A hand stamped item means the metal charm has been struck by a metal tool (or die), typically with a hammer on an anvil, to create an imprint (or engraving) in the metal, which is then antiqued to show off its detail.

Stamping metal by hand is an acquired skill that requires a lot of practice! Every letter, number and symbol is stamped one at a time, on every tag. Some tools require multiple hammer strikes to create a clean and deep impression in the metal.

To date it is safe to say that Ann, owner of Tipsy Whimsey, has stamped over one million characters.

Every stamped charm will be unique, the alignment can vary, no two tags will be identical. This adds to the handmade nature of your special order.

Tipsy Whimsey is able to complete most orders within 2-4 business days. First Class shipping after this can take 3-5 business days in the U.S. A safe estimate: it can take 7-10 days for you to receive your order after you purchase it, in the U.S.

International shipping may take up to 2 weeks to reach larger cities, or longer for more remote locations.

To speed up your order significantly, upgrade your shipping option during checkout to include RUSH + PRIORITY. This means processing time is about 1 business day and shipping is about 2-3 business days, in the U.S.

A business day is a weekday (Monday-Friday), excluding weekends or any U.S. government holiday.

You can search "All Fonts" or "All Symbols" or "All Hearts" to quickly find photos in this shop.

Here is a link to fonts available at Tipsy Whimsey:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/250944296/all-fonts

Here is a link to all symbols available at Tipsy Whimsey:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/166148061/new-all-symbol-stamps
Be sure to page through all photos; you can also read the symbol names in a list in the description.

Most of Tipsy Whimsey's plated charms can be stamped on the backside since they are nice & thick. There will be an additional stamping fee per added word, name, date or symbol.

Add 1 stamping fee to your cart per added word; change the quantity (QTY) to reflect the total number of stamping fees required in your cart. Add this fee listing to your cart along w/your charm purchase: https://www.etsy.com/listing/80281037/add

Examples of stamping fees required:
John = 1 fee
John Doe = 2 fees
1-1-1999 = 1 fee
Jan. 1, 99 = 2 fees
J&J = 1 fee
[heart] = 1 fee
[heart] J&J = 2 fees
[10 digit phone] = 2 fees
[Roman Numeral Date] = 2 fees
[GPS COORDINATE] = 3 fees

*When in doubt please contact me via the Etsy listing & include all text for your order.

If you are ordering a charm to add to your own keychain please tell Tipsy Whimsey during your checkout notes so that stronger stainless steel jump rings may be used.

All ball chains (except stainless steel) can be cut to specific length at home using good, household scissors. You can also request a custom length during your checkout notes (any length up to 24" is available).

Dainty (1.5-2mm) ball chains come with a small tube closure. Thick (2.5mm) ball chains have a larger tube closure that is easier to grasp. Request a Thick ball chain during checkout if you or the gift recipient would prefer that size.

You can upgrade any Dainty ball chain to include a lobster clasp. Search for 'upgrade' in Tipsy Whimsey's shop to find the link.

PLEASE KEEP OUT OF WATER.

Copper & Sterling Silver tarnish easily. Simply from the air, moisture, humidity, salt water air, skin's PH balance, lotion, perfume, oils on your hands, & chemicals in pools.

Plated charms are plated with .999 fine silver, genuine copper or 24K gold. Plating is only one molecule thick so it can wear thin. Don't rub or wash your charms.

Store jewelry & charms safely away from moisture in a jewelry box or bag. Avoid wearing it overnight & stay out of the water to preserve it as long as possible.

Options to spruce up: Rub w/a polishing cloth (without cleaners). Dab rubbing alcohol on folded paper towel & swipe in little circles. Extremely fine steel wool (#0000) can be used but will leave fine scratches.

If you need to open a jump ring in order to add your charm(s) to a bracelet or special chain, email Tipsy Whimsey to receive a quick tutorial image.

Essentially, using two small needle-nosed pliers, grasp either side of the cut in the ring. You want to separate the ends of the little ring without misshaping the circle. Do this by holding one side still and push the other side forward / away from you - DO NOT pull them apart sideways (from left to right).

When closing the jump ring, grasp again as you started, but work the end back towards you, in small push/pull movements.