jtopolski

Bold and unique animal jewelry, handcrafted in NYC.

New York, United States On Etsy since 2008

4,315 Sales | 5 out of 5 stars

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Buyers bought gifts from this shop and gave them 5-star reviews!

jtopolski

Bold and unique animal jewelry, handcrafted in NYC.

New York, United States | 4,315 Sales

5 out of 5 stars

Shop owner

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Announcement    I make all my pieces by hand in my studio in Brooklyn's Navy Yard, through a combination of acid etching, wax carving, metal smithing, and with eco-friendly resin. For more details on my process, please see my "About" page.

Wholesale inquiries welcome! Please email me at info [!at] topolskijewelry.com with your store info.

Announcement

Last updated on Jun 28, 2020

I make all my pieces by hand in my studio in Brooklyn's Navy Yard, through a combination of acid etching, wax carving, metal smithing, and with eco-friendly resin. For more details on my process, please see my "About" page.

Wholesale inquiries welcome! Please email me at info [!at] topolskijewelry.com with your store info.

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J Topolski

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J Topolski

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About jtopolski

Sales 4,315
On Etsy since 2008
  • sometimes things get messy!
  • my booth at the 2013 Union Square Holiday Market
  • sawing and filing
  • wax carving
  • I love tools!

Customized animal jewelry, as unique as you.

I am a jeweler living in Manhattan with a studio in Brooklyn's Navy Yard, with a background in printmaking and ceramic. Using my traditional etching and sculpture skills, I scaled down to jewelry and found my niche.

HISTORY:
I have always worked best when I have some sort of framework or problem to solve. I am stumped by a blank sheet of paper, but if you give me one thing I must include, I am able to focus and expand on it. This is how I came to love jewelry. There are built-in constraints-- a piece must be able to be worn, it can't be too heavy or too light, the materials and textures must be compatible against the skin and/or clothing, and the form and shapes have to move with the human body. For me, it's a perfect way to work. I can create anything I want, but I have the bones (literally) to make it on.

EDUCATION:
After getting my Illustration BFA from Parsons School of Design, with a focus on printmaking (especially etching), I realized several years later that I am really a more natural sculptor. I started with ceramic, then learned to think "backwards" and began carving wax. Even though my etchings start with a drawing, they too end up as a three dimensional object.

VOLUNTEER WORK:
As you can probably tell from my work, I have always had a great love of animals and wildlife. In addition to my day job as a jeweler, I am also the treasurer for Urban Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitation, on the NY State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council's board of directors, and a state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

I also love connecting with other small business owners. I was formerly the Operations Director, Events Director, and Treasurer for the NY Handmade Collective- a 501c6 business group. (I am still an involved member, just no longer on the board of directors.) I was a member of Etsy's 2016 Seller Advisory Board, and a teacher of the Craft Entrepreneurship Program in NYC while it was running. It's very important to me to share knowledge and skills; I wouldn't be where I am today with out the help of so many more experienced and talented people who took the time to show me better ways. I feel a responsibility to pass this along, both in environmental education, and with helping others develop their business.

SUSTAINABILITY:
Creating products with the least possible burden on the planet is a priority for me. Currently, some ways I am working to have less impact are:
--shipping items through Etsy, which provides carbon offsets for 100% of shipping
--purchasing recycled/ biodegradable packaging whenever possible, and reusing other packaging
--working with recycled metals whenever possible
--purchasing as many used tools and supplies as I can
--supply shopping locally in NYC whenever possible, and taking mass transit or biking to get to those vendors.

Shop members

  • Jenny Topolski

    Owner, Maker, Designer, Photographer

    Also Book Keeper, Marketing Director, Sales Director, Packaging Designer, Errand-Runner... One Woman Show!

  • Luz

    Maker, Destroyer, Break Enforcer

    Luz came to the studio as a foster cat, but quickly made it clear she's not moving out.

Production partners

  • a gold plater in

    Johnston, RI

    a custom gold-plater

  • a traditional engraver in

    New York, NY

    a master engraver in NYC's diamond district

  • an independent stone setter in

    New York, NY

    a master stone-setter, perfecting his craft for decades

  • a casting house in

    New York, NY

    a family-run business in the diamond-district of NYC

Shop policies

Last updated on December 26, 2019

Accepted payment methods

Paypal Mastercard Visa American Express Discover Apple Pay Giftcard
Accepts Etsy Gift Cards and Etsy Credits
Returns and exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
Contact me within: 3 days of delivery
Ship items back within: 7 days of delivery
I don't accept cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
  • Custom or personalized orders
  • Perishable products (like food or flowers)
  • Digital downloads
  • Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
  • Items on sale
Returns and exchange details
USA POLICIES:
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RETURNS/EXCHANGES: If you are unsatisfied with your item, please contact me and I will be happy to exchange it, or return non-custom and non-sale items.

For returns, I will refund your full cost **minus $4 shipping** as soon as I receive your item. You must keep your tracking number when mailing back your item, so that we know if it goes missing in the mail.

For exchanges where nothing is wrong with the item but you have simply changed your mind (it happens!), the customer must pay the shipping fees. I will invoice you with a small fee for the return cost- usually $3-4. If the incorrect item arrives, I will of course pay the shipping both ways, as that's my mistake. Please just contact me with the date you expect to mail it back, and I will make a label for you accordingly.

REPAIRS: Repairs of broken chain, re-sizing rings etc are available for a materials fee + shipping cost. Occasionally there are chains with defects in the links which can snap through no mistreatment. If your necklace chain breaks within the first month of wear, I will replace it at no cost.

CUSTOM ITEMS: Custom orders are not returnable or exchangeable. This includes any engraving, custom carvings or etchings, very long or very short necklaces in custom lengths, or any adjusted standard designs (cropping a dog's tail etc).

I want you to be happy with your purchase, so if you have any problems, feel free to contact me and we will work something out!


INTERNATIONAL POLICIES:
-------------------------------------

VAT/CUSTOMS: Please note that you, the purchaser, are responsible for any duties, tariffs, VAT or other taxes which may apply to purchases in your country. I am NOT registered to collect VAT/GST in any country, so when you see Etsy's "VAT/GST included where applicable" statement under the price, please bear in mind it is NOT applicable to purchases from this shop. Your country's normal VAT/GST procedures will apply.

RETURNS/EXCHANGES: For returns, I will refund your full cost minus the calculated shipping as soon as I receive your item. You must keep your tracking number when mailing back your item, so that we know if it goes missing in the mail.

For exchanges where nothing is wrong with the item but you have simply changed your mind (it happens!), the customer must pay the shipping fees. I will invoice you with a fee for the return cost. If your item arrives broken or incorrect, I will of course pay the shipping both ways, as that's my mistake. Please just contact me with the date you expect to mail it back, and I will make a label for you accordingly.

REPAIRS: Repairs of broken chain, re-sizing rings etc are available for a materials fee + shipping cost. Occasionally there are chains with defects in the links which can snap through no mistreatment. If your necklace chain breaks within the first month of wear, I will replace it at no cost.

CUSTOM ITEMS: Custom orders are not returnable or exchangeable. This includes any engraving, custom carvings or etchings, very long or very short necklaces in custom lengths, or any adjusted standard designs (cropping a dog's tail etc).

I want you to be happy with your purchase, so if you have any problems, feel free to contact me and we will work something out!
Payment
Payment for items is due at time of sale, via the above methods. Applicable US states will have sales tax added to their orders automatically at check out.
Shipping
PACKAGING: All jewelry is shipped in a small box hand-stamped with my logo, and tied with a ribbon. If it says so in the listing, it will also come with a polishing swatch and a care card. I'm also happy to include any personal notes!

RECEIPTS: I do not include any paper receipt or packing slip, so please keep your Etsy emails for your financial records.

ADDRESS: I print my shipping labels directly from your order on Etsy, so please verify your address before finalizing the purchase. If you check out with the wrong address and the package is returned to me, I will send you a new shipping invoice and then re-ship.

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DOMESTIC (USA)

TRACKING: Go to "Your Account" in the top right corner, and then to "Purchases," then click on the item you would like to check on. Some items are completely made to order, and ship within 1 or 2 weeks. This is stated in the listing.

UPGRADES: I also offer Priority Mail, which will ship within the item's listed shipping window unless we have made other arrangements.


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INTERNATIONAL
I am happy to ship all items internationally, via USPS mail. Tracking is not always available once it reaches your country. Please allow at least 5 weeks for international deliveries. After that I can file an insurance claim and replace your item. It will not normally take that long, but sometimes things are held at customs for no discernible reason.

FEES, GST, AND VAT: International customers are responsible for all customs fees, taxes, and duties associated with shipping to their respective countries. Any customs fees, duties, etc. that may be incurred at the time of delivery would be at the discretion of your country's tax regulations. For any additional information please refer to your local customs agency. I am NOT registered to collect VAT/GST in any country, so when you see Etsy's "VAT/GST included where applicable" statement under the price, please bear in mind it is NOT applicable to purchases from this shop.

For an estimate of your country's fees, try this link:
http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/ All items are shipped with indication of their full retail value for customs. I will not ship merchandise as a "gift". Refunds due to unclaimed packages or items declined due to VAT charges are given once I receive your returned international order, *minus the original shipping cost*. Please understand your country's taxes before ordering.
Additional policies and FAQs
CARE INFO: Some tips to care for your brass jewelry: http://www.eaglerowe.com/how-to-clean-and-care-for-brass-jewelry/
Privacy
GDPR POLICY: This Privacy Policy describes how and when I collect, use, and share information when you purchase an item from me, contact me, or otherwise use my services through Etsy.com or its related sites and services.

This Privacy Policy does not apply to the practices of third parties that I do not own or control, including Etsy or any third party services you access through Etsy. You can reference the Etsy Privacy Policy to learn more about its privacy practices.

Information I Collect: To fulfill your order, you must provide me with certain information (which you authorized Etsy to provide to me), such as your name, email address, postal address, payment information, and the details of the product that you’re ordering. You may also choose to provide me with additional personal information (for a custom order of jewelry, for example), if you contact me directly.

Why I Need Your Information and How I Use It: I rely on a number of legal bases to collect, use, and share your information, including:

-as needed to provide my services, such as when I use your information to fulfill your order, to settle disputes, or to provide customer support;
-when you have provided your affirmative consent, which you may revoke at any time, such as by signing up for my mailing list;
-if necessary to comply with a legal obligation or court order or in connection with a legal claim, such as retaining information about your purchases if required by tax law; and
-as necessary for the purpose of my legitimate interests, if those legitimate interests are not overridden by your rights or interests, such as 1) providing and improving my services. I use your information to provide the services you requested and in my legitimate interest to improve my services; and 2) Compliance with the Etsy Seller Policy and Terms of Use. I use your information as necessary to comply with my obligations under the Etsy Seller Policy and Terms of Use.

Information Sharing and Disclosure: Information about my customers is important to my business. I share your personal information for very limited reasons and in limited circumstances, as follows:

-Etsy. I share information with Etsy as necessary to provide you my services and comply with my obligations under both the Etsy Seller Policy and Etsy Terms of Use.
Service providers. I engage certain trusted third parties to perform functions and provide services to my shop, such as delivery companies. I will share your personal information with these third parties, but only to the extent necessary to perform these services.
-Compliance with laws. I may collect, use, retain, and share your information if I have a good faith belief that it is reasonably necessary to: (a) respond to legal process or to government requests; (b) enforce my agreements, terms and policies; (c) prevent, investigate, and address fraud and other illegal activity, security, or technical issues; or (d) protect the rights, property, and safety of my customers, or others.

Data Retention: I retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to provide you with my services and as described in my Privacy Policy. However, I may also be required to retain this information to comply with my legal and regulatory obligations, to resolve disputes, and to enforce my agreements. My Etsy past sold orders are viewable to me for the length of time that my shop is open.

Transfers of Personal Information Outside the EU: I am based in the US, and all my data is in the USA.

Your Rights: If you reside in certain territories, including the EU, you have a number of rights in relation to your personal information:

-Access. You may have the right to access and receive a copy of the personal information I hold about you by contacting me using the contact information below.
-Change, restrict, delete. You may also have rights to change, restrict my use of, or delete your personal information. Absent exceptional circumstances (like where I am required to store data for legal reasons) I will generally delete your personal information upon request.
-Object. You can object to (i) my processing of some of your information based on my legitimate interests and (ii) receiving marketing messages from me after providing your express consent to receive them. In such cases, I will delete your personal information unless I have compelling and legitimate grounds to continue using that information or if it is needed for legal reasons.
-Complain. If you reside in the EU and wish to raise a concern about my use of your information (and without prejudice to any other rights you may have), you have the right to do so with your local data protection authority.

How to Contact Me: If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact me at info [!at] jtopolski.com. Or, for faster processing, send a request directly to Etsy.

More information

Last updated on Jun 28, 2020
Frequently asked questions
Care instructions

Jewelry that needs polishing comes with a polishing swatch and care info on a card. Most items that can tarnish also come with an airtight baggie and anti-tarnish swatch for storage. You can find additional care info in each item's details.

Silver jewelry can be polished with any commercial polishing cloth. I don't recommend liquid cleaners as this will remove the detail oxidation.

This site has great brass care tips: http://www.eaglerowe.com/how-to-clean-and-care-for-brass-jewelry/

Can you carve or etch a particular animal or skyline for me?

I am happy to create custom orders. If there is an etching or carving you would like that I believe I can add to my line, it will be similarly priced to other stock items. If it is a unique item just for you, design rates start at about $150, then go up based on how many hours of labor and revisions we need to go through, plus the final cost of materials.

Can you cast a bee from my hives into resin? Or use my snake's shedding in an ouroboros?

I am also happy to cast your bees into resin, or use your personal snake's shedding on an ouroboros! Just shoot me a convo, and I can send you my shipping address.

Gift wrapping and packaging

All jewelry come in the box with ribbon as pictured.

Sizing details

Sizing availability is in each item's details. I can make most necklaces and rings any size you like, just send me a message before ordering.

Wholesale availability

Yes I do offer wholesale! You can send me a convo with your email address and store info and I will send line sheets directly.

Do you make engagement/wedding rings?

Yes! I would love to make something special just for the two of you. Please contact me directly.