What metals do you work with?
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Answer:
I work almost exclusively with Silver, however, I also work Gold and Platinum on request. But realize your order will take longer if you want Gold or Platinum. I don't work with them every day, and normally I will wait until all my silver jobs are filled before I begin on other metals.
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What is your preferred payment method?
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Answer:
Oooooh, this is a toughie. Well, since I am in this business to make money, I would prefer that you pay with either a Personal Check (this can be done quickly thru Email or Fax), or Money Order. Now let me explain why.
When you as the customer use a Credit Card, I as the "Merchant" get charged a processing fee, which can be as much as 4.2% of the total price, depending on conditions of the sale. (**This being the case, it should stand to reason, that this 4.2% I would rather see stay in my pocket.)
So, basically, we are paying for a company to allow you to quickly pass money to me.
What makes it even worse is that the processing company gets us coming and going. They charge you a huge interest fee (up to 25% on student credit cards) and then they charge the merchant a percentage fee to accept the card.
Great Scam!, I wish I had invented it!
Anyrate, what this boils down to is; the more money I have to pay to the processing companies, the higher I will raise my prices for everyone, to compensate for the loss. The less I have to pay in fees, the lower I can keep my prices. So, if you would like the prices to stay at reasonable rates, think about using one of the slower methods of payment. If you are in a hurry, by all means use the fast methods.
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How Do I Order?
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Answer:
Go to ordering.htm for all details
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Can you set stones?
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Answer:
Yes, there are quite an array of products on this site which have stones. If a product does not come with a stone and yet you think you want the design modified to have a stone, it is most likely doable for a price.
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Where can I leave Feedback?
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Answer:
There are really 2 places that you can go.
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What Creation/Fabrication Methods do you Use?
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Answer:
- I Hand-Make a great majority of the designs I offer, using only hand tools.
- Some designs were carved out of wax and then cast using a Lost Wax process.
- Some designs are molded from original patterns and then cast.
- Some designs are created out of house on large shop equipment like Milling Machines, Lathes and grinders
- Some designs are Acid Etched in other metals then molded and cast.
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How long have you been making jewelry?
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Answer:
I made my first piece in 1990. I started because I wanted a particular pendant that a friend of mine had. She had gotten it from a friend of hers who made it in a jewelry class. That person was no longer in the class and could no longer make jewelry, so I decided that I would try to make the piece myself.
I went to a local jeweler who worked in Silver, and I asked them what I would need to get the job done. I bought a jewelers saw, and a 2" x 2" piece of 20 gauge sterling (which I think cost me like $16 at the time). I already owned a Dremel tool and some buffing bits, so I traced my pattern and went to work.
The piece turned out a little on the lopsided side, however, I was happy with it, and so were other people who got to see it. There was that exclamation in their voice: "You made that as your first piece? And you did not have any instruction?". Well, after that, people kept telling me that I should make other pieces and try this craft out as a hobby, and maybe even make some money on the side.
Well, here I am many years later and still going strong. All of my skills were self taught, and I pride myself on this seemingly natural ability to create.
I did take a class in college at one point, but was sorely disappointed. It turned out that I knew more creative techniques than the instructor did. Oh well, what'cha gonna do. :)
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How many people work in your shop?
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Answer:
Just Me.
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Do you take custom orders?
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Answer:
I sure do. Custom orders are processed as I can get to them. Most of the custom orders that I get are processed within 1-month, however, there have been some designs witch have taken as long as 6-months. Gold orders take longer than silver orders. If you need something rushed, there is a chance that I can do it, but you are going to pay a rush fee, which will vary depending on what you order and how soon you want it.
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Can you perform repairs on my jewelry?
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Answer:
Yes and No, It really depends on the piece. I can repair most problems on Silver and Gold, however, there are some things that I just won't touch. Your best bet it to email me so we can discuss what you have and what it needs. I really like to see the piece as well, so if there is a way that you can scan the piece and email the picture, that would be great.
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Do you do Wholesale?
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Answer:
Sometimes, depending on what you want and how much you want to spend. Companies that want wholesale prices should know:
- I have a $200 minimum first order, $100 minimum after that.
- Wholesale discount % = call or email for a current list.
- Orders are processed as they come up in the que.
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