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Frequently Asked Questions

Where will you ship, and by what methods?

I will ship anywhere in the United States. Typically I use the USPS to keep prices down, but will also use UPS or FedEx as necessary, and with prior arrangements. Overseas shipments are available, and during the online order checkout process, you can get an immediate shipping estimate to most destinations. International tarrifs, taxes, and other requirements imposed by destination countries are the responsibility of the receiving party. Please contact me with any questions you might have about delivering my works to you - we both want it to go quickly and smoothly.
 
How can I purchase your jewelry?

I'm always delighted if you see something here that you would like own or give as a gift. On each product's description page you will see an "Add To Cart" button (this function is disabled if an item is temporarily, or no longer, unavailable). Clicking that button will place your item into your shopping cart and prompt you for all the information I need to quickly and easily process your order. Your items will be shipped within 48 hours.

If you are in the suburban Washington DC area, you may also be able to meet me at a market venue. You can check my schedule to see where I'll be showing in the near future.

If you're in (or passing through) Northern Virginia, you'll want to stop into historic Leesburg, and see some of my work at Downs & Co, a charming new boutique in the historic downtown area.
 

What methods of payment can I use?

I accept payments online. Any major credit card, bank debit card, or even electronic check will do, since I clear all payments through the popular PayPal system. You do not need to have a PayPal account in order to present a simple credit card payment - it's very fast, and completely secure.
 
Do you accept returns?

It is important to me that you are completely happy with the jewelry I've made for you. If you need to return your item for any reason, please contact me within 7 days after your order arrives. Returns should be shipped to my studio address within that first 7 days after receipt. Once the item is received back in my studio I will refund the purchase price, or issue a credit – customer's choice. Once the 7 day return period has expired a credit for the purchase price will be issued.
 
Is there a guarantee on your jewelry?

Jewelry can be delicate, but I make my pieces to be worn and appreciated. I have a six-month guarantee on the quality of the materials and workmanship, and during that time will cover the cost of parts and labor needed to correct for defects of that type. If you encounter a defect-related problem within six months of your purchase, please contact me with details, and we'll work out the appropriate course of action. At my discretion, I will have you return the item and I will repair it, or replace it with a similar item.
 
Do you repair jewelry?

I do not generally repair jewelry as a part of my business. I am an artist and designer by trade. However, if at any time jewelry you have purchased from me needs some care and attention, please feel free to contact me for a price quote.
 
Can you tell me about the materials you use?

I buy my raw materials from reputable sources. Most often, I work with sterling silver, sterling chain and findings, fine silver, and occasionally use Vermeil, or 14/20 gold-filled wire, chain and findings. My gemstones, pearls, and other decorative elements are chosen for their color, shape, or interest, and I carefully evaluate each piece before use in any of my designs.
 
How should I care for my jewelry?

A bit about the metals I use and caring for your new jewelry: Silver, vermeil, and gold-filled metal items will naturally tarnish as they oxidize.

Silver tarnishes fairly quickly if left in the open air – on a dresser, for example. Interestingly, handling, and wearing silver close to the skin, tends to keep a bit of the tarnish away. To further prevent your jewelry from tarnishing keep it in a cloth bag when you're not wearing it. Anti-tarnish strips are available from various retailers, and if kept in the bag with your jewelry will protect it for 6 months - a year, depending on the specific product. Use a silver polishing cloth after each use before putting your jewelry away.

Of course, sometimes naturally occuring oxidation offers a welcome, warm patina that is desirable. For certain pieces of jewelry, where the oxidation is the intended affect, I use a chemical solutions to encourage that patina and then buff up the high points for depth. In that case, it's still nice to keep the high points shiny, so wiping with a silver cloth occasionally will help retain the sparkle.

Vermeil is sterling silver plated with high karat gold (anything above 14 K) and does interesting things as it tarnishes. As the sterling silver base tarnishes, it tends to become visible through the gold overlay. Initially the vermeil turns a richer gold color and eventually turns a lovely, deep brown. These days I tend to consider that effect while designing with vermeil, so that the piece ages gracefully. If you want to slow that process keep your vermeil jewelry in a jewelry bag when you're not wearing it, and use anti-tarnish strips during storage. Anti-tarnish bags and boxes are also available on the market. A quick Google search will offer up suppliers. Attempting to polish vermeil with anything abrasive or corrosive could remove the gold plating.

Gold Filled metal comes in various grades. I use only 14/20 (14k at a ratio of 1/20) – meaning it is 14 karat gold over brass at a ratio of 1/20, or 5% 14 k gold. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that a piece of 14/20 GF jewelry, left out in open air for over a year, showed no appreciable tarnish.