Sizing, Base Metals, and Care Instructions
SIZING GUIDE
How to Measure Your Wrist for Sizing
First, measure your wrist with a flexible tape measure, a strip of paper, or a piece of string just below the wrist bone, where you would normally wear a bracelet. Next, mark where the tape measure, paper, or string overlaps and that is your wrist size. For a more comfortable fit, add about a half an inch to your overall wrist size when choosing a bracelet size.
How to Measure Your Neck for Sizing
First, measure your neck using a flexible tape measure or piece of string. Do this by holding your head up and wrapping the tape measure or string around your neck while keeping it parallel to the floor – this will give a more accurate measure. If you want a tight choker necklace go with the exact measurements of your neck.
If You Require a Different Size Than I Currently Have Available
If you do want a different size then please contact me with the name of the piece and what size and metal finish you would like and I will do my very best to accommodate your request.
Please be aware that custom orders like this require a full, non-refundable deposit and will take a few days to complete, package, and ship, so you will need to factor this in, especially if you are ordering an item for a special occasion. The option for a different size is available only for strung bracelets and necklaces and wrap bracelets.
Please also be aware that if you would like a longer piece additional fees will be associated with this as I will need to use more beads and wire. Woven and Limited Edition pieces cannot be customised at this time.
Thank-you.
NECKLACE LENGTHS EXPLAINED
Traditionally necklaces come in 5 lengths each with their own distinct name:
- A Collar or Choker necklace style is between 12-16" (30-41cm) in length
- A Princess necklace is between 17-19" (43-48cm) in length
- A Matinee necklace is between 20-24" (51-61cm) in length
- An Opera necklace is between 28-34" (71-86cm) in length
- Rope style necklaces are generally anything over 45" (138cm) in length
BASE METALS USED
The Base Metals of the Plated Metals Used in My Jewellery
All of my jewellery uses plated metals unless otherwise specified on the individual product pages. As far as I am aware, all of these base metals are free from cadmium, nickel, and lead.
Gold Plated Fish Hook and Ball Post Earrings: base metal is iron
Silver Plated Fish Hook and Ball Post Earrings: base metal is brass
Gold and Silver Plated Extender Chains: base metal is brass
Silver Plated Charm Bracelets: base metal is iron
Charms: base metal is zinc alloy
Gold and Silver Plated Lobster Clasps: base metal is brass
Stainless Steel is 305 Stainless
Platinum Plated Slide Tubes (used on bead loom woven bracelets): base metal is aluminum
Gold and Silver Plated Ribbon Clasps (used on bead loom woven bracelets): base metal is iron
Note: Depending on an individual’s body chemistry, the sweats and oils from a person’s skin can begin to discolour metal finishings. Also, certain environmental conditions or exposure to particular chemicals can also cause this to occur. If you find this happening, you can use a jeweller’s buffing cloth (inexpensive ones can be found on Amazon, but please double check the reviews as you don’t want to accidentally scratch your jewellery) to give the metal a rub and bring back its shine.
Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for allergic reactions that may occur from these base metals. There is a product made by The Beadsmith company that acts as a barrier between plated jewellery and your skin in order to lower the risk of an allergic reaction. It is called “JewelryAid Sensa Guard” and can be found at Michaels craft stores for under $12 (CAD). I cannot speak to it’s efficacy as I have not used it, but I thought it might be helpful to know about it.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
General Jewellery Care Instructions
Please store in the giftbox or pouch you received your jewellery item in and out of the reach of children and pets. This will ensure your jewellery stays safe and clean.
Please check that the clasps on your jewellery item are completely, securely closed before leaving the house to prevent any loss.
Exposure to solvents, aerosols, and other harsh chemicals will degrade the colour and finish from all glass beads over time. Please keep this in mind, especially when visiting salons or using styling products like hair spray, etc.
Care Instructions for Earrings
Please clean/disinfect the earrings before first use with hydrogen peroxide or a cleaner that is specifically suitable for earrings. It is always best to clean your earrings after each use as well.
Care Instructions for Bead Woven Bracelets
At present, I use either nylon thread or a combination of thermal bonded and nylon thread to make my loom woven bracelets. The nylon thread is not waterproof however, and therefore the dye will bleed somewhat when it comes into contact with water (it is easily washed from skin with a bit of soap and water). This lack of waterproofness also means that, if exposed to water frequently, over an extended period of time, the thread will degrade and could possibly result in a breakage. Please do not expose to water.
A Tip on My Wrap Bracelets
If you are wearing one of my wrap style bracelets and you have it on either the small or medium button hole and you don’t need the extra button hole or two, please feel free to cut off the excess cord to make the bracelet more comfortable for yourself (but please don’t cut too close to the button hole knot you still need to use - I would recommend cutting at the knot that starts the next button hole down from the one you need to use).
Please keep jewellery and bookmarks away from small children and pets as the beads, charms, and other tiny findings can be a choking hazard.