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What are lampwork beads? TOP
Lampwork beads are glass beads made from colored rods of glass heated to the molten point using a torch and then wrapped around stainless steel rods called mandrels. Decorations are applied using other colors of glass or precious metals and often molds are used to achieve a desired shape. After the bead is finished, it is placed in a kiln to anneal. Annealing is extremely important, as it allows the bead to release the internal stress placed on it from the creation process and thus, helps reduce the risk of breakage.
I purchase all of my lampwork beads directly from the artists themselves. This assures that you are getting quality beads which have been handmade one at a time and properly kiln annealed. Most of the beads you see in my designs are truly one of a kind and will not be repeated again. So, if you see something you like, grab it while you can!! Can items be resized? TOP
Yes, resizing is available for most items at no charge. If an item requires a substantial increase in length or you would like additional lampwork or gemstone beads added, there will likely be an additional charge. Please contact me to discuss how the resizing may affect the design and whether there is an additional cost.
Do you take custom orders? TOP
Yes! I'm happy to work with you to design one or more pieces. I will work with whatever color scheme you have in mind as well as drawing inspiration from pieces from my Gallery. Please keep in mind that, while some lampwork artists will take custom orders, others will not repeat designs. However, I will do everything I can to accomodate your wishes. I have a VERY large supply of beads on hand, so hopefully, we can find something that will work!! What is vintage Lucite? TOP
Vintage Lucite is a type of plastic used to make costume jewelry beginning in 1937. The vintage Lucite I use was produced in the 50's or 60's and went straight to my supplier from a warehouse which supplied large costume jewelry companies, such as Napier, Trifari, and Monet, until the 70's. These beads are new and uncirculated, so they are in pristine condition!! I just LOVE these beads--they are colorful, fun, and unique!! What are Kazuri beads? TOP
Kazuri beads are handmade from clay by Kenyan women, who, because they have no education or other skills, would have no other means of supporting themselves. The process involved in making each bead is painstaking: the clay must be brought down from high atop a mountain to their small workshop, and then each bead is shaped by hand, and goes through several rounds of painting and firings. What started as a project involving two women is now a business that employs over 200 women. By purchasing the beads or jewelry made with these beads, we can help women in another part of the world much less fortunate than us!! I not only LOVE these small works of art but LOVE the fact that my purchase of them helps women less fortunate than I!! What type of packaging do you provide? TOP
All items be packaged in an organza bag and then placed in a gift box. This will make gift giving easy, or if you are buying an item for yourself, it will make it feel like you are treating yourself! You deserve it!! What methods of payment do you accept? TOP
I accept MasterCard and Visa, which are securely processed through PayPal, with no PayPal account needed. I also accept PayPal directly. No matter which way you choose to pay, all your credit card or bank information is secure and seen by PayPal only!! What do you charge for shipping? TOP
Shipping within the United States is as follows:
USPS First Class Mail: $3.00
USPS Priority Mail (2-3 days, not guaranteed): $4.85
FedEx 2nd Day: $12.95
FedEx Standard Overnight (by 3pm): $24.95
International shipping is $10.00. I will ship to Canada, Australia and Europe.
All methods include insurance and USPS includes Delivery Confirmation Do you offer gift certificates? TOP
Yes!! They are perfect for the person who you know LOVES jewelry but you're not quite sure what piece to get or the woman who LOVES to shop. Gift certificates are available in $25, $50, $75, and $100 denominations. What is your return policy? TOP
I want you to be delighted with your purchase! If you are not happy, you can return your item within 14 days for a full refund of the purchase price (this does not include the shipping charges).
Also, if you find that your item does not fit the way that you would like once you receive it, I will be happy to resize it for you if you pay the return shipping charges.
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