry, custom stamped jewelry and wholesale orders. Do you offer any specials or discounts? TOP
I offer a flat shipping rate of US$2.00* (Canada/USA) per order, no matter how many items you purchase with your order.
From time to time, I offer a Special Deal* to my newsletter subscribers.
Make sure to subscribe to my newsletter to take advantage of those sneak previews/advance offers and great deals* - You can subscribe by going to the "Newsletter" section of my website. I do not rent or sell my subscriber list, so your email will be safe with me.
I only send a couple of newsletters per year, so don't worry about getting bombarded with emails from me. It won't happen.
You can also check my blog for some spur of the moment mini promotions as well.
(*This special shipping price offer as well as any other special discounts/deals/promotions from my newsletters or blog promos are not valid/do not apply to wholesale orders). Do you accept wholesale orders? TOP
Please contact me for wholesale inquiries. What's your privacy policy? TOP
I do not share your information with anyone. It's as simple as that. |
