Each piece of finished jewelry in my gallery is one of a kind unless specifically noted otherwise on the details page for that piece. (Click the name or photo to see the piece's details page.) I don't accept custom orders, not even for something similar to one of my own designs, so when you purchase a one of a kind piece, rest assured that it truly is the only one of its kind. The downside of that, of course, is that if you fall in love with a piece in my gallery and someone else purchases it first, there won't be a second opportunity.

Custom Fitting

Earrings are shown with my favorite earwires but I'll always switch those for leverback or clip on earring findings, if you prefer. Other jewelry items are custom sized at the time of purchase to your specifications within the tolerance allowed by the design. There is no charge for this service. Simply make a note in the comments field of your order at the time of purchase regarding the adjustments you need.

Sizing

When ordering for yourself, or as a gift, the easiest way to get the proper size is to measure a piece of jewelry that fits just right. If that's not possible, use a piece of string to simulate the fit you like, then measure the string. When ordering a bracelet, for example, don't measure the wrist and order that size unless you want the bracelet to fit very snugly. Allow for whatever degree of slack feels best to you. Be sure to allow a little extra slack if you're measuring a thin chain and ordering a heavier one.

Materials List

The materials list for each piece is complete; if it simply says sterling, there is nothing in the piece that is not sterling.

Metals

I use sterling silver, Argentium sterling silver, palladium sterling silver, platinum sterling silver, copper and 18K gold. There are no other metals in any of my designs.

Gemstones

All the gemstones I use are natural (as opposed to synthetic or manmade) to the very best of my knowledge. By that, I mean I did not mine them myself, so I can't be absolutely, positively sure where each and every stone originated, but I purchase my stones only from reputable and reliable sources I have good reason to trust. I purchase only high quality stones and pay what that quality as worth, as opposed to searching out unrealistically low prices that might be indicative of an issue with a stone's quality.

Almost all gemstones are treated in ways that enhance their color or clarity. I purchase only those stones that are treated in ways that provide permanent enhancement, such as through heat or irradiation. I do not use dyed gemstones. (See the note on Mystic Topaz under Care and Cleaning, below.)

Glass and Crystal

Lampwork beads used in my designs are individually handmade and kiln annealed. The artists who make them can be found by the clicking on the link for that bead in the materials list for the piece. The lead crystal beads I use on occasion are the finest available, made by Swarovski of Austria.

Packaging

We package all jewelry nestled on black tissue in sturdy tins with a rather elegant industrial look that makes for a lovely gift. Piece specific information is included with regard to the materials and care, along with a signed certificate of authenticity noting that the piece is handmade and one of a kind.

Ordering Gifts

We're happy to ship jewelry directly to the recipient with an attractive gift card, if you like. Just note in the comments field of your order that your purchase is a gift and tell us what you'd like written on the card. We'll mail the invoice directly to you and the gift will be packed without any price or payment information.

Care and Cleaning

All the usual rules for jewelry care apply. Sterling will tarnish and copper will darken over time with exposure to air and the elements so it's best to store it as much away from those things as possible if you wish to keep it shiny. Limit exposure to chemicals by putting jewelry on last, after hair, makeup and perfume are already done.

Every piece of jewelry I make is tumble polished and can be tumble polished again to restore the brilliant shine... with one exception. Mystic Topaz is actually white topaz that has been coated with a patented film similar to that used to produce aurora borealis crystals. The film coating is permanent under normal circumstances but it will not stand up to the rigors of tumble polishing. Do not tumble polish anything made with Mystic Topaz unless you want it to revert to white topaz. Items containing Mystic Topaz are best polished with a simple jewelry polishing cloth. Though I normally favor materials that are beautiful without requiring special care, Pink and Blue Mystic Topaz is so extraordinarily beautiful that I think it's worth a little extra trouble and so make an exception for it.

With that one exception, the jewelry I make is sturdy and designed to be worn and cleaned regularly. I recommend chemical free cleaning methods because they're kinder to the jewelry, as well as to all living things. Use common sense when caring for your jewelry. Don't sleep in delicately made earrings because the pressure could bend them; don't wear a heavy bracelet when playing tennis lest the violently swinging weight overstress the clasp; don't wear precious metals in a chlorinated pool or hottub and risk turning them black. But if you want to wear a sturdy chain necklace or bracelet 24 hours a day for months at a time, washing it along with your skin in the shower and enjoying the patina that only develops on well worn, well loved jewelry, that's ok. Enjoy it. *s*