FAQ's

How do I care for my Jewelry?

I take time and care to ensure each of my pieces are made to last, but care should be taken to prevent damage and tarnish on your jewelry. Some natural stones can be delicate, change in color or fractures may appear over time if proper care is not taken.

To maintain quality and prolong the life of your jewelry:

·       Store your jewelry in a dry, cool and dark location. Moisture, sunlight and heat can cause metal to tarnish, cause damage, and discolor natural stones & beads. 

·       Keep your jewelry in a safe place, such as a jewelry box or a pouch, to avoid scratches and other damage. Beaded jewelry should be stored hanging up or lying flat.

·       Avoid wearing your jewelry while doing activities that involve water, such as swimming, showering, or washing dishes.

·       Remove before exercising, going to sleep, or doing any activity that could potentially damage it. 

·       Avoid contact with chemicals - perfume, lotions, hairspray, chlorine, etc. These can cause discoloration and degrade natural materials.

·       Use a polishing cloth to restore the shine of your jewelry. I recommend Sunshine Polishing Cloths, or you can try some at home methods in the Jewelry Care & Cleaning page on my website.

 

How do I figure out my ring size?

Don’t know your ring size? The best way to nail down your ring size is to head over to your local jewelry store to get your fingers sized (this is what I’d recommend!). You can also purchase a ring sizer online to measure for yourself, there are many cheap options out there. The sting/paper methods are probably the least accurate.

*Note on wider bands*(over 4mm) Depending on your finger, you may need to size up ¼ to a full size! I’d recommend getting your finger sized for a wider band at your local jeweler to ensure the best fit! Here's an article that best explains why you may need a larger size for a wider band.

Please read the item descriptions for sizing to ensure a proper fit. Most of my rings are flat on the inside, so the size is measured where the ring first hits the mandrel. Ring mandrels are not standardized so there can be a slight discrepancy in sizing from mandrel to mandrel, even within the same brand!

 

Why does it cost so much?

It may seem like you’re just buying a piece of jewelry, but there is so much more that goes into it! The price of each piece varies based on multiple things including:

·       How detailed, unique and involved the design is as well as the skill needed to make it

·       Type of metals used and their price (which fluctuates)

·       Cost of materials involved – stones, solder, beads, packaging, shipping etc.

·       Hourly rate - the time it takes to design, craft, and ship each piece

·       Overhead expenses fee – business operational costs like licenses, website, utilities, taxes, photography, tools – everything that goes into sustaining business operations

I do all the operations it takes to run Trail Spice Designs. All my pieces are handmade slowly and with care in the tiny corner of my studio apartment, not mass produced. If you’re interested in a piece but it’s out of your price range, there is the option for ShopPay at checkout which allows you to break up payments.

Do you take returns or exchanges?

Please read listings carefully and examine photos thoughtfully before you purchase. I do my best to accurately portray the pieces in my listings and photos.

Returns, refunds, or cancellations are not accepted. However, should you encounter any craftsmanship-related issues, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. 

 

Do you do repairs?

If you are dissatisfied with a purchase due to a workmanship issue, please contact me. I have a three-week window where I will accept damaged or defective pieces. If the damage is not due to inattentive jewelry care, I will repair the piece and pay for shipping.

If a repair is needed due to normal wear and tear (tarnished, scratches in metal, increasing ring size etc.), I can repair for a fee that will be determined based on work involved.

Repairs are only for jewelry purchased from me. If you have a piece not purchased from me that needs repair, please reach out to the artist or your local jeweler.

  

How long does shipping take?

Orders will ship within 3 business days, though most ship sooner. You will receive an email with tracking when they are on their way.

Made to order pieces can take up to 3-4 weeks from payment (though most will ship sooner!), you will receive an email when your item ships!

If you would like to purchase added insurance, message me before buying your item so that I can alter the price to include it. I’m not responsible for lost or stolen items once they leave my hands.

 

Do you do custom orders?

I am not accepting custom orders at this time.