Glossary and Policies

Glossary

Versions

Standard: Rings at the clasps are welded for durability. For most designs, this is sufficient for long-lasting durability. If a design requires all rings welded, standard version will not be offered.

Heirloom: All rings are welded. For some designs this is essential. For others, it guarantees extra durability. If heirloom quality provides no benefit or is impossible, it will not be offered. Heirloom prices are higher due to the much longer time needed for welding.

Clasps

Toggle: A “hoop and bar” type clasp. I wear a bracelet with a toggle clasp, and it has never opened accidentally if fully closed. Generally not recommended for necklaces.

For length, add add at least 1/2 inch to your wrist size.

Lobster Claw: A pinch-style clasp. Never comes open–for sure!

For length, add at least 1/4 inch to your wrist size.

Tube/Slide Clasp: One side of the clasp slides into the other side. Great for wider bracelets.

For length, you can select your actual wrist size, but it will be tight. I recommend you add at least 1/4 inch to your wrist size for a more comfortable fit.

Box Clasp: A locking “tongue” slides into and locks inside a box.

For length, you can select your actual wrist size, but it will be tight. I recommend you add at least 1/4 inch to your wrist size for a more comfortable fit.

 

Materials

Sterling Silver: Sterling silver is 0.925 silver (92.5%), typically with copper for the remaining material. The color is deep and rich.

Gold Fill: I use “14/20” gold-filled wire. This is not gold plating. Gold-fill wire has a heavy layer of karat gold over a base metal core. With 14/20 gold-filled wire, the gold is 14 karat (14 of 24 parts gold) and composes 1/20th (5%) of the entire wire weight. Gold-filled wire can be polished and will last a very long time (unlike gold plate which wears off quickly and cannot be polished). All you will ever see is gold.

Welding

Welding fuses the jump ring into a continuous ring. The wire metals are basically melted together. This produces a stronger and more attractive closure than soldering. It will not open over time. All rings near the clasp are welded because they get the most stress. For heirloom versions, all rings are welded.

Shop Policies

SHIPPING / DELIVERY TIME

Most pieces take 2–3 weeks to create once you order. (Add an extra week for jewelry with gold-filled wire—I don’t keep it in stock.) Shipping is by USPS, first class with tracking, which can take up to a week.

DAMAGE IN DELIVERY

Items will be in perfect condition when they are shipped to you. However, if something tragic happens (package mangled, etc.) and the jewelry is damaged, you may return the jewelry within 14 days for repair or replacement. Please contact me first and send a picture of the damage.

Damage caused by delivery does not count against the one free repair within 6 months.

RETURNS and REFUNDS

Once you receive the item, take a few days to try it out. If you decide within 14 days that you don’t like it, it isn’t what you thought, or you have buyer’s regret, you may return it—no questions asked. Please contact me first so I will know to expect it.

You will need to pay the return shipping cost. If the piece is returned in the same quality as I initially shipped it, I will give you a full refund.

RESIZING

Doesn’t fit, but you still want the jewelry? No problem. I can resize it. Shortening any piece is free. Lengthening will have a small fee for time and materials. You will pay shipping both ways. Contact me first to discuss the needed adjustment and costs.

REPAIRS

Although most pieces are fairly sturdy, they can be damaged if misused or mishandled. If a piece gets damaged, contact me about repair costs. A picture of the damage will be useful to determine the cost for the repair.

After repairing the jewelry, I will clean and polish it before sending it back to you (see below).

For the first 6 months after your purchase, one repair to a chainmaille chain is free (but see the note about stones below). However, you will pay shipping costs both ways.

Note about damage to stones: Damage to stones or gems cannot be repaired. Small stones can be replaced at no extra cost. Larger stones, such cabochons, can be replaced at the cost of a replacement stone plus resetting. For large stone replacement, pictures of potential replacements will be sent to you for approval prior to purchase. Costs will be discussed prior to repair.


CLEANING

No one likes dirty jewelry! If you need your pieces cleaned and polished, I can do it for you. Contact me first to let me know that you will send the jewelry for cleaning. You will pay shipping both ways (typically under $10 each way).

I will clean your jewelry FREE once each 6 months. Additional cleaning may have a small charge.

Cleaning includes:

  • Checking and correcting any the ring closures
  • cleaning the jewelry of any oils, grime, dirt, etc.
  • removing tarnish
  • polishing for a high shine.

RETURN SHIPPING COSTS

For item return, repair, replacement, cleaning, or resizing, you will pay for shipping the jewelry to me. I STRONGLY recommend shipping with tracking and insurance (such as priority mail), which is how your jewelry was sent to you.

For shipping the item back to you after repair, replacement, cleaning, or resizing, I’ll set up a custom listing for the shipping costs.

Contact Desert Chains

David Bowman, jeweler
david@desertchains.com
https://desertchains.com