Frequently Asked Questions?

You wanted to know....

What is lampwork?

Making lampwork beads is an art in itself. Molten glass is wound onto a bead-release-coated steel mandrel into the size and shape of the desired bead. These beads can be further decorated (with molten glass, metals, CZs, etc.) until the final bead is formed. The art not only lies in the decoration but the ability to keep this hot glass from getting too cool and breaking while forming the bead. No two beads are ever exactly alike. Once the bead is finished it should be placed in a kiln set at an annealing temperature so the the bead can 'soak'. This makes the molecules of all the applied glasses 'line up' so they can live happily ever after. Further annealing is accomplished by ramping down the temperature in the kiln, a little at a time over several hours, to room temperature. The beads are then removed by hand and cleaned. Properly annealed beads will last for generations!

How do you ship your items?

I prefer to ship Priority Mail®. Most packages are under a pound and my zipcode is 14724 ........ You can calculate shipping from here

Do you combine Shipping?

Yes, and when I find a reasonable "shopping cart" that doesn't add shipping to each item, I'll let you know. For now I must be contacted for shipping cost... and of course if items are going to more than one location I will charge for shipping respectively.

How long does it take to make a customized item for me?

I really depends: on the piece... if I'm working long hours at my 'real' job... what kind of item you're requesting... if I'm out of town... etc. You need to email me about your request anyway... just let me know if you have a deadline.

Do you gift wrap?

All jewelry items come in a cotton-filled Purple gift box tied with a Lavender ribbon.

What's the difference between 14k & 14kgf?

Gold Filled is made from solid 'gold' and filled with other alloys. 14KGF wears like solid gold because its outer surface is solid gold. It has the same characteristics as solid gold such as durability and beauty but is much less expensive. As the gold is on the outer surface area, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between solid gold and Gold Filled, except for cost.

What is Vermeil? (pronounced Ver-may)

Vermeil is sterling silver overlaid with gold, very often 22K.

How do you price your items?

Cost varies with each item. I try very hard to get what I put into my pieces back... I'm here to make a living... not a killing

Tell me more about Swarovski Crystals, Gemstones, Precious metals, & Pearls...

Birthstones:
January (Garnet)
February (Amethyst)
March (Aquamarine)
April (Rock Crystal)
May (Emerald)
June (Pearl)
July (Ruby)
August (Peridot)
September (Sapphire)
October (Tourmaline)
November (Citrine)
December (Turquoise)

Amethyst
Aquamarine
Carnelian
Citrine
Swarovski ® crystal
Peridot
Freshwater Pearls
Garnet
Rock Crystal
Emerald
Pearl
Ruby
Peridot
Sapphire
Tourmaline
Turquoise
Sterling silver

Traditionally, gemstones (those used for jewelry) have been divided into precious and semi-precious categories. Gems were deemed "precious" largely based on a history of ecclesiastical, devotional or ceremonial use, as well as rarity. The four "cardinal" precious gems are diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald.

Semi-precious stones are pretty much everything else.There are more than 130 species of minerals that have been cut into gems, with 50 species in common use. Strictly speaking, such gems as pearls, coral, ivory, jet, amber and mother of pearl are not "stone" at all, but are considered semi-precious for purposes of jewelry making.