HillCountrySilver
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Announcement
Welcome to HillCountrySilver and thanks for looking!
**I just bought a very old farmhouse and had to close my shop AGAIN at the end of April for a trip to Kauai and then to renovate and move into what I hope will be my last home ever! It is TINY and has a very limited studio space. So I anticipate I will be open for about 2 weeks (until 11/27) then closed again until after the holidays, after which I will get settled for good.** Note 10/2022: I have delayed opening for personal reasons for a bit longer. I will be back, although an injury has delayed my dexterity! I have my shop and studio ready to open in a limited capacity (lots of charm holders!) as I recover. Thanks for being patient. I miss my shop and customers! I will close again in early December for a bucket list trip to Thailand and a silver-sourcing spree, then reopen after the holiday. Hopefully I will be able to keep up and reopen more permanently in 2023.
I have rearranged my shop sections because I have found an endless supply of gorgeous labradorite (well, until I spend all my $...see note on frequent trips above) and have been making so many items that I had to add a special place for it all. I also have many new leather and suede cords, so have eliminated the "cord necklaces" from that section.
I have one request for everyone reading this: please do not EVER click on an Etsy ad on Google! We, the sellers, have been coerced into paying 12-15% commission fees for products sold through Etsy marketing and the more we sell, the more likely we have to raise our prices. If you have clicked on an ad in the last 30 days, the seller pays the price, which is a LOT higher (6x+) than the regular commission we usually pay! While we appreciate Etsy doing some marketing on our behalf, the fees are getting out of hand and some of us (yours truly, for example) are happy with things the way they were. OK, rant over. And thank you. Because of this, I am now going to place items in a nice recycled gift box and omit the tag and ribbon unless you select "GIFT." This will save me time and space and shave a bit of my costs off and will allow me to keep prices down and get your orders out more quickly! I will still include a small polishing cloth for orders of $25 or more and to repeat customers (thank you!). Since commission fees have also doubled overnight, I will have to raise prices to take this into consideration when I reopen as well.
I have a great selection of sterling silver charm holders that are made to order and some one-of-a kind styles that are ready to ship. I have loads of them that are not even listed! Thanks for checking out my little slice of handmade, high-quality mostly sterling jewelry and Personalized items for mothers and grandmothers, sisters and friends, along with very cool and unique jewelry and a medical ID line in sterling and copper. As I plan for my next adventure, I will be phasing out my custom stamped items. My studio space is shrinking, and I must keep portability in mind moving forward.
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Most of my items require about 1-2 weeks to create, depending on my current order load and day job schedule. I try really hard to ship within 1 week, but my day job schedule has some periods where it is not possible, thus the 2 week guarantee. Need something ASAP? I have lots of handmade gifts, including unique one of a kind charm holders from the heart READY TO SHIP and many that can be made to order if you plan ahead. Search "RTS" in my shop if you are in a rush for a last minute gift and request Priority Mail, which I prioritize and bump to the top of my daily To Do list.
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Free shipping on orders over $35!!! That is usually two charm holders. One for you, one for a friend! If you order more than 1 item within a few days AND I have not shipped, I will bundle them into the same package to save resources and shipping costs on my end and to keep prices down on your end. I will notify you and refund shipping charges for all orders if the amount totals over $35.
COVID-19 NOTE: I live with pets, and there is often a dog in my studio. That said, I am an RN and ALWAYS wash my hands before a studio shift. All items are sanitized prior to packaging except for the cords, which could be ruined in the process. But I work with clean hands and clean packaging material!
Thanks for shopping HillCountrySilver.etsy.com ! You can also find me on Facebook. My page is https://m.facebook.com/pages/HillCountrySilver/141176119262589?id=141176119262589. Stop by and see what new things I'm working on, and what inspires me! Mostly beaches, rocks, flowers, and tie dye at the moment...
=)Cindy
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Reviews
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Renee on May 30, 2022
5 out of 5 starsI love these charm holders. I have one myself and have also given as gifts. Very pretty. Holding up well. Well-made. Exactly as pictured. Arrived in a timely manner.
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Pavia on May 29, 2022
5 out of 5 starsCindy's work is always outstanding. Her special charm holders are so unique and perfect but this one with the extra tiny flower is gorgeous! Absolutley LOVE IT!!! Will keep coming back for more beautiful pieces! Thanks so much again Cindy :)))
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Pavia on May 29, 2022
5 out of 5 starsCindy's work is always outstanding. These tiny charm holders are so unique and perfect. Will keep coming back for more beautiful pieces! Thanks so much again Cindy :)))
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Pavia on May 29, 2022
5 out of 5 starsCindy's work is always outstanding. These tiny charm holders are so unique and perfect. Will keep coming back for more beautiful pieces! Thanks so much again Cindy :)))
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Pavia on May 29, 2022
5 out of 5 starsCindy's work is always outstanding. These tiny charm holders are so unique and perfect. Will keep coming back for more beautiful pieces! Thanks so much again Cindy :)))
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Linda on May 24, 2022
5 out of 5 starsThank you for taking time out of moving to send this wonderful charm holder to me!!!
About HillCountrySilver
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This is what I love doing the most...wire wrapped gemstone pendants! Sterling and copper...Labradorite and more! -
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I have several unique custom medical IDs made to order. -
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I love working with artisan lampwork and my owls and spiders have been quite popular. They go fast! -
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My totally original charm holders come in a variety of shapes in your choice of finish and no charm ring opening needed! -
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My Mommy necklaces come in many styles, with any number of names you desire! They ship in about two weeks.
Unique Handmade Sterling Silver Jewelery and Charm Holders
Inspired by a bead lanyard at work, I thought my pre-teen kids* might enjoy beading, so I bought them some basic beads and tools for Christmas in 2006.
They got bored after two days, but I was addicted from the first minute! It got so intense over the next month that my mess was spilling into several rooms. My husband cleaned out a small shed on the back of our property with a little a/c unit in it and kicked me and my growing disaster out of the house. I had never been so happy! It was awesome to have all this space to myself! As my collection of beads and skills grew, I moved on to torching, incorporating more and more silver into my work, and discovered wire-wrapping and artisan lampwork (which I hope to someday add to my list of skills).
My California studio is now in my dining room in my TINY house in a quaint mining community in which I spend countless hours every month with the dogs just feeling creative and enjoying the freedom I find there. I have just found and purchased my own "forever" home and will will be closed for an extended period to set up (build!) a studio space. I can't believe I found this beautiful property in this crazy real estate market, but it lacks room for a studio!
I sold lots of items through my work (RNs like jewelry it turns out!), and then realized that MAYBE I could actually support my hobby when I discovered Etsy in 2009. I did not hesitate to open a shop, and proudly posted my first (horrible) photos of my work. I got a sale the first week and had about 40 that first year. My photography skills improved, I found some wonderful regular customers who encouraged me to work outside of my comfort zone, and my jewelry skills also improved and continue to evolve to this day.
My shop gets busier and busier every year, so I have to close up every once in a while, take some deep breaths, dip my feet in the ocean, and psych myself up for whatever comes next.
I now also work part-time (or full-time, thanks to COVID19) as an ICU RN at my day job, and my jewelry income contributes not only to feed my silver addiction, but also to my therapy and the household budget as long as I spend every spare minute hammering and wrapping. And promoting. And taking care of little things I omitted in my dreams of entrepreneurial creativity like taxes, obtaining shipping and packaging supplies. And replying to LOTS of inquiries. Fortunately, I LOVE my creative "job."
I love Etsy and the personal connections I have made here. The teams are supportive and helpful (I never would have heard of SEO if not for the Etsy Success Team!) and inspiring (especially the Wire Goddess Team!).
Please contact me if you are looking for a particular stone or item and I'll do my best to make your vision a reality.
Thanks for wondering about me! I read EVERY single bit of feedback I receive, cherish those quick notes and photos when a customer loves that little box in the mail, and enjoy peeking at your profiles, too! I often post customer appreciation photos on my Facebook business page, so you may see your loaded charm holder there. Happy shopping!
=) Cindy
*My "pre-teen" kids are now grown and all very creative souls on their own!
Shop members
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Cindy
Owner, Customer Service, Maker, Designer, Accountant, Photographer, Manager, Mother And ICU Nurse
When I'm not working as an ICU RN, taking care of kids, or gardening, I'm hammering or playing with fire. I take beach and crystal hunting vacations as well. I am considering full-time traveling now that the kids are grown and more self-sufficient.
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My kids: Connor, Shayla, Shane, and Drake
Support System
These great kids help whenever they are asked, help with the mail trips, and do a great job cheering me on when things get busy! Love them all.
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Shayla
Creator
Shayla makes video game themed pendants that were awesome but got removed by Etsy and is an extremely creative soul.
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Zora
Creativity Companion
She is still bewildered by the hammering, but makes me smile constantly and always keeps me company while I work on orders.
Production partners
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casting partner
China
cast silver ring blanks
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karen hill tribes
Thailand
I source many of my beads and findings from these amazing artists.
Shop policies
***Quick notes:***
♥I have HUGE hands
Seriously-I can palm a basketball. Keep this in mind when looking at my jewelry displayed in my hands! I rarely forget to list approximate sizes in the item descriptions.
♥PROMOs:
Occasionally offered to reward my wonderful and growing base of return customers and incentives for new buyers! These will be listed on my main page and occasionally on my Facebook Business Page.
♥I'm very convo-friendly!
Just drop me a line and before you know it, we'll be having an iced tea on the back porch (on the phone)! If you convo me from the item you're inquiring about's page, I'll have a record and a visual, though...I prefer this so that I can refer to it when making custom pieces.
♥Social Media: I have a FB page called HillCountrySilver. I also love Pinterest and post new items there if I really love them. HillCoSilver is my avatar there. Warning: I also post some inappropriate content if it makes me laugh and have a board devoted to self-care and the trauma of narcissistic abuse as well as a jewelry inspiration board.
I also have an Artfire.com shop with the same name. When I close this shop, I generally keep my much slower and less - stocked Artfire shop open. Many of my charm holders can be found there.
Accepted payment methods
Returns & exchanges
Cancellations
Cancellations: accepted
Request a cancellation: within 24 hours of purchase
Payment
If you order a custom item and it requires more information, I will usually request it immediately. If there is no reply within 2 weeks, I will refund the entire purchase and cancel the order. Sometimes I do not realize the issue until it is on my bench, so your order may be delayed if I don't hear back quickly. With the Etsy app, it is easy to receive notifications about your orders and respond quickly to requests for more information!
There will be no REFUNDS for PERSONALIZED ITEMS for obvious reasons. The stamping is all hand-done and will not be perfect! If you want perfect, go to the mall and get it engraved. I will begin stamping only after payment is received in full! If there is a problem with your order, please let me know so that I can fix it...(and I will in most cases)...before your Review is placed. Please see REFUNDS Policy below. My customer service is very important to me! I have a lot of happy customers who return again and again!
CUSTOM, more pricey non-personalized orders may require a nominal down payment and the balance when ready to ship, and generally can be made and shipped within 1-2 weeks of your order. If I make a mistake in the stamping (please double check your notes to seller at checkout!), I will pay for any further shipping costs to correct your order. Most of my business is return customers, so please don't ask for an additional discount. My prices are fair, even downright low sometimes, and I always take care of my great customers in some way!
I value my time and my money, so I naturally expect that you value yours. But sometimes I see something out of my price range that I just MUST have! LAYAWAY is perfectly respectable. Let me know if you would like to split up payments and I will relist the item for you with divided payments. If items are not paid in full within 60 days, all payments are forfeit and I will withdraw your listing(s). Unless we make other arrangements. Please communicate with me. I prefer that payment is made in full within 30 days, but of course, I am open to other possibilities. Once again, items will not be shipped nor will custom items be started until payment is received in full. Thanks for understanding.
Shipping
I ship quickly and conveniently from my home. Ready-made orders generally go out around 10am Mon-Fri. I can now print International postage through
Etsy, so no more long-distance delays. I have an erratic work schedule with 14 hour days, which is why I list up to 2 weeks for custom orders. I always try to ship more quickly, but sometimes it cannot be helped. Let me know if you're in a real rush and I will do all I can to make sure your OOAK handmade jewelry gets out PDQ! Also, if you select PRIORITY shipping, I will bump your order to the front of my daily to-do list.
CUSTOM order shipping: My current shipping times vary depending upon the season, holidays, and current height of my order stack. I make every attempt to ship custom items within 14 days of payment, but this may be delayed if I do not get replies to requests for clarification, payment for gemstone upgrades, etc. Please check my front page announcement : hillcountrysilver.etsy.com and click on the "read more" in the text at the top for current shipping times.
Inernational Shipping: please note that some countries may charge import taxes and will collect these before releasing your package. I state actual purchase price on my customs labels. Only rarely have people requested that I alter that price for customs. Please don't. Transit time is generally 10-14 days to most countries, but once I had an order destined for Canada get routed through Mexico (and significantly delayed). Once it leaves me, it is out of my control and I cannot request tracking for 30 days. If your item is late, I will do everything in my power to track it down. Update 3/2019: I just had another order to Canada that traveled all over the US, to Canada, and then to MALAYSIA before it ended up right where it was supposed to over a month later!
I am a bead addict, too, and I will make every effort to ship RTS purchases the next day. If I am unable to do so within 3 days (not counting holidays and Sundays), I will let you know in advance.
Please note-my items come in giftable hand-embellished, recycled kraft boxes. The envelopes, however, may not look so hot. I RECYCLE all my mailers if I can. If there are any little plastic bags in your order, be assured that I have not purchased them, but am re-using bags that I've received with gemstone purchases. Not necessarily pretty, but we might save a tree or two in the process! If you are a reseller, I pack as many items as possible in plain boxes so that you can reuse them. Just ask...
Additional policies and FAQs
I no longer do light jewelry repair in general, tumble-polishing (super-shiny, but not all stones and metals can be polished without some risk!-please convo me with details first), and oxidation for a nominal fee, plus you pay shipping costs. It's usually simple and quick, but takes time away from creating jewelry, which is my love and my therapy every day.
As for custom orders, I love the challenges! Bring 'em! I have worked with several really nice people and made some pretty cool stuff. Check my sold items and my feedback to see what sold and what the buyer thought of the experience! I've had fun every time!
The best place to see custom items is in my "sold" section. Most of these items are identified by "reserved for" or "custom listing for". No guarantees, but I might be able to reproduce a fair copy of something I've already made if you see something you love...
♥Again, thanks for checking my policies before you buy! Have a wonderful day!
=)Cindy
Privacy
More information
Frequently asked questions
Care instructions
An occasional wash in warm soapy water and a toothbrush scrub (yes, except for soft/porous stones like turquoise, they are safe for showering, too!) will keep your item looking new, as will daily wear, which inhibits tarnish. For orders $25+ I include a small Sunshine polishing cloth which can be used on dry pieces until it is completely black.
For shiny jewelry, I use a silver dip product for polishing. Just dip and then rinse in water. This will not remove black lettering.
If the text lightens (common inside of bracelets), fill in the letters with a Sharpie. Best hack ever! Wipe off the excess ink while ink is wet and sand off remaining residue to make the lettering pop again. I include sanding paper in stamped bracelet orders.
Sizing details
Exact wrist size is important for my bracelets! A 7-inch bracelet only works on a 6.75 inch wrist if it is a flat chain. One with 1-inch beads (links) that is 7" long may only fit a 5" wrist. Each bracelet I make is made from scratch and the link sizes vary. So PLEASE send your EXACT wrist circumference if you are ordering a bracelet and want to wear it a long time!
Gift wrapping and packaging
For orders marked GIFT, I will include a ribbon and 1" round tag for no additional cost to you. If you include a short gift message, I will hand-write it on the (small) tag and can ship directly to the recipient.
Do I need to open the rings on my charms to put them on the charm holders?
Never! All charm holders have a "loose end" in the design so that you can thread them onto the holder. Some are trickier than others, but all are easy once you see how they work! I will eventually make a video for my product photos to make it more clear. But you can do it easily without any tools.