Carasmiths's Shop Policies

Welcome

Hello! Thanks for visiting Carasmiths.

All my work is created by me, unless I state so in the description, so you will not see yourself "coming and going!"

Please don't hesitate to convo me if you have questions.

Payment

Paypal preferred within 3 days of purchase please. Checks or money orders for US only, please convo me first...items will ship as your payment clears within a few days.

Shipping

• United States: $2.50 ($0.50 if shipped with another item)
• Canada: $3.50 ($0.50 if shipped with another item)
• Everywhere Else: $4.50 ($0.50 if shipped with another item)

Refunds and Exchanges

My joy is your happiness, really! Please let me know via convo within 7 days of receipt of merch if you have concerns. Will fix or exchange the item, or refund your money less shipping once I have received it back in original condition.

Additional Policies and FAQs

The legal disclaimer section, I guess? Ok, here are the things you probably already know:

Beads that at made by CaraSmiths and highlight some of my work have been created from cool glass rods. Glass is a liquid, and I heat it up to the point where it gets very hot and flows like honey, then shape and design each bead on a rod. Bringing the glass back to room temperature AND making those beads strong requires the use of a kiln to “anneal” the bead.

CaraSmiths beads are kiln annealed at the appropriate temperature, then cleaned for long wear and enjoyment. I also test and inspect ALL beads before they come home to you, but of course, beads are glass:
-Dropping your beads on the floor will most likely result in cracks, especially if done repeatedly. You’ll be sad!
-Hard wearing of glass beads is not recommended. Wearing your beads while engaging in contact sports or intense activities doesn’t work well for glass.
-Wiping beads with a soft damp cloth will keep your beads shiny, so please don’t use harsh detergents or cleaners

Just some common sense here: Your beads are special, but not super human, so treat them with care, please.

Sterling Silver can last a lifetime if stored properly, with minimal cleaning required. Taking care of your silver will make you happy! The "sterling" standard refers to .925 grade of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Copper keeps your silver in shape and adds strength. (No worries, you don’t see the copper in .925 sterling.) Even though silver wears really well, the do’s and don’t include:
-Storing your sterling silver in the open air and humidity for extended periods of time can cause it to tarnish quickly. Tarnish first appears as a golden hue and turns to black—-although you might like it that way, I actually “force” many of my pieces to achieve this look! Oxidization is normal and comes from the moisture in the air, the sun, and multiplies like rabbits if you wear your silver at the beach.
-To keep tarnish to a minimum, store your silver in a cloth pouch separate from other metals. Tip: Those little silica packets often found in shoe boxes are great to keep in your pouch to minimize tarnish, of course you know they should not get into the paws of children or pets!
-Placing your sterling silver directly on wood surfaces can mar the finish. Also, know that other metals and even rubber can cause tarnish. So if you like shiny silver, treat it kindly.
-To remove light dirt or tarnish, use a small amount of mild liquid detergent added to a 1/2 cup of warm water and rinse thoroughly with clean fresh water. Harsh cleaners could damage the polish on the stones or glass beads. Before storing, dry completely with a soft cloth, not paper, as it can be abrasive.
-Polishing cloths, inexpensive and available at drug stores and such, are great for quick shines. Never ever dunk, dip or lather your silver with silver cleaner. Doing so will remove any purposely placed oxidation (that cool black highlighting in your jewelry that was put there for you) and possibly ruin stones and/or beads.
-Don’t stretch your jewelry. Sterling is resilient, but if you yank your bracelets or earring out of shape or are consistently “hard” on your treasures, eventually they’ll snap or break. Bracelet bangles should be twisted from side to side just a bit prior to placing them on the side of your wrist from the thinnest point (vs. just pulling the bracelet open over the top of your wrist) to ensure longest wear.
-Bejewel yourself after the sprays, creams, makeup etc. are dry. Remove your jewelry before undressing, swimming, and other activities where it doesn’t belong. (I once ignored my advise and wore my bracelets camping near the ocean—-not the best choice.)

Most important, ENJOY!

Last Updated April 09, 2009

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