How do I measure my locs or braids?

For information and tips about how to find your measurement, please see my video tutorial. It can be viewed in the photo slide show on my main shop page, or you can simply cut and paste the link into your browser's address bar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJAjeiDmacE Size Samples available for purchase here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1088649617/measurement-samples-choose-3-sample?ref=shop_home_active_1

Why do I have to pay the same prices for cuffs and coils that have a smaller diameter? Shouldn't designs made with less material be cheaper?

No. The smaller the cuff, the higher the difficulty and the more time and effort it takes to make, but I still charge equal price. Most would think that because smaller cuffs have less material, the price should be less. But, that just isn't how it works. If price points were assigned based on labor alone, smaller sizes would be almost twice the price... but, I take the time loss because I want everyone to be able to enjoy my beads for equal prices regardless of the size of their locs or braids. For many of my cuff and coil designs, material cost is the most inconsequential part of my pricing formula.

Why aren't extra small sizes a selectable option anymore?

I have removed extra small sizes from the hole size selection menu throughout my store due to an uptick of customers ordering these sizes and requesting refunds due to mismeasurement. Selling these sizes instead by request gives me the opportunity to start a dialogue that allows me to double check that the customer has taken the proper measurements, and also allows me to explain details regarding what they can expect with extra small sizes prior to ordering. Additionally, it prevents me from spending time making difficult items that end up going to waste. Per state laws and regulations, I'm not allowed to accept returns or resell used hair accessories. Thus, this method will be beneficial to both parties and assure ordering accuracy.

Heather, why aren't your beads adjustable?

I do not make adjustable loc beads because I find that it compromises the strength and stability of the beads as well as the alignment of the design elements. This is another reason I offer custom sizing for no additional fee, as I want you to be able to enjoy your beads for a very, very long time. While many of my wire designs will bend if forced, I would highly recommend against it. Wire will weaken severely over time with constant bending. To prevent this and to have, strong, long-lasting beads that you will be able to enjoy for a long time, it is best to measure your dreadlocks or braids prior to purchase so that you can order the size that will best work without having to bend the metal.

I love your metal beads, but how can I prevent/remove tarnish?

Heatherfish embraces the concept of Wabi-sabi, thus all my raw metal beads are designed to tarnish and patina over time. I purposely and proudly use raw, unsealed metals because I like how time and nature change the metal finish. It's nature's most profound art. For those of you that wish to maintain polish on your beads, all traditional polishing methods for each type of metal can be used.

Why do some of your items have such long processing times?

As a one person studio, I work full time to fill orders. Finding a fair balance between the amount of time I can work per day and the amount of time required to complete some of the bead processes is sometimes a bit tricky. Often I complete orders early, and sometimes I have to use up to all of my marked processing time. So, to be fair to all customers, I mark each made to order listing with a set amount of processing days, and I make each order in the order it was received within those set time frames.

I ordered my bead a little too big. What can I do?

In case you accidentally order your bead a tad too big, I have a few solutions that will allow you to still wear and enjoy your beads: 1. Use a small rubber band that matches your hair color to slide the bead onto. You can find rubber bands like this at Sally's beauty supply. 2. Fit them over two locs. Some of my customers order their beads larger on purpose for this reason... it makes for interesting styling opportunities. 3. Tie them in place with a small bit of sewing thread. 4. Slide them on your loc and then slide a tight bead on after it to hold it in place. 5. Some of my other customers have also used embroidery floss to wrap a portion in the back of the bead to make the fit tighter.. similar to how a ring spacer works.

Can I wear my Heatherfish Creations Jewelry in the shower?

To preserve the color, shine, texture qualities, and finishes of the various elements of my designs, and to make sure you can enjoy them for years to come, I do not recommend showering with them in unless otherwise stated in the listing. Just like with any other jewelry, exposure to water, soaps, and aggressive force (i.e. scrubbing your hair) can dull out the elements, break down the connections, and cause tarnish over time. This is especially true in regard to stones or crystals, or organic materials like shells and feathers, as soap can cause a film to develop that can dull the luster and shine of these elements.

I want to buy a cuff, but I want it shorter. Can you just cut it in half and send me two beads for the price of one?

No. This is not possible. My cuffs and coils are not made from a preformed blanks or other manufactured forms. I make them from raw material. Therefore, I measure out the size that is required and then I texturize, trim, anneal, file, form, and finish each bead separately. Cutting them in half with a jeweler's saw is not actually possible unless the beads remain unfinished. I would not ship an item like this. Thus, I would have to re-anneal the sliced cuff halves and open them back up to file, smooth, and calibrate, then form and finish them all over again. That means that what would have been one full process becomes 3 full processes for the price of one. As an artist and maker, this is unsustainable. Thank you for your understanding.

What is the difference between "Ready to Ship" and "Made to Order"?

Ready to Ship - Listings tagged with this description are already made and ready to be shipped out. Ready to Ship listings ship in 1-2 business days unless otherwise marked, or unless purchased with another item that is made to order. Made to Order - Listings tagged with this description are custom made according the customers preferences. These beads are not pre-made. By purchasing "Made to Order" listings, you are asking me to make you an item from scratch. Processing days for Made to Order items are posted in the "Item Details" section of every Made to Order listing. Your patience during the creation process is much appreciated.

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Only 5 left and in 1 cart

Price:$10.65

Dread Bead, Loc Bead, Textured Aluminum, Made to Order, Please Read Item Details

Name: Dread Bead, Loc Bead, Textured Aluminum, Made to Order, Please Read Item Details
Brand: HeatherfishCreations
SKU: 238296685
Price: 10.65 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)

HeatherfishCreations

Hole Diameter: Size you would like created.

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Star Seller. This seller consistently earned 5-star reviews, shipped on time, and replied quickly to any messages they received.

Highlights

Made by HeatherfishCreations
Materials: Aluminum, copper, glass

- Made to Order, 1 Handmade Item
- Customized Item, You Choose Hole Diameter
- Enamel Coated Copper Wire, Aluminum Wire
- 7-10 Business Days Processing Time
- You Choose Shipping Method
- Comes Gift Wrapped

This made to order bead is made in your choice of hole diameter from aluminum wire that I textured to give the appearance of sparkle. It is accented with two silver/clear sparkly Czech glass beads.

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*Sizing*

The hole size(diameter) of the sample bead in the photos is 7mm.

Please make sure to double check your size prior to placing an order. For help with measurements, please cut and paste this link into your browser's search bar to view my tutorial: https://youtu.be/WjRRrkfo3QU?si=koUus6v3JUvrjy8t

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"Made to Order" items are items that are ordered to be made. To be fair to all customers, I complete each order in the order it was received, and within the processing time posted at the top of this listing description. Your patience during the creation process is much appreciated. Thank you! :)

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Item # - Dread_Bead_32

Order today to get by Oct 1-13
Returns & exchanges not accepted
Cost to ship: $6.00
Ships from: Titusville, FL

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Heather Parsons

Owner of HeatherfishCreations

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Reviews for this item

What buyers say, summarized by AI: Great quality Love it

5.0

(13 reviews)

5.0 Item quality

5.0 Shipping

5.0 Customer service

100% Buyers recommend

5 This item

Michael Jul 8, 2024

Very happy with the width this came out. I have a few dragon twirls this will look amazing beside!

Michael Jul 8, 2024

5 This item

Tenisha Jun 11, 2024

The loc jewelry is absolutely GORGEOUS! Amazing quality and craftsmanship. This is actually my 2nd order but I'm already preparing for a 3rd because I love these so much and I needed multiple sizes.

Tenisha Jun 11, 2024