ORDERING: Each jewel is 100% handcrafted in my studio with quality and attention to the smallest of details. As most of my jewels are one-of-a-kind creations, please visit my website often for new pieces added to the collection. Jewelry that is listed as available for sale has already been created and is ready to ship upon payment confirmation. To purchase, simply click the "order" button and you will be guided through the secure shopping cart system.
CUSTOM ORDERS: At this time, I am not accepting custom orders. However, if you see a jewel listed but you would like to request a change in bead color, chain length or other small adjustment, just leave a note in the comment box at check-out. Every effort will be made to accommodate your request and confirmation will be sent before your order is processed.
PAYMENTS: Payment is due when your order is placed. Credit card payments are welcomed directly using Visa & MasterCard. You may also choose to pay using PayPal which can accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and eChecks. Payment using personal checks or money orders is not available. Thank you for understanding.
LAYAWAY: I am sorry but I do not offer layaway plans or hold jewelry out of stock for payment at a later date. Jewelry that is ordered but not paid for, will be returned to inventory and relisted on the website as available for sale.
TAX: FL State residents will have 7% sales tax added to orders.
PRODUCTS: All of my jewelry pieces are lovingly repurposed using many antique & vintage elements acquired from my European contacts, estate collections, auctions, antique fairs and buying trips made throughout the country to flea markets and upscale antique shops.
Much thought, love and attention to detail goes into each jewel I create. Many elements are often genuine antiques and date as far back as the mid-1800s. I describe my jewelry elements to the best of my knowledge based on my experience or after consultation with professional jewelry appraisers, trusted antique shop owners, reference books or other industry experts. Please note that my prices are not based on appraised values of any of the individual elements used. As the value of jewelry pieces, precious metals, stones, semi-precious gems and other jewelry components can fluctuate over time. My price considerations are established based on current market value, rarity, design style, other elements and components used, and also my creation time involved in the process. Many elements I use are collectible, have value and their value may increase over time. Most pieces are considered costume, not fine jewelry, unless otherwise noted in the description.
As often as possible, I try not to mar or alter the original components and will use the existing design of the piece to add jump rings and attach elements to. For example, I often do not remove the pin or bar backs from brooches, pins or buckles. Should you ever want to, the added elements can be removed and the original integrity of the piece is restored.
Since my jewelry uses so many antique and vintage elements please expect that these elements may show wear, which is what I personally love about this type of jewelry as this shows the item has been worn and loved throughout time. Items with very noticeable blemishes will be noted in the item description for your advance information. I am very picky about the elements I use in my work! However, I believe that slight imperfections, patina or blemishes lend more charm and uniqueness to the pieces, which is what makes them so special. Chains and findings may or may not be vintage and are selected based on their condition and strength to securely hold the elements in place - and also for their appearance in keeping with the style of the jewel being created.
The antique and vintage elements I select for my pieces will be in their original as-found condition. I lightly clean each piece with a damp cloth to remove dirt & dust, but I do not polish away natural patina and I NEVER use acids or chemicals to "age" metal or stones. As these elements can easily be over 100 years old, please do not expect them to look like brand new jewelry - if you prefer that look, my jewelry is not for you. But if you love wearing real vintage jewelry with a past, you will love my jewelry!
Before placing your order, please read my item descriptions carefully, including the dimensions. My photos are enlarged to show as much detail as possible and information is provided regarding measurements for your sizing gauge. If you have any questions at all about a piece before placing your order, please feel free to contact me. I am always happy to answer your questions.
SOLDERED JEWELRY CHARMS: Soldered jewelry charms are made using a high-quality, jewelry grade solder which is lead-free and contains a high percentage of sterling silver. All soldered jewelry receives a protective coating to add shine and reduce tarnishing, before each item ships. However over time, expect that your soldered pieces will tarnish, as sterling silver will do. If you prefer a brighter look, you can easily polish the tarnish away with an occasional cleaning.
SHIPPING RATES: All orders ship at a FLAT RATE, which means you can order as much as you want for one small price. You select how you want your items to ship. You may choose Standard First Class Mail at a flat rate of $3.25, or, upgrade to Priority Mail for a flat rate of $5.75. All non-U.S. orders are considered International Orders and ship via International Priority at a flat rate of $15.
All US shipped packages include Delivery Confirmation and US orders over $100 receive FREE Insurance. Please Note: At this time, I do not offer Overnight or Express Delivery service.
CUSTOMER CARE: My customers are treated in a caring and courteous manner, as I would treat a family member or dear friend. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. Due to my busy production schedule, I prefer contact via email so we both will have a written confirmation of requests. As I am often in the middle of delicate work, I can't always stop work to physically pick up a phone call. However, your call is very important to me so please leave a message! I will be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have. I try my very best to return phones calls and answer emails within 24 hours or less during normal studio hours.
LIFETIME GUARANTEE: I want you to know that I do guarantee my workmanship and that my pieces will function properly when received. Should something need adjustment or repair, due to normal wearing conditions, I will promptly correct anything for you within a reasonable time from your purchase, at no charge and will refund your shipping costs.
Later down the road, for the lifetime of the jewel you own, I also offer free repair service should you ever damage, loose or break any of the components. Even years from now, if you accidentally damage something, simply contact me and I will be happy to make the repair for you at no charge for this service. Depending on the nature of the repair, there may be a small nominal charge for the replacement element itself. My goal is to keep you sparkling and happy!
JEWELRY CARE: As many of my special pieces are created using antique and vintage elements, I recommend that these jewels be worn thoughtfully and stored in a safe place when not being worn. Often a simple cleaning with a damp cloth will do wonders. I do not recommend using liquid cleaner or polish as this can damage pieces with pearls & crystals. A polishing cloth works well for removing tarnish buildup on metal pieces or soldered jewelry pieces. Treating your jewelry with care today will insure that they can become heirlooms for tomorrow.
RETURNS: All sales are final. Due to my time involved in the creation process, I do not accept returns, exchanges or offer store credit. Every effort is made to provide multiple photos, enlargements and detailed product descriptions with dimensions on all my jewelry pieces. If you have any questions or are in doubt, please contact me first. I am happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have before placing your order.
PRIVACY: Your privacy is respected at Cupids Charm and your personal information will never be sold or shared with any third party.
