FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dichroic Glass?
Dichroic glass (pronounced die-crow-ik) is a space age product and perhaps the most
expensive glass produced today. Microcrystaline metal oxides are
deposited on the base glass in a vacuum chamber. The
makers then kiln fire a crystal cover glass onto the dichroic
cabochon, after firing to 1750 F. the pieces are cooled
overnight to room temperature. They then are cut, reconfigured
or layered, re-fired and cooled overnight again. This cycle may
occur up to six times before the final product is ready for use.
Dichroic glass is a unique art form in itself. To purchase
a hand crafted wire wrapped piece of dichroic glass is to have
an absolutely one of a kind piece of art jewelry that will last
for years to come!
What is Rolled Gold?
14/20 Rolled Gold wire creates high fashion jewelry at a
fraction of the cost of solid gold. There is 100 times more gold
in 14 kt. Rolled Gold (gold filled) than in gold plate. A
14/20 Rolled Gold pendant is usually considered a lifetime piece
of jewelry.
14/20 Rolled Gold is the best quality and most durable. In the
symbol 14/20, the 14 stands for the karat of gold used, and the
20 means 1/20.
How do I take care of a piece of rolled gold (14K gold filled)
jewelry?
It's easy. Just care for it as you would any other jewelry.
It is quite durable. A simple inexpensive way to clean rolled
gold jewelry (gold fill) is to soak it for a minute or two in a
mild solution of ammonia and water or a commercial liquid
jewelry cleaner. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with water
afterwards and let dry. It is best to store your jewelry
in the plastic zipper bag it came in to cut down on tarnish and
keep it from being scratched by other jewelry. Plus it reduces
the chance of a wire being pulled by being connected to another
piece of jewelry. Remember this is NOT gold plate and in many
cases is handed down from generation to generation. It is not
unusual to find an old gold filled pendant that is nearly 75
years old!
How do I take care of a piece of Sterling Silver jewelry?
Sterling silver jewelry is prone to tarnish if not properly
cared for. The wire and findings I use are solid .925 sterling silver,
so the silver will never wear off. You can usually shine
up the metal by gently buffing with a soft cloth and some silver
polish. If your jewelry does not contain any srones
(dichroic glass, natural gemstones, crystal or CZ) it can be dipped in a tarnish remover
such as Tarnex® which can be purchased at
most discount and drug stores. Do not soak your jewelry
for more than 30 seconds. Make sure to rinse it well in cool water and dry
thoroughly with a soft cloth or paper towel. If you
jewelry has stones in it, use a Q-tip dipped in Tarnex® to
gently wipe the silver portion. Do not soak jewelry
containing stones, as it may damage the finish of the stones. The best way
to prevent tarnish is to store your jewelry in a plastic zipper
bag so the air can't oxidize it. This will also keep it from being scratched by other jewelry. Plus it reduces
the chance of a wire being pulled by being connected to another
piece of jewelry.
What if a wire comes loose or bends out of shape?
I make every effort to tighten down every wire end, but it
is possible that one could come loose or bend if pulled on.
You may try to fix it yourself with a pair of small chain nose
pliers, but I would suggest sending it back to me for repair.
I will check all wire ends to make sure they are tight and
attempt to re-shape anything that has lost its shape. I
will send it back to you free of charge. This is a
one year warranty. After one year, a small fee for repairs
will apply. Contact me for a repair quote.
If you have a question to submit, please email me! |
