|
"Frequently Asked Questions" |
|
|
What is rolled gold wire or gold fill
wire?
The easiest way to explain it is to think of a sheet of 14K gold
made into a hollow tube. The inside of this tube is filled with a
jewelers alloy metal core. The thickness of the outside sheet of
14K gold metal is strictly regulated and will be within the same
level of tolerances no matter what supplier. The 14K gold on the
outside is what touches your skin and is cared for like any of
your gold jewelry. It has a very long life and can be handed down.
Rolled gold is 100 times the amount of gold than average gold
plate. Gold plate is either a dip or sprayed on which is why it
does not last as long as rolled gold. Rolled gold allows me to
make wonderful jewelry for a fraction of the cost. Women can have
fun with their jewelry and not worry about having so much money
invested in it that they are afraid to wear it! Another name for
rolled gold is gold fill. There is a debate that there is a
difference between the two but most of the time they are used
interchangeably. I use high quality 14K rolled gold in my work. I
do not use gold plate or craft wire.
top of page |
What is gold plate?
Gold plate is sprayed onto a metal and due to this process does
not wear as well as rolled gold. The plate can be applied in
different levels of thickness so buyer beware. For example, some
items may be covered in 15 mills of gold while others are covered
in 50 mills thickness of gold. They will look the same when new
but not wear the same. I do not use gold plate in my pendant
settings. Sometimes I will use a gold-fired ceramic bead; gold
plated Bali bead, an interesting charm or embellishment in gold
plate. The omega collars I carry, I do not make and they are 50
mills thickness of gold plate.
top of page |
What is Sterling Silver?
To be considered sterling silver, the metal content must be made
up of at least .925/1000 parts of actual silver metal. Some items
like sterling silver beads from the Hill Tribe or Turkish silver
actually have an even higher content of silver, which is why they
are more expensive. German silver or nickel silver look similar to
silver but are not silver at all. I do not use German silver,
nickel silver or craft wire in my work.
top of page |
What is Vermeil?
Vermeil simply means gold plating over sterling silver. Sterling
silver beads can be gold plated. It is a good way to incorporate
the look of gold at a fraction of the cost especially for beads.
top of page |
What is my birthstone?
There are several birthstone charts floating
around. I have combined the Modern Birthstone list with what is
called the Traditional List below:
| Birthstones: |
|
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December |
Garnet
Amethyst
Aquamarine, bloodstone
Diamond
Emerald
Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite
Ruby
Peridot
Sapphire
Opal, Tourmaline
Yellow Topaz, Citrine
Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Zircon, Lapis |
|
|
There are also birthstones associated with the
signs of the Zodiac. I found this chart interesting: |
| Birthstones: |
|
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December |
Capricorn, Ruby
Aquarius, Garnet
Pisces, Amethyst
Aries, Bloodstone
Taurus, Sapphire
Gemini, Agate
Cancer, Emerald
Leo, Onyx
Virgo, Carnelian
Libra, Peridot
Scorpio, Beryl (emerald and aquamarine are beryls)
Sagittarius, Topaz |
|
|
top of page |
Do you do custom work?
Yes. Sometimes clients have stones they have bought on trips they
want made into interesting settings. I cannot give an exact price
on setting a stone without seeing the stone. I can usually get an
idea of what is involved by discussing it with you and give you a
price range estimate for the work. I will also do requests for
matching earrings to go with a bracelet or necklace or vice versa
providing I have the materials. Contact me for more information on
custom work.
top of page |
How do I determine my bracelet size?
Use a soft measuring tape and measure the exact size of your wrist
at the wrist bone. Please note that if your size is larger or
smaller than the bracelet pictured that beads may be added or
deleted to accommodate your wrist size. Most bracelets pictured
fit an average wrist size (6 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches) so the
variations will be minimal.
top of page |
| How can I visualize the different necklace
lengths? |
| Here is a little chart to help you visualize
necklace lengths. This chart shows an average neck size so
make adjustments if you feel your neck is smaller or larger
than average. Please note, if you have a pendant hanging from
the necklace it will drop below the length shown on this
chart. A 16-inch omega collar fits an average size neck.
|
 |
|
What if my jewelry needs repair?
I stand behind my work. If your jewelry needs repair due to a
manufacturing defect any time during the life of the jewelry I
will repair it without charge. You will only be responsible for
shipping fees.
top of page |
Once I place an order, how long before I
receive it?
Most orders will be shipped in 1 to 3 weeks. If it
is a custom order or special order we can discuss an estimated
time of completion at that time.
top of page |
What is your return policy?
I want you to be happy with your purchase If you
are dissatisfied for any reason just return the item back within
10 days of postmark, and in its original condition and packaging
along with the invoice for a refund. (Excluding shipping). Of
course, returns will not be honored if the jewelry has been
altered or damaged. Please e-mail me to let me know you are
returning the item. I am not responsible for lost packages so all
returns need to be insured for your protection. This policy dies
not apply to art fairs.
top of page |
Where do you get your stones and beads?
This is part of the fun for me. It is like a big treasure hunt. I
go to shows, stores, bead shops, rock shops, etc. Anywhere there
might be a great find. I learned a long time ago if I wanted to
find unusual things I would have to go hunting for them!
top of page |
How do I clean my jewelry
I do not recommend silver
dips for removing oxidation from your silver jewelry. Many will
leave microscopic pits in the silver causing it to darken faster.
I do recommend preventive care by storing your jewelry in a closed
box or plastic bag. Silver will tarnish when left out exposed to
air. Storing in a plastic baggy will help keep it from tarnishing.
I have suggested several methods below to clean your jewelry.
Soft Cloth
For both rolled gold and silver jewelry a polishing cloth
available at most places that sell jewelry. A cloth called
Sunshine Polishing Cloth is very popular. The cloth will turn dark
but can still be used for a very long time. The cloth contains
chemical cleaners that will give a lasting luster to your jewelry.
You can use it when you notice that your jewelry starts to appear
dull. I may start to carry this cloth on this site if there is a
demand.
Cleaning Rolled Gold Settings
You can clean rolled gold settings by just washing the jewelry in
warm soapy water. Use lukewarm water (not hot as it can crack some
stones) and a couple drops of non-film leaving dish soap (not
antibacterial). Use a soft toothbrush to get into tight places.
Rinse and dry with paper towel immediately to avoid mineral
residue from the water. You will be amazed how well this simple
process works! If there are gemstones in the setting they will
sparkle like new. You can use this process on soft stones and
pearls. Mild gold cleaners can also be used and can be purchased
at any jewelry store. Make sure it is safe for the stones in your
setting.
Cleaning Sterling Silver with Dry Baking Soda
You can clean sterling (even when it is quite tarnished) using
Arm and Hammer baking soda. Fill a small thick freezer baggy half
full with baking soda. Drop in the jewelry and close the bag (so
you don’t breath in the powder). Squish the bag so you are rubbing
the dry baking soda into the silver. Remove from the bag and shake
out. Remove residue with a soft toothbrush. Careful in using the
toothbrush so you don’t remove the antique (the dark color that
brings out recessed patterns) that is supposed to be there. Tap
the piece on a paper towel to ensure all the baking soda is
removed. Another option is to rinse off the baking soda with warm
water and gently use the toothbrush. Rinse well so you don’t get
powder residue on your cloths later. Dry with a paper towel
immediately. After a couple of times you will get the hang of
this. I was amazed how great the dry method worked cleaning
bangles.
Cleaning Pearls
Pearls pick up oils from your skin so it is a good practice to
clean them after wearing. Just wipe slightly damp cloth over them
after wearing. If you think they are dirty then soak them a few
minutes in a solution of ¼ teaspoon liquid soap to 2 cups lukewarm
water. Use a gentle soap like Ivory not an antibacterial soap.
Rinse well and pat dry with a paper towel. Professional tarnish
removers are made for silver that are safe for pearls if you have
that combination.
Cleaning Silver with professional
Tarnish Remover
You can also use a professional tarnish remover made for jewelry.
Be sure it is safe for pearls or soft stones like opal or
turquoise if you have that kind of jewelry. Most of these pastes
can be applied then removed with a dry cloth. If the piece is
antiqued you want to be careful not to remove it.
Cleaning Sterling Silver and Rolled Gold with
a Jewelry Polishing Cloth
For both rolled gold and silver jewelry a polishing
cloth available at most places that sell jewelry. A cloth called
Sunshine Polishing Cloth is very popular. The cloth will turn dark
but can still be used for a very long time. The cloth contains
chemical cleaners that will give a lasting luster to your jewelry.
You can use it when you notice that your jewelry starts to appear
dull. I do recommend that even after polishing you wash the
jewelry in warm soapy water using a soft toothbrush to clean out
the dirt and residue from the cracks. Dirt and oils from the skin
sitting in the recessed spaces can cause the skin to turn dark.
You may think it’s the metal and find when you clean it the
problem was the dirt and oils. Of course some people do have
allergies to metal and their skin may darken as a reaction to
metals.
Cleaning Sterling Silver with a Matt Shine
I don’t recommend this for everybody to try but the
adventurous of heart. Sometimes a piece of jewelry has a
combination of high polish shiny places with a matt look or
slightly dull antique look. If you like that look and feel you
have polished the piece too shiny you can soften the shine and
make it look a little more antique with a fine steel wool (the
kind used on wood between varnish coats). If you dull it too much
polish with baking soda again or soft cleaning cloth. Just
remember that when you use steel wool you are putting mild
abrasive marks on the silver which is what gives it the matt look.
So only use on the places you want to have a matt finish.
Ionic Cleaners
I have so much jewelry to take care of that I
purchased an ionic cleaner. They are available at some jewelry
stores. I may even carry them on this site eventually if there is
a demand. Ionic cleaners use electricity in a conductive solution
to clean the jewelry. It is fast and easy. I cleaned a tarnished
squash blossom necklace for a client in about 10 seconds. While I
have not had any problems with pearls and stones, I do not
recommend this for soft stones like opal or coated stones and
glass (like the Aura Borealis coating) as the color of the coating
may change. You also need to be careful not to zap your jewelry
for too long at one time. 10 seconds is the rule of thumb. Take it
out and rinse it off. If still not clean put it in again.
top of page |
How do I store my jewelry?
I do recommend preventive care by storing your
jewelry in a closed box or plastic bag. Silver will tarnish when
left out exposed to air. You can buy special little storage papers
to stick in the bag that help prevent tarnish. Storing in a
plastic baggy will help keep it from tarnishing. Even gold and
rolled gold can get slightly darker in color if just sitting out
exposed to air so I recommend storing it in a least a little box
or closed jewelry box.
top of page |
How do I care for pearls?
Pearls are alkaline in nature so
fragrance, hairspray, chlorine and bleach are not especially
friendly to pearls. If you use hairspray or fragrance, make sure
they are on and dry before you put on your jewelry. Clean pearls
on a regular basis as body oils can sometimes dull the surface.
Don’t wear pearls while swimming or showering. Water does not harm
pearls but chemicals will. IF there is sterling silver mixed in
with the pearls you can use a professional tarnish remover that is
safe for pearls. Store pearls in a box or cloth pouch. Do not store
pearls in an airtight container as they need a little bit of
moisture to retain their luster.
top of page |
|
What is the best way to fasten an "S" hook so my
jewelry stays on? |
 |
1. To open an S hook correctly, bend the S up.
2. Swing the S in the direction of closing as close as you desire.
You can see steps one and two in the photo.
3. Bend the S back down to secure
|
|
|
Using this method will allow you to close it flush
with the metal if you wish. Handy if you are doing an activity
where you are concerned about losing your jewelry.
You can set the hook at what is called a “sweet
spot”. This means the hook is closed enough so there is a little
stick when you hook your S into the jump ring so you know it is
secure. There is also a little stick when you pop it off. Using
this method allows you to set the hook once and not have to fuss
with it again.
|
|
Incorrect method: |
 |
This is the incorrect way to
open and close and S hook. In the photo you can see that the
hook was pulled straight away from itself.
This will weaken the hook and does not allow you to close it
flush with the metal.
|
|
|
top of page |
|
What is the best way to put on a bangle
bracelet? |
|
The correct method prevents
distortion |
 |
1. Slip the opening of the bangle onto
your wrist sideways |
 |
2. Turn the bangle around as you would wear it. Turn your wrist
upside down to snap in the S hook. I rest the bangle against my
stomach to help me. |
|
|
The Incorrect method Causes Distortion |
 |
This photo shows the bangle has been opened up wide to slip it on
the wide part of the wrist. This pulls the bangle apart. If this
happens you can reshape it. The bangle will retain its shape and
strength longer and by using the correct method.
|
|
|
top of page |
Do you teach classes or give lessons?
Many people ask me this and I am sorry to say that I just don’t
have the time to teach. Perhaps I will someday when I retire from
doing Art Fairs. |
|
top of page |
