Metal FAQ
What metals do you use?
What is Nu Gold?
How do I clean my copper and Nu Gold Jewelry?

Ordering FAQ
I would like to order a piece in a different metal.  Will you do that?
How do I order a necklace or bracelet in a different length?
Do you accept commissions for custom pieces?
How long will it take to receive my order?
Can you use an expedited shipping method for my order?

Misc. FAQ
Where are you located?
Do you make all your pieces by hand?
Would you donate a piece for my nonprofit event/auction/raffle?
You haven't answered my question here!  How can I contact you?

Metal FAQ

What metals do you use?
I primarily work in copper, Nu Gold, and bright aluminum.  These are affordable metals that still have an elegant look.  However, I also work with stainless steel, sterling silver, fine silver, and gold fill for special orders.  If you are interested in having a piece made from one of these metals, please contact me.

What is Nu Gold?
Nu Gold, also called red brass or jeweler's brass, is an alloy of brass that looks nearly identical to yellow gold without the high price.  It is a mixture of copper and zinc and is completely safe for those with nickel allergies.  Because it is copper-based, those with an allergy to copper should not wear Nu Gold.  Nu Gold will also tarnish eventually, although at a slower rate than copper.  Fortunately, it is easy to clean your Nu Gold and keep it looking like new.

How do I clean my copper and Nu Gold jewelry?
Both copper and copper-derived Nu Gold are easy to clean.  Although you can buy commercial copper and brass cleaner, which will work quite well, white vinegar is generally sufficient to remove mild tarnish and restore your jewelry's shine.

Place your jewelry in a small plastic (not metal) container and pour in enough white vinegar to completely cover the jewelry.  Depending upon the amount of tarnish on the jewelry, it will take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes to restore its shine.  Do not leave the jewelry in the vinegar for more than five minutes.  Remove your jewelry and rinse it very well.  Towel-dry it as much as possible, then leave it out to dry completely.  The vinegar may be saved and reused for later cleaning if desired.

To minimize tarnish, store your jewelry in a small, air-tight plastic bag when you are not wearing it and avoid getting it wet.

Note: Most jewelry with stones should not be placed in vinegar.  These pieces can be lightly cleaned with a jewelry cleaning cloth, but it is often best to enjoy them with their natural patinas.  Any jewelry containing pearls should never be exposed to any food acid, including vinegar.

Ordering FAQ

I would like to order a piece in a different metal.  Will you do that?
The metals available for a specific piece depend upon a number of variables.  The standard metals for a piece are listed, and most pieces can also be made in sterling silver, fine silver, and gold fill.  If you would like to order a piece in a metal that is not listed, or if you would like to order in one of the precious metals, please contact me.

How do I order a necklace or bracelet in a different length?
Any bracelet or chain can be made in a custom length.  Please contact me for additional information.

Do you accept commissions for custom pieces?
Usually.  If you can provide a good picture or description of the item you would like to have created, I would be happy to discuss it with you.  Remember that I may have to special order some materials for commission pieces, so please order well in advance if you need a piece by a specific date.  Please contact me for additional information.

How long will it take or receive my order?
It depends.  If you order a regular stock item from my website, it will generally ship out in either one or two business days.  Custom orders may take significantly longer.  I generally ship via USPS Priority Mail, and delivery times are out of my hands once the post office has received your package.  If you need your items very quickly, please contact me to discuss shipping time or expedited shipping.

Can you use an expedited shipping method for my order?
Yes, I can ship via either USPS Express Mail or UPS Overnight.  It is generally best to email me first to make sure I have the item you would like to order ready to ship out.  Please contact me to discuss expediting your order.

Misc. FAQ

Where are you located?
Right outside of Charleston, West Virginia.

Do you make all your pieces by hand?
Yes, right down to the rings.  For all metals except niobium, anodized aluminum, and stainless steel, I buy raw wire from my supplier, wind the wire into coils, and cut the coil into rings using a special jeweler's slotting saw.  The other three metals are either too hard or too fragile to cut with my current equipment, so I purchase the pre-cut rings from my supplier.  Making even a simple piece of chainmaille involves considerable time, effort, and planning.

Would you donate a piece for my nonprofit event/auction/raffle?
Probably.  I would be happy to discuss your organization's event and how I can contribute.  Please contact me with your organization's name and mission and the type and date of the event.

You haven't answered my question here!  How can I contact you?
Email is the best way.  Feel free to contact me about any other questions you may have.

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