FAQs
Who or What is Swarovski? TOP
Swarovski is a brand name. The Daniel Swarovski Company was founded in Wattens, Austria, in 1895. Swarovski crystals are considered the best manufactured crystals in the world. (More info: www.swarovski.com). For more information, also see my Swarovski Product Info page and Swarovski Color Chart page.
What are Swarovski crystals? TOP
Swarovski crystal is made at the factory in Wattens (Austria) using basic formulae perfected by Daniel Swarovski and his three sons in the earlier part of last century. Swarovski crystal is fired using a combination of natural minerals and quartz sand, and then cooled slowly to avoid stress and inclusions. For more information, also see my Swarovski Product Info page and Swarovski Color Chart page. What are Swarovski pearls? TOP
Swarovski pearls are the highest-quality imitation pearls. Their lead-free special coatings are resistant to perfume, the sun's rays, perspiration and wear. For more information, also see my Swarovski Product Info page and Swarovski Color Chart page. What are freshwater pearls? TOP
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). Freshwater pearls are a kind of pearl that comes from freshwater mussels. They are produced in Japan, China, and the United States, and were formerly produced in Scotland. Freshwater pearls come in various pastel shades of white, black, pink, peach, lavender, plum, purple, and tangerine, depending on the type of mussel.
A single mussel can produce up to 50 pearls. While saltwater pearl-bearing oysters are nucleated in a small organ known as the gonad, freshwater mussels are nucleated in the actual mantle tissue. Each side of this bivalve can handle up to 25 nucleations at one time. What is .925 sterling silver? TOP
(Source: http://www.aboutgems.org/Silver.php). Fine silver, which comes in a 99 percent natural state, is too soft to use as jewelry, so most silver jewelry comes in the form of sterling silver, an alloy with a silver content of 92.5 percent. Items can also be silver plated, which is when another metal is simply coated with an outside layer of silver. In order to be called sterling silver, the silver content must be at least 92.5%, or .925 silver.
What is 14k gold-filled - gold vermeil - gold plated over pewter? TOP
14k gold-filled is a process where a layer of gold is mechanically bonded with heat and pressure to a base metal, such as sterling silver, then rolled to a given thickness. Gems by Jill uses beads designated as "14K/20," which means that 20% of the total weight of the bead is 14K gold.
Gold-filled is superior to gold-plated products, which have a very thin layer (seven-millionths of an inch) of gold. Gold-filled items will remain gold for a lifetime if cared for properly. The occasional silver spot is from solder holding joints together. Unless you are using harsh chemicals or abrasives, the gold layer will stay gold for years to come!
Gold Vermeil, pronounced "vermay," is a French word describing sterling silver that has been electroplated with at least 100 millionths of an inch of karat gold. My supplier uses gold vermeil is 22kt gold over sterling silver.
Gold-plated over pewter Gold-plated products have a very thin layer (seven-millionths of an inch) of gold. How long does it take to get my order? TOP
Because all my jewelry is custom-made-to-order, please allow 7-10 business days for production and 2-4 business days for shipping. I can certainly accommodate requests for speedier service if needed. Please contact me for expedited requests.
I live in the Denver area. Do I need to pay shipping? TOP
If you live in the Denver area and would like to pick up your jewelry rather
than have it shipped, please select the "Local Delivery"
shipping option at checkout. No shipping charge will be added to your
order total. I will honor reasonable requests for delivery. Please
contact me for details. I don't see exactly what I want. Do you do custom requests? TOP
Yes! Many of the items on my website were custom orders. If you don't see exactly what you want, but you like certain features of different pieces -- or, if you have a completely original design idea -- let me know! I will work with you to find the perfect design for you. Please contact me for details. I have a question you haven't answered here. How can I contact you? TOP
If you have a question that's not addressed here, please contact me either via my Contact Page, or by email: jill. I'll respond within 24 hours; in most cases, within a few hours, or even minutes! You may also call me at . What is Bali Silver? TOP
What is my bracelet doesn't fit? TOP
I will gladly resize your bracelet one time for free; you pay only shipping to me. I will re-ship the bracelet to you at my cost. Subsequent resizings are $20.00 ($10.00 restringing/resizing fee plus $10.00 flat rate shipping). What if my bracelet (or other jewelry) breaks? TOP
If your jewelry breaks due to a defect in craftsmanship or jewelry component, I will replace it within one year of purchase. When breakage occurs, please try to collect as many beads as possible and send them to me. I will reconstruct your jewelry and replace any missing parts.
If breakage occurs due to the wearer's negligence, a $20.00 restringing fee applies, plus the cost of any replacement parts. What is your Charitable Giving Policy? TOP
Gems by Jill donates to various charities a portion of sales from certain Awareness and Cause jewelry. Charitable donations will be made in December of the calendar year in which the sale occurred.
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