Frequently Asked Questions
Materials
Yes. I only use sterling silver, argentium, titanium, or niobium ear wires. As marked on the earring card. In fact, all the metals that I use are nickel free. There are also no known allergies to Niobium or Titanium.
Niobium is an element in the periodic table. Represented with the symbol Nb, Niobium was discovered at the beginning of the 17th century. It is not until recent years that niobium was used by jewelers in lieu of traditional metals like metal, gold and titanium. It is considered to be non-allergenic.
Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_5032210_niobium-jewelry.html
Argentium Sterling silver is a modern sterling silver alloy which modifies the traditional alloy (92.5% silver + 7.5% copper) by replacing some of the copper with the metalloid germanium .[1] As it retains the 92.5% silver content of the traditional alloy, it is still referred to as sterling silver. Argentium has a high tarnish resistance.
For more facts about Argentium, visit http://www.argentiumsilver.com/#!__about-argentium
I often use sterling silver chain that has been plated with this metal and thought you might like to know a bit more. This metal is also known to be hypoallergenic. Here are the highlights from the website, www.chemistryexplained.com.
"Ruthenium, belongs in the platinum group of metals. The elements in this group are named after the best known member of the group, platinum. The platinum metals tend to be somewhat rare and valuable. They are also called precious metals. The platinum metals also tend to have bright, shiny surfaces and high melting points, boiling points, and densities."
"One important use of ruthenium is in the manufacture of alloys.... It is sometimes added to titanium to make that metal more resistant to corrosion (rusting). Only 0.1 percent of ruthenium in titanium makes titanium a hundred times more corrosion resistant."
"An alloy is made by melting and mixing two or more metals. Ruthenium adds two properties to an alloy. First, it makes the alloy hard. Second, it makes the alloy resistant to attack by oxygen and other materials."
Read more: http://www.chemistryexplained.com/elements/P-T/Ruthenium.html#ixzz39jdQW2rt
The best answer for this is that it just depends on your body chemistry. For some people, yes it will, but for some not at all. My best suggestion is that if copper or any jewelry makes you uncomfortable, is not to wear it. If you really enjoy wearing copper, sometimes a clear coat of nail polish will help avoid this.
For more information on metal and chemical reactions: http://chemistry.about.com/od/jewelrychemistry/f/Why-Do-Rings-Turn-Your-Finger-Green.htm
Metals that have been anodized should not come in contact with abrasives or heavy chemicals. So AVOID using the Sunshine polishing cloth and ultrasonic cleaners.
The best way to clean the surfaces is by using Windex and wipe off with a soft, lint free cloth. Soapy water (ie. Dawn dish washing liquid) is also acceptable. Store jewelry separately to avoid scratching the surface by other metals. Friction with the body through every day use may wear out the anodized area over time. But overall, anodized jewelry is very durable against the elements but not against friction or scratches -- just like other types of finishes. With proper care, your anodized jewelry should last a lifetime.
Niobium and titanium react to exposure to oxygen by forming a clear oxide layer on their exposed surfaces. Anodizing causes this reaction to continue further than it would naturally, producing thicker layers of oxide. As the layer thickens, it begins to interrupt the light waves as they pass through and reflect off the metal surface. This interference creates color.
Source: www.riogrande.com
Sizing
Measure your wrist circumference with a flexible measuring tape or a string. Alternately, if you have a favorite bracelet that fits you comfortably, measure it and compare to the bracelet you want.
The average bracelet size is approximately 7 inches for women and 8 inches for men.
When in doubt, size up, especially if the bracelet must slide over the hand. Here are several videos I created on bracelets and wrist sizing.
https://youtu.be/bZUt5FyEvhY
https://youtu.be/VpEZ2aMJEKs
https://youtu.be/tzEh_yswrb0
You will need a flexible tape measure, strip of cloth or ribbon.
Take that and measure around the base of your neck. Alternately, measure a favorite necklace that you already own and use that for comparison.
Get the circumference of the neck from the hollow at the base of the throat. Decide on a length that is at least the next size up (that is a comfortable length for you) according to the standard lengths listed in the Necklace Size Chart.
The magority of my necklaces include two inches of extender chain to accomodate various necklaces and body figures. Adjustments are available upon request and may include a materials/labor fee.
Choker length: 15-16 inches
A choker should fall perfectly around the base or hollow of your neck. If you are very slim, a 16-inch necklace might hang to your collarbone.
Princess length: 18 inches
A necklace at this length will fall at the collarbone or just below the collarbone. For plus size persons with a larger neck size, this length is suggested for crew and high necklines.
Matinee length: 20 inches
Typically will fall past the collarbone just above a modest scoop neckline. This necklace length is a nice choice for casual or business dress.
Health
It is NOT recommended that pregnant women and people with pacemakers wear magnets.
"The reason for this is magnets are known to stimulate new cell growth that is one of their actions. If you are pregnant you do not want to stimulate new cell growth in an embryo because that has not been proved to have any negatives effects but there is always the chance that if you increase new cellular growth in an embryo or foetus you will have abnormal cell growth, so you should not use them during pregnancy although it is absolutely fine to use them during breast feeding."
Source: http://www.worldofmagnets.co.uk/downloads/workshop/page12.htm
Yes! Niobium is a sturdy metal, and its greatest benefit is that it is hypoallergenic. For this reason, it is a great alternative for people who are sensitive or allergic to other metals.
Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_5032210_niobium-jewelry.html
General
No, you are not required to have a PayPal account to make a purchase from this store. But, if you already have a PayPal account you may use it. My website accepts PayPal, credit cards via Square, as well as mobile payments ApplePay and GooglePay.