FAQ
"Why are prices increasing?"
There are several reasons for this. The first is the skyrocketing value of precious metals. Silver alone has increased better
than 600% since we began this business over a dozen years ago. Add to that the devaluation of the dollar from
QE3 (about 20%) by the Feds? Materials from vendors outside the USA necessarily, have increased
that much. We're doing our best to insulate you. For instance, we haven't increased our shipping charges since
1996. We think you'll find our top quality jewelry an incredible value!
"When will my package ship?"
We try to be extremely responsive to our customers and ship within 1-2 business days. If orders
come in late in the afternoon, they will ship the next business day. This includes Fed Ex shipments.
Orders received before about 9 am PST commonly ship that business day. Very large orders or orders
requiring custom work may take an additional day or two. Please be sure your email address
is correct! If we have a question, we will email you. Any delay in contacting you will mean the shipment is
also delayed. (We DO NOT share your email information).
"Does Silver mean Sterling Silver?"
Yes. We use the terms interchangeably. Sterling Silver is .925 Silver. Silver
is really a very soft metal, so it needs to be alloyed to give it more strength. If the item is Silver Plated, the
description will use that term. Fine Silver is the term for 99.9% Silver and is often used in custom
silversmithing work.
"What GRADE are your gemstones?"
Most of our gemstones are about a Grade B. What's that mean? It means we usually select "Better than the
average grade you typically see on the gem market." AAA Grade is a perfect gemstone and you almost
never see it on the market--at any cost. This is what the synthetics/fakes are trying to imitate. If you just want a
pretty piece of jewelry, the synthetics/fakes are fine--if you're in the market for the real thing or NATURAL
gemstones, you should expect some flaws and irregularities. If the Grade of the gemstone is higher or
lower, we'll disclose it.
"What is Gold Fill?"
Gold Fill is actually more expensive than Sterling Silver. Why? Because Gold Fill jewelry findings are a nice heavy
gold plate.
"What is a Bezel Setting?"
A Bezel Setting is a setting done by a Silversmith. Sometimes the Silversmith will be more ornate, or add a fancy bail,
but generally, the BACK of the gemstone is open, i.e.,
if you turn a Bezel Set pendant over, the back of the pendant is open to the gemstone. A bezel setting, then, is basically
a heavy rim of silver soldered around the cabochon gemstone.
"Is Gift Wrapping Available?"
We offer Gift Wrapping in a variety of papers. At checkout you can add Gift
Wrapping to your order by clicking on the link in the Shopping Cart or
here.
"Do you use all real stones?"
We love genuine, untreated gemstones! If we cannot obtain genuine untreated gemstones,
we'll disclose it in the item description. Some
stones are very difficult to get in their natural state. For instance, Black Onyx is frequently dyed to even the color.
We carry a few synthetic stones (by popular demand), such
as Cubic Zirconium and synethic Hematite.
"Why do you charge 7% tax to Washington State Residents?"
Effective 2008, Washington State requires retailers collect sales tax by point of sale. For instance, while we're in
Olympia WA, we must collect the correct sales tax amount for an order originating in Richland (eastern WA) or
Seattle (northwestern WA). Since our current shopping cart will not allow us to input sales tax by zip code, we
are charging the minimum sales tax to our customers, then paying the difference to the State. Enjoy!
"How can you sell real stone jewelry at such
great prices?"We don't have to
pay for a fancy storefront and commissioned salespersons, all of which add to
the cost of jewelry.
"You keep talking about "mm". What
is a "mm"?"
"mm" stands for
millimeter, which is one of the ways to measure the size of stones. It's most commonly used with beads, though
sometimes with faceted stones as well (faceted stones are often measured in carats or weight).
To give you an idea of sizes, see the chart below, which is a good approximation of
millimeters to inches. 8mm is, by far, the most popular size in beaded
jewelry.
"Why are you qualified to pick out these stones?"
With a full time Geologist on Staff, our gemstones are checked for authenticity. The owner's
father was a Geologist before them. We also have our expensive gemstones (Emeralds, Sapphires, etc) GIA
certified for authenticity.
"What is the difference between an
Elastic Bracelet and regular bracelet?" Elastic
bracelets are all the rage--they are strung on a very sturdy elastic band
which makes them exceptionally easy to put on/off. They tend to be more
casual, in general, and less expensive. Why less expensive? Because you're not
paying for the sterling silver clasp, bead cups, etc. A regular bracelet is
strung on something called "Beadalon" which is 49 strands of very,
very fine steel to give it strength, durability and flexibility.
"What if I don't like my new gemstone? What are your return policies?
Shipping Policies?"
Please see our Policies page.
"How long have you guys been in business?"
Our business was founded in Denver, Colorado in January, 1996. In 2002 we relocated
to the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
"Why have your prices increased?"
If you watch the precious metals market then you KNOW that Silver/Gold are just skyrocketing in price. Increased
demand from overseas markets, the weak dollar, all contribute to the rise in prices. 10 years ago, when we started
this business, Silver was about $5-8 per ounce. Now it's closer $40! In addition, gemstones are becoming scarcer
and scarcer. For instance, the Southwest US used to be
famous for the prolific Turquoise mines. Now less than 25% are still in operation. The world is getting smaller and
demand is rising. The GOOD NEWS? Your gemstones and precious metal jewelry are likely to appreciate in value
(rather than that sweater that'll end up at the Salvation Army after a few years).
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