Who makes your jewelry?
- I do! There are some components and processes that I buy ready-made or outsource, but the vast majority of my work is handmade in my Denver studio. I also personally design each piece.
How long does it take to ship?
- While most items listed are in stock and shipped within 1-2 days, I do occasionally need to replenish raw materials. Because of this, it may take up to two weeks for production. If you need something quickly, just email me and we’ll work it out.
Where do the stones and metal come from?
- I use recycled materials and conflict-free stones whenever possible. Bullet casings are from local gun ranges and from friends and family. I also have many wonderful friends that give me broken pieces of unwearable jewelry that I sometimes mix into my work.
Where can I see your work in person?
- I’m a juried-in gallery artist at Artists on Santa Fe gallery, located at 747 Santa Fe in Denver and have several select pieces there at all times. Business hours are 10-5 Monday-Friday and 10-4 Saturday. First Friday art walks are a fun and lively way to spend an evening. Artists on Santa Fe gallery is in the heart of the art district, so be sure to stop by!
- I’m always happy to meet you in person to show you something. Send me an email and we’ll set up a time.
What is your return/size adjustment policy?
- My policy is to make you happy. If you’d like something changed, exchanged, or adjusted just send me an email and we’ll figure it out. Due to the nature of custom work, pieces that are custom made for you may not be fully refundable.
How can I keep my jewelry sparkling and lovely?
- Shoot me an email if you’d like to have the jewelry you bought from me spruced up. I’m happy to clean if for you for free.
- Never keep jewelry in direct sunlight, and don’t allow contact with chemicals. Ladies, that includes perfume. Some jewelry, such as pearls, can disintegrate with just a few direct sprays. Tucking jewelry away in boxes or bags will give it the longest clean life.
Will it make my skin turn green?
- I’m asked this a lot with copper and brass jewelry. There are many theories out there as to why certain alloys can make make your skin change colors, but the one that I believe has to do with your body’s PH balance. Sometime I’ll wear the same copper cuff for several months without any kind of reaction, and when I start to get sick or too stressed I’ll see the discoloring. It works like a mood ring for your how your body is doing, with some people seeing changes all the time and some seeing nothing. The discolor can usually be wiped off with a damp cloth, but sometimes you need a touch of soap and it will easily come off. It’s not permanent and doesn’t hurt you.
- Some jewelry interiors can be coated with a special varnish or even clear nail polish to keep it from changing your skin. Ask me about a piece you’re considering or one that you own and we’ll figure out a way to coat it if that what you’d like. Keep in mind that any (theoretical) holistic benefits of wearing copper or copper alloys would be coated away, too.
- I, and most of my customers, don’t worry about skin changes and don’t bother with coatings.
What is gold fill? What is plated metal?
- Gold fill is metal with a heavy gold coating, and silver fill is metal with a heavy silver coating. For example, if you see something with the gold fill label 14/20, it means that the outer 20% of the metal is coated with 14k gold. It gives you the beautiful color and shine of precious metal without the high cost. Sometimes I use it for an artistic two-layer effect.
- Silver plate and gold plate is a thin layer or precious metal over less expensive metal. It can be as thin as 0.00015 inches.