What does this symbol mean? 

If you see this symbol, it means that this piece of jewelry incorporates recycled or upcycled materials. Recycled materials are things like pendants, charms, watch parts, clasps and beads, which are taken from previously-loved, vintage and broken items and incorporated into new creations. Upcycled materials are items otherwise destined for the garbage but which have found new life in adornment. These might include things like bottle caps, buttons, old magazines, greeting cards, Scrabble tiles, washers and bolts, broken pottery, etc.

I don’t understand the measurements. If the bracelet “fits a 7- to 7 1/2-inch wrist,” what does that mean?

When I say a bracelet will “fit” a 7-1/2 inch wrist, I mean that I have put the bracelet on my wrist and it fit me. However, the bracelet itself, if laid out straight, might actually be 8 or 9 inches long, depending on how it’s made. The picture below illustrates this.

Just imagine the red circles are your left and right wrists. The black circle on the left wrist is a bracelet made with large beads. The blue circle on the right wrist is made from chain, which fits differently than a beaded bracelet. When laid out flat and measured end-to-end, the black bracelet is longer, but it still “fits” the same size wrist. 

If you don’t know your wrist size, get your favorite thin chain bracelet, lay it out flat in a straight line, and measure it end to end with a ruler. You can also measure your wrist with a fabric measuring tape, or a piece of string. Just make sure that the measuring tape or string are not pulled too tightly — they should be comfortable, the way you’d want your bracelet to be. Most women with significantly larger or smaller wrists typically already know this, because they have a heck of a time buying off-the-shelf bracelets or watches in department stores

How a bracelet fits also depends on personal preference. Some women like tight bracelets, others like them very loose. In most cases, my bracelets are either adjustable, or easy to resize. If you have any questions, contact me before ordering, or put a note in the instructions box when submitting your order.     

How do I receive updates or notifications when you list new items?

This website is a blog, and you can subscribe to it with a blog reader, aggregator, RSS feed, or other online service. I use Google Reader, but there are many others. Use the link http://www.jlhjewelry.com/feed/ to subscribe. You can also follow me on Twitter or on Facebook. 

Why can’t I buy more than one?
Why does it say OUT OF STOCK? 

Most of the items on my website are original, one-of-a-kind works of jewelry art. If the item description says “only one available,” then only one is available. If it says “out of stock” when you are trying to order, it means that someone else has already ordered and paid for the item. This can happen if two people want the same item at the same time, but one person completes their order before the other. Putting it in your cart doesn’t hold it for you. Only completing the checkout process and paying for your order will mean the item is yours.

On FIREFLY/SERENITY replicas and other costuming items, I do sometimes make more than one (check individual listings for details), though each may vary, depending on availability of materials.

Do you do wholesale or consignment?
Do you have a catalog?
Where is your store located?
What is your phone number?

The answer to all of these questions is that I’m just one person who occasionally makes unique goodies in my home studio. I don’t have a physical store or a business phone, but if you are a customer and drop me an email request, I’d be happy to call you. I mostly sell through this website, very rarely through other venues. Due to the one-of-a-kind nature of most of my items, and my limited schedule, it’s not feasible for me to do wholesale, consignment, catalogs or brochures.

Do you accept special orders or make custom items? Can I get rush service? 

Due to my schedule, rush service and special orders are usually not possible.

What do you charge for shipping?  

First class shipping within the U.S. is free. Additional information is available on the Shipping Information page.

Do you have recommendations on jewelry care?

See individual listings for details about specific pieces. But in general, perfumes, lotions, hair spray, household cleaners, chlorine and other chemicals are harmful to all jewelry. To prolong the life of any jewelry, don’t shower, swim, clean house, or engage in strenuous activity while wearing it. Do not pull, tug, yank, force, or crush your jewelry, or allow others (such as small children) to do so. Any jewelry will last longer if you keep it away from dust, sun, water, sweat, etc., and stored properly when not in use.

Sterling SILVER and silverplate will tarnish when exposed to air, water and skin, and sometimes cleaning can be difficult. PEWTER does turn dark - sometimes even black - from skin contact. BRASS and COPPER often has a patina or discoloration, which is part of the charm of brass (in my opinion). However, it can turn the skin green - though this doesn’t happen to everyone.

Do you have a return policy? 

Jewelry may be returned within 10 days of purchase, in it’s original condition and packaging, for a full refund of the item price (shipping is not refunded). I do not accept returns on custom orders.

Why don’t you charge more for your jewelry?
Why do you charge so much? 

I’ve heard both of these questions, in equal amounts. Which says to me that there’s nothing wrong with my prices, it’s just a matter of perception. Some people appreciate the time and attention to detail I put into my work, and they value it so highly that they think I should charge more (and they are certainly welcome to pay MORE, at any time, if they feel so inclined). Others are used to buying plastic made-in-China costume jewelry in retail stores and don’t understand the difference between that and the pieces I create, so they think I’m too expensive. Either way, it’s rude to tell me how much I “should” charge. Obviously, I price my pieces exactly as I believe they should be priced, no more, no less.

Do you ever use Soft Flex, Beadalon, or Tiger Tail? 

No. I don’t like using crimps, and I don’t like the way these sorts of stringing materials feel. I prefer thread if I’m stringing beads, I like the way it hangs and moves, and I like the way the finished ends look. I will typically use waxed linen, or a combination of waxed linen and silk. Occasionally hemp, nylon, cotton or some interesting fiber might be used, or leather, suede, or vegan suede, if appropriate to the design.