Brightsmith

There are many types of inexpensive ring sizing tools available for purchase online. I recommend purchasing a couple different styles to cross check the sizers against each other. It's also a good idea to check size at different times of day to get an average measurement- your fingers will be bigger in the morning and when your hands are warm.

I offer ring sizers here: http://etsy.me/25LlClF.

Be aware that a ring sizer will only size you for a ring the same width, shape, and weight as the sizer you're using. Your ring size will vary depending on the type of ring you're wearing (see next FAQ).

Sizing follows the international standard shown in this chart: http://www.ringsizes.co/, though you might find every ring you own fits differently! Common causes:

➳ Rings fit differently depending on width and style. Wide bands with flat inner surfaces and stacked sets over 3mm wide create more friction when worn, so they'll fit tighter than a narrow or rounded band in the same size. Finger size also increases toward the knuckle, which is an important factor with wide bands and stacking sets.
➳ Fingers can swell by a full size or more in the morning, in hot weather, or due to health conditions.
➳ Engagement rings are worn undersized to keep the stone from rolling toward the palm. Do not base your size for a plain band on your e-ring.

Though white gold is popular, it's not ideal for many wearers, as the standard North American alloy contains nickel. Up to 1 in 8 people are allergic to nickel or will develop an allergy after exposure. Most nickel-based gold has been banned in the EU under the EU Nickel Directive. While I use an alloy that complies with the EU directive, it does contain nickel.

North American white gold can also yellow over time with chlorine exposure, so it should never be worn while swimming or bathing.

If you have metal sensitivities, message me for palladium white gold alternatives. Palladium white gold is color stable and allergies are rarer. Cost for palladium-based pieces may be 30% to 50% higher due to the current scarcity of palladium.

No. Because the low-maintenance longevity of pieces is important to me, I use an ultra-white alloy for my white gold pieces WITHOUT rhodium plating.

Please note that rhodium plating is the industry standard for larger-scale, North American retailers, and the practice is rarely disclosed. If you're concerned about color matching your engagement ring, unplated white gold may not be your best choice, unless your e-ring is vintage or was also artisan crafted.

For more information on rhodium plating, see these articles on rhodium:
http://bit.ly/1quxwjE (Wikipedia)
http://bit.ly/1RONrQq (finishing.com, a jeweler's industry site)
https://bit.ly/2YMnEmn (glamour.com on white gold)
http://bit.ly/1V9GkrA (fairjewelry.org, on rhodium toxicity)

No, I'm sorry, I don't do local delivery or pickup. My studio isn't zoned or insured for commercial visitors, and local pickup voids many payment processor protections. All items must ship by trackable post.

I do not sell in brick and mortar stores. Since every one of my pieces is made to order, and my prototypes are usually pre-sold, I don't carry pre-made stock for display or try-on. If you're in Austin, and prefer an in-person buying experience, convo me and I'll help you find what you're looking for from a full-service jeweler in town.

Yes, I offer a lifetime warranty on all handmade items against damage due to defect in materials, workmanship, or design on all sterling silver and solid gold items. Requests for repair will be honored happily as long as you own your item. Charges for return postage or additional materials may apply if the repair is required due to conditions beyond normal wear.

I mark most rings with 10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, or 24k purity stamps for gold, or .925 for sterling. In accordance with the US Stamping Act, purity stamped pieces are also stamped with my federally registered maker's mark (USPTO Reg. No. 5353876).

If you'd like ALL markings omitted (e.g., for orthodox weddings), include this instruction in your note to seller at checkout.

Some pieces may not be marked by default- they may be too small, or impossible to mark without marring surfaces visible during wear. These include pieces that are narrower than 1.5mm, have no markable surface, or are intricately patterned. If you'd like your piece marked and signed, without regard to possible surface marring, include your instructions at checkout.

I'm always happy to look at photos of your engagement ring to help you select a matching wedding band. You can send photos or links to me via Etsy's messaging system.

If you're looking to match a specific band height, width, or shape, I commonly create custom bands in solid 10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, or 24k gold.

You may also choose to have a sample made in low-cost sterling silver, brass, or copper. Samples are not returnable, but a portion of the cost of the sample may be deductible from the price of your gold band, should you decide to purchase it from brightsmith.etsy.com.

This blog post, with lots of sample photos, might also help you match your engagement ring: www.brightsmithsilver.com/blogs/news/132814595

Jewelry should not be worn where it will be subject to impact or moisture, such as while exercising, swimming, or bathing. Trapped moisture and soap residue create an environment hospitable to microbial growth. Bicycle handlebars are especially destructive to thin or patterned bands, and the combined temperature and chemicals of hot tubs can turn gold brittle or discolor it within minutes.

Unplated nickel-based white gold can yellow over time with chlorine exposure.

Blackened, antiqued, and firestained patinas will fade with exposure to abrasion and moisture. Repeated exposure to hand sanitizer will make patinas fade especially quickly.

Mother of pearl is not a stone but an organic material. Do not subject to impact, heat, or chemicals.

Gold is always naturally yellow. To make white gold, it's alloyed (mixed) with a white metal such as nickel or palladium.

The North American standard is yellow gold + nickel. I use an ultra-white alloy that doesn't require rhodium plating. Message me if you need to color match a yellower vintage piece. $

The European standard is yellow gold + palladium, a platinum-family metal. It's nickel free and has a darker undertone than my nickel-based white. Color can differ depending on the alloy. Message me if you need help with color matching. $$

950 palladium is a nickel-free, platinum-family alloy. It contains NO gold and has a steely-gray undertone. It's the best color match for platinum. "950" indicates a 95% pure palladium content. $$$