Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact me with any questions at this email address:

laurenmarkleyjewelry@gmail.com

 

 

How do I clean my jewelry?

Sterling silver pieces with matte or brushed finishes can be cleaned with a bit of soap and water, using a non-abrasive toothbrush.  Silver dip will work but should not be used regularly.  A better alternative is the tried-and-true method of baking soda, aluminum foil, and hot water. Place aluminum foil along the bottom of a glass dish and arrange your jewelry in a way that allows for maximum surface contact with the foil. Sprinkle baking soda over your jewelry and fill the dish with enough boiling water to cover your pieces. Check the pieces after about 10 minutes, rinse, and pat dry.

Oxidized pieces can also be cleaned with soap and water. A damp microfiber cloth also works well to remove fingerprints and

I strongly recommend that when not being worn, matte and brushed pieces be kept in a ziplock bag with an anti-tarnish strip (provided with purchase).  Be sure to put your jewelry on last, after any make-up, hairspray, or lotion.

Do I need to polish my silver jewelry?

No. A polishing cloth will alter the matte and brushed finishes.  Please see the above cleaning recommendations.  Polishing will also remove the patina from oxidized pieces.

My oxidized jewelry is getting shiny on the edges!

Oxidized jewelry will eventually buff on where it is handled the most, such as the edges, and as such, I offer a once-yearly free re-oxidization service.  To help the patina last longer, I recommend ONLY handling pieces by the edges (this prevents fingerprints, too), keeping the jewelry dry, and avoiding touching or rubbing the surface. Please contact me about reoxidizing your piece if it gets too shiny.

My ring is too big, and my necklace is too short!

Please measure carefully before making your purchase! If you do happen to order the wrong size, I will happily exchange the unworn piece for the right one.  You will be responsible for shipping, however.  A fee, to be determined on a case-by-case basis, will apply for jewelry that needs to be resized or altered after wearing.

Do you do custom work?

Yes! Please contact me to schedule a free custom phone consultation to discuss your ideas and jewelry needs! Following our phone conversation, if you wish to proceed with a custom order, I will collect a non-refundable design fee/deposit, the amount of which depends on the total estimated cost of the project. This amount will then be applied toward the full price of the jewelry. I will then produce three initial sketches and will email these to you, along with a full price quote. The quote will be valid for 14 days from the date of the email. You will have the opportunity to provide feedback, and I will provide up to two revisions. You will then have 14 days to approve the quote. I will then begin work on your custom piece of jewelry and will keep you apprised of my progress, expected turnaound time, any delays, etc. Terms of full payment will also be discussed and will again depend on the total estimated cost of the project. Full details of all general terms regarding custom work will be provided in writing at the time of our initial phone conversation.

I lost an earring! Can you replace it?

Oh no! I am happy to make a single earring to replace the one you lost. Please keep in mind, however, that this will often necessitate you sending the remaining earring to me to be matched for shape and exact size. You will have to cover the shipping both ways. The price will be 50% of the current retail price for that pair of earrings. If it’s not something I currently sell, I will determine what the price will be based in current material and labor costs. Overall, it might be more economical to purchase an entire new pair.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes! Please contact me prior to ordering, and I will help you set up a plan. Once the item is paid for in full, I will ship your jewelry to you. All other purchase policies apply.

Do you charge sales tax?

If you are in North Carolina, sales tax will automatically be calculated and added to your total.