Specimental

Thank you Etsy for publishing this article I wrote about my life as a widow and single mother: https://www.etsy.com/blog/news/2013/supporting-her-family-with-her-own-two-hands/#comments

SPECIMENTAL is conflict-free rough
diamonds, raw crystals, uncut gemstones, geodes, fossils, and minerals embedded in unique handmade jewelry. I work in all colours and karats of recycled gold, and in sterling silver. I can also build your pieces in tarnish-fee Arctic Fox sterling silver, which is milled here in Canada. Please get in touch for an estimate on using Arctic Fox in your order, as it is slightly more expensive than regular sterling silver.

My rough diamonds are sourced from four main reputable dealers who source their stones from conflict-free countries. All of my diamonds comply with the United Nations Kimberley Process guidelines.

I am no longer able to accommodate rush orders on sterling silver pieces. if you need a gold piece made in less than six weeks, please get in touch with me before you order.

My current posted lead time is a minimum of six weeks- plus (approximately 2-2.5 weeks for rough diamond earrings).

All pieces are created solely by me in my Vancouver, Canada, studio. You can read more about me here: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/featured-seller-specimental/ when Etsy had me as a Featured Seller.

Please keep reading for information on my production time, shipping, and insurance on purchases.

Please be sure to check my current production time and your delivery time BEFORE you purchase. My current production time is A MINIMUM OF SIX WEEKS, unless stated as sooner in the listing you wish to purchase. This production time CAN BE LONGER, as I am a very busy one-person studio. SHIPPING TIMES are also listed- if the shipping time is longer than you wish, please ask for a postal upgrade. Please make note of this information before your purchase, and ask any questions about rush orders or postal upgrades prior to checking out.

PRODUCTION TIME- PLEASE READ:

Most of my pieces are made-to-order. Please see individual listings, which will state whether the piece is custom, or ready to ship.

If you have a firm 'need by' date, please make sure you let me know- otherwise, I will do my best to produce your piece in six weeks, but please understand that this can take longer- I am an extremely busy one-person show :) When I am not in my studio, I am working at my 'day job' of high school art teacher, or spending time with my three young children, to whom I am a single mother/only parent.

Specimental is an incredibly busy place to work, and I am the sole employee. I source all of my materials from around the globe, do all of the production work in my studio, photograph the pieces, write the descriptions, pack and ship orders, and answer customer inquiries without assistance. So, as you can imagine, things are quite busy. I pride myself on my customer service- see my feedback from clients here http://www.etsy.com/people/elseetee2/feedback Aside from my extreme busy-ness, please rest assured that you will receive the same attention that my other clients do.


INSURANCE AND SHIPPING-

Less-expensive pieces ship using regular Air Mail shipping, which has a delivery guideline of 4-10 business days into the USA- however, there is no time guarantee from Canada Post on this. International delivery takes around 2 weeks or longer. Also, Air Mail does not include a tracking number. It does include $100 of insurance. This shipping method is $7.50 into the USA.

Costlier pieces are sent into the USA with Expedited Canada Post (4-10 business days estimated delivery time, tracking number and $100 of insurance included). This shipping method is between $15-20 into the USA.

My custom ring sets and most costly pieces are sent using Overnight Purolator ($35 into the USA, $55 to most places Internationally, NO insurance provided) or Canada Post Expresspost for $25 with $100 of insurance (3-5 days of travel time). I want them in your hands as quickly as possible once they are complete! Contact me for the cost of an insurance upgrade, if you would like your pieces insured for their full value. I cannot replace nor refund for pieces that ship without full insurance.

Please get in touch for assistance with figuring out the shipping method you need, or to upgrade your shipping method and insurance. I answer questions very quickly, and am eager to help you.

RAW DIAMOND SIZING: I have a huge collection of conflict-free rough diamonds, and they are my favourite specimens to work with. I have finally started sorting my white and silver crystal cluster diamonds by size, and have made listings for each size category. The categories are Size A (1.5-2mm), Size B (3.5-4mm), Size C (5-6mm), Size D (6.25-7.5mm), Size E (8-10mm), Size F (10.5-11mm), and Size G (11.5mm plus).

SHOP POLICIES: Please see my policies for information on shipping, resizing, returns, and jewelry care- http://www.etsy.com/shop_policy.php?user_id=7237531

LAYAWAY: Get in touch if you see something you like, but can't buy until later. I am generally able to place pieces on hold.

BUYERS OUTSIDE OF CANADA: Please note that I am not able to estimate for you what your country will charge you in import fees when you buy a piece from me. Any import fees, taxes, brokerage fees, etc. are assessed by your government. These fees cannot be estimated nor collected by me, and are not included on your invoice from me. Please call your country's customs office if you would like an idea of fees that may be levied upon your purchase.

Want to find out more? Check out this shop's About page.