My Jewelry FAQ

Add zing to your bling with a mystical touch! Many of my items are unique, so subject to availability. Find single earrings & earring pairs, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, ritual jewelry, Native Frontier style jewelry, sterling silver jewelry & primitive hand crafted pieces. I love jewelry, beads, and all of the various artistic skills that following the crafting of it. I created this blog to catalog the wearable trinkets and treasures that I make. Most of my jewelry pieces are one-of-a-kind creations inspired by the moment, though some may have a match or two; Each item has an item number so that I can keep track of them rather than for re-ordering purposes. Readers of this blog may also use the item number when contacting me about a piece of jewelry.

*The Handmade Touch of Time: When I hammer metals into jewelry I'm always inspired by ancient civilizations from around the world. Another way that the touch of time works into play is through the jewelry hammer that I use while crafting. It belonged to one of my grandfathers who used it to create his very own handmade jewelry and leather crafts.


Most jewelry treasures that I craft are shipped packaged nicely in either a whimsical paper box I've made and/or in a secure carded zip baggie. I like to be a Green "Tree", so whenever possible I re-use clean packing materials, and I use baggies made from recycled plastic. Some of my handmade items are crafted with recycled, up-cycled, vintage or genuine antique materials too. Most of the labels and tags that I use are printed on paper made with 30% recycled Post-Consumer fiber or higher. Thought you'd like to know. :)

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GENERAL CARE:

With general sense hand crafted jewelry should last for many years to come. Handmade jewelry should not be worn while sleeping or bathing. Remove jewelry daily and wipe clean gently after wearing. Always spray hairspray, perfume, or body spray before putting on any jewelry to avoid build-up and/or damage to surfaces.

Some metal art jewelry may be left to acquire natural patina with time, or can be gently cleaned with lemon juice, ketchup, or vinegar on a cotton swab to keep the high shine shown in photographs of an individual piece (rinse well with warm water and dry well). Be careful though because those cleaners can also damage some other materials, so always follow any special instructions that may come with your handmade jewelry.  Use an anti-tarnish strip when storing metal jewelry (I generally provide one), and follow any care guidelines that come with your individual purchase. Air-tight storage, such as a zip baggie, will prevent color changes to metal jewelry because moisture and air cause such oxidation. If you know your body has a tendency to quickly "green up" or oxidize copper, then don't wear copper jewelry directly against the skin; hanging pendants outside the clothing will prevent skin discoloration while still offering the health and metaphysical benefits of this metal.

 The copper, brass, and silver surfaces of many of my jewelry components have been left in a natural state so that other crafters and assemblage artists can use them in their own projects without chemical compatibility issues and then apply a surface treatment of choice if desired. Some metal jewelry, especially copper items, has been treated with oils or special wax to prevent tarnishing or "turning" wearers skin green.
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ABOUT MATERIALS I USE

NO PLASTIC! I don't often use the "P" word in the first place -- only when I have to -- I personally prefer genuine natural materials with an authentic feel. Monofilament of various sizes or plastic coated wires are often used for stringing due to durability though, but I don't use plastic beads or charms.

*GEM NOTES: Most gemstones that I use are quality Grade B through AAA. Grading values vary with the type of gem; for example a Grade B rose quartz could be a lovely stone product, but a Grade B ruby would be better used in astrology or metaphysics rather than jewelry, per say. Grade A gems are untreated, have best quality lustre, very fine clarity, very good color, and are generally very costly. The transparency level and color of B Grade gemstones is generally good but not as good as Grade A. Though they are less costly than Grade A, a Grade B gemstone bead can be just as lovely. Very low graded stones are are reserved for specimen collection, for astrological use, metaphysical or spell use, and rarely used in jewelry items unless there are interesting artful inclusions, (so called flaws). It is my practice to disclose all enhancements to gem stones, and methods used if known. Gems stones deemed as genuine will be natural, unenhanced stones or otherwise clearly stated. I don't claim to be an expert gemologist, but I do research products and items to present them with the highest honesty and integrity.

Tibetan Quartz crystals are rare, being hand mined high in the mountains of Tibet and packed down the mountainside manually. Tibetan crystals are excellent for protection. Just having one close to you puts up an automatic shield against negative energy, and it helps shield you from other people's negative energy. This shield is even stronger if a centering exercise is done while holding a Tibetan Quartz crystal.

*About Czech Glass: Many of the jewelry pieces I create use premium quality glass beads from the Czech Republic. They are made in small quantities by hand. Glass beads have been produced around the world for over 9,000 years, and the Bohemian glass heritage goes as far back as the 14th century. The jewel like glass beads from the Czech Republic, previously known as Bohemia, are famous for their clarity and richness of color. Praised by jewelry designers for their versatility, high quality and tremendous variety in colors, sizes, shapes, and finishes. I often work to find vintage or antique lots of Czech Glass beads to use in my own jewelry creations.

*Animal based products such as fur, antler, claws, or bone are obtained from a variety of methods. Many of my resources come from reclaimed, vintage clothing. Some animals may have passed from natural causes, such as age or predation allowing the remains to be to collected and prepared for use. I also sometimes order some items from government sanctioned culling programs where proceeds benefit overall wildlife health. I do not harm animals in order to create any object I craft. Some animal products may not be legal to own in your state though I try to use those that are legal in most; International restrictions may also apply, so if in doubt check it out in your local area before requesting ownership.

Bone, fur, feathers, plant material and the like can attract the attention of pets and small children. Keep natural materials out of reach of pets to avoid damage or injury. If fur or leather items are in need of special cleaning please contact me and/or seek a quality dry cleaner. I make no claims to an items safety, legality in buyers state, magical or healing ability and buyer/owner uses/wears any items that I craft at own risk.