Product Information

Product Information

 

I will do my best to answer any questions posed to me through my website or by text/email.

Frequently asked questions are covered in this information section.

 

Sterling silver is my metal of choice.  It is very workable as well as beautiful.  Occasionally I pair a bit of copper or even brass with my silver pieces.  You will notice some of my pieces are made with flatware.  It is all sterling silver.  Nothing I make comes from silverplate or any other base metal.  I use sterling spoon bowls as a back plate for pendants sometimes.  This makes a great heavy duty high end piece.  There is a learning curve to working with flatware because it is thicker than purchased sterling sheet.  Torch control can sometimes be a challenge.  The patterned end of silverware is beautiful.  The pieces I use are often 100-150 years old and the patterns and craftsmanship are just not seen anymore.

 

When I make a sterling chain, either a necklace or a bracelet, each link is soldered closed.  That makes a sturdy piece that will not pull apart and fall off.  My clasps are made by hand and can be hooked on various links to change the length.  Chain making is time consuming and a labor of love.

 

Chains included with pendants are chains that I have purchased.  I buy the best quality at the best price I can find.  They are sterling silver and many are beautiful enough to wear alone.

My pendant bails are large enough to use with almost any neckpiece you may have.  Switching chains on pendant is a good way to have a more versatile piece.  Pendants can be purchased without chains if requested.  The price you see on a pendant includes the chain pictured.

Sterling box chains come in lengths of 18”-20”-24” and a few 30”

 

The gems I use are all picked out one at a time.  I choose ones that  will set nicely and have an interesting shape.  They are natural stones and identified by their name and location found.   

 

Most of my embellishments are made by hand.  I do not use molds or make cast items.  

 

Cleaning and care of jewelry

 

The first thing to do is give it a good soapy water wash.  Try using a soft brush.

 

Next if necessary use a paste jewelry cleaner.  Please don’t use a “dip” liquid type cleaner because it damages the metal which causes more oxidation.

 

I have a product available called Sparkle Bright.  It is safe for all metals as well as stones.

If it dries out just add a bit of water and put the lid back on.

 

Humidity causes oxidation.  When you aren’t wearing your jewelry please keep it in a jewelry box that is not stored in the bathroom. 

Jewelry polishing cloths can remove light oxidation.  Keep a few on hand.

 

 

Why do I do the things I do?!

 

My goal with jewelry design is to make pieces people want to wear.  They need to be comfortable and balanced.  I want my pendants heavy enough to stay in front of you where they belong.  No sharp points or edges should ever bother you or snag clothing.  Bezels come over the edges of the cabochons to protect them from chipping.  

 

I use hard solder 100% of the time.  This means pieces soldered together will show little or no seam.  It means that pieces will rarely come apart.  Rings will not snap apart.  Bails will not bend off the top of a pendant.  

 

I polish all of my pieces by hand before putting them in a tumbler.  The tumbler seems to put a tough more tarnish resistant finish on jewelry.  Stones are set after tumbling.

 

If a piece I have made needs repair I will repair it at no cost.  I don't repair items made by others.  If you have an item that needs repair please contact the original maker.

 

 

 

Custom Designs

 

I do some custom work.  Please note the items on my website that are listed as customizable items.  Birthstones and some personalized things are available.  Rings can be made to order.

Please contact me if you have questions.