Cigarboxearrings

CBE Artisan Jewelry

Wallkill, New York
14,304 Sales | 5 out of 5 stars

Buyers are raving!

This shop got multiple 5-star reviews in the past 7 days.

Contact

Cigarboxearrings is taking a short break

Note from shop owner The shop will reopen on 6/15. I will be available for messages.

Note from shop owner

Last updated on Jun 4, 2021

The shop will reopen on 6/15. I will be available for messages.

Marilyn

Contact shop owner

Marilyn

Reviews

Average item review
5 out of 5 stars
(4807)
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Quality 513 Shipping 1052 Customer service 497

About Cigarboxearrings

Sales 14,304
On Etsy since 2007

I received a gift card to a local craft shop and the rest is history

I received a gift card to a local craft shop in a Christmas exchange at work in 2007. I roamed around the shop wondering what I might be interested in trying. I finally narrowed it down to card stamping or beading. Obviously I chose beading. I began by sourcing locally and trying out different techniques. I spoke to local jewelry store owners to get their input. One of them told me that everyone was making jewelry and in a year 90% of them would be gone. I was determined not to be included in that 90%.
She also told me not to copy other peoples styles, but to try to develop my own. I believe I have done that over the years. I began selling off excess supplies when I opened wholesale accounts. This helped fund my jewelry business. Now it has become a permanent part of the business. I have since gone down to part time in my job as a nurse and plan to retire from that phase of my life in two years. I don't ever plan to retire from my own business unless circumstances beyond my control force it. It will be my joy in retirement. It tickles me that someone in Thailand is wearing a pair of my earrings, or someone in the Seychelles buys her wire from me. I guess in some ways I got lucky, but there was a lot of discipline and hard work involved to achieve the viable business I have today. Definitely worth it.

Shop policies

More information

Last updated on Apr 1, 2016
Frequently asked questions
Sizing details

12 gauge is the thickest wire and 28 gauge is the thinnest.

Care instructions

Most metals can be cleaned in an ultrasonic device, but be cautious about the plating on antiqued caps.

Custom and personalized orders

Any earring can be done in another color bead or metal. The caps may not be identical but they will be close. Please ask for what ever you want. Any earring can have a matching pendant made.

Gift wrapping and packaging

I don't offer gift wrapping formally, but will do my best to accommodate if needed. I will often include a small note card at the customer's request for gifts.

Wholesale availability

I buy from wholesalers and am not one myself, so don't offer this on supplies. I do offer a wholesale discount on jewelry. Please contact me for details.

Which wire should I use?

20 Gauge half hard is best for ear wires. Don't use plated for this application. Half hard is firm and will hold a shape. Dead soft is very pliable and will not hold a shape unless wrapped.

How to clean wire

Tumbling is the best way to clean solid, bare wires. Do not tumble plated wires. Brass, copper or silver cleaner can be used. Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.

Oxidizing metals

I use Jax silver blackener for my silver. I also use jax for brass and copper. Do not use these products on plated wires. You can then use a buffing block to highlight your piece.

Photography

This is the most challenging of all the aspects of online selling. Whatever camera you use, try to use fine zoom and the macro setting for close ups. Use a light tent if you have one or a southern exposure window about 2 pm. No glare then.