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If you're tired of the throw-away designer mentality of many and also want to know whose
hands actually crafted the handcrafted jewelry you've purchased, we are of one mind. Each
piece you see on my website is designed and handcrafted by me with the highest quality of
materials, not designed and pieced out to countries that fail to pay living wages to those
who create it.
Besides seeing my pieces worn today, I want them to be handed down as heirlooms. For this
reason I take great time and care in securing clasps and charms permanently, filing away
sharp edges, making sure item is comfortable and lasting. I create my jewelry to withstand
the rigors of daily living and stand by it with a guarantee: If at any time within 5 years of
purchase a piece I crafted should break in the course of normal wear, I am happy to repair it
at no charge to you. This does not apply to breakable components such as those made
from glass, etc. Should you damage a gemstone, art glass bead, or otherwise damage your
loved piece of jewelry, I will be happy to work with you to determine extent of damage and
estimate cost of repair.
Materials Used
Metals
I use the highest quality materials available in the jewelry I create. All of the wire and
findings (i.e. earwires, jump rings, clasps, crimps, etc.) used are either .925 sterling silver, .99
fine silver, 14k gold, or vermeil (sterling silver with 14, 18, or 22k gold plating*) unless
otherwise noted.
Although I handcraft many of my own components and findings, I do purchase
pre-fabricated ones based on their quality and ultimate fit in the piece.
*Standard gold plating is only 2 millionths of an inch compared to 100 millionth of an inch
for vermeil. Purity of gold used varies among manufacturers.
Beads and Gemstones
The gemstones and beads I use are usually the finest quality available for the design I have in
mind. This is often not the case in most handcrafted jewelry featuring beads. I do
occasionally use a lower grade of gemstone because of its color or other unique character.
More expensive does not always mean more beautiful.
The art glass and polymer centerpiece beads featured in some of my designs are handcrafted
by the most talented and generous artists in the business. These beads usually cannot be
duplicated and are a piece of art in themselves. In most cases I have taken classes or
otherwise met the artist in a one-on-one situation. This is important to me in creating a
piece of jewelry that enhances their art while making it something from my heart and hive.