Frequently Asked Questions
How is each piece made?
We get this question alot as it relates to our jewelry. We have a couple different processes that we use.
The first process is used for our soldered jewelry. This is done with two thin pieces of glass cut down to the size of the actual piece. We then solder a frame around the image. We have the ability to "stain" the solder different colors or leave it as it is. These soldered pieces are NOT waterproof. If the piece gets wet, there is a chance that the image inside will be ruined.
The second process is quite different. This process places a sealant, of sorts, over the image and locks it in. These pieces ARE waterproof and if they do get wet, your image will be safe. Our exclusive processing (developed in the early 1960's) of photos on jewelry adds depth to your photograph where liquid glass, resins and epoxies may not, in addition to this the color is improved and clarity is enhanced. The intensity and impact of each photograph is raised to a new standard - a standard enjoyed and appreciated by your customers. Discoloration will not occur, even 30 years from now.
What if I would like a piece that you don't offer?
Thanks to the partnerships with several manufacturers we are able to keep up with the latest trends and have pieces custom made on special requests. You see it or think of it...we can get it. When pieces are custom made for a client we take that piece and incorporate into our main line of products.
PLUS - If you already have a piece that you want us to use, we have the ability to put a picture on that piece. The cost for this is $30.00 plus shipping. Check out the 'Customized' product under the Misc Gifts category to purchase this option.
Can I use professional photos?
If you are a professional photographer! We will not use any professional images - hard or soft copies - without the express written consent of the photographer.
Do I need to size my photo?
No, you do not need to size your photo. In fact, we prefer that you do not - unless you are very familiar with photo editing. We do ask that any special cropping instructions be included in the comment section of your order (i.e. please include the tree behind the dog). If you want to crop and size the image yourself, the dimensions for each piece can be found in the product description for the piece. We will work with you to make sure the picture that we use meets your needs! A quick note about photo editing - we have found the free software program GIMP to be a great alternative to photoshop - It is easy to learn and very powerful - check it out at www.gimp.org.
What about borders on my pictures?
Sometimes borders look fantastic, other times......not so much. It really depends on the item. We do not recommend borders on any of the soldered pieces. If you have something in mind, please feel free to discuss it with us.
Four Step Ordering Process ~
IMAGE UPLOAD WILL BE LAST
1. Enter your general information, select payment type, and shipping address
2. Select your shipping method and list any additional information we need to complete the order such as cropping instructions.
3. Verify order
4. Pay
Once the order is PAID you will need to select your order number located next to your Total paid. This will direct you to an order overview with a link across the top stating UPLOAD FILES. Select UPLOAD FILES. This will direct you to upload files next to each line item. Please make sure you upload each file next to the corresponding product.
How do you control picture quality?
We require all photos to be submitted at 300 dpi. If you do not have an electronic copy of the image, we have a top of the line scanner and will gladly scan the image for you. We will email you the electronic image and send the original back with your order!
What is your turn-around time?
We will do our absolute best to get your items shipped to you within three weeks after we receive payment for same. Special orders/requests will most likely take a little longer.
Can I use more than one image on the same piece - i.e. different image on front and back?
Yes. Double siding is included on pieces that can be double sided, with the same image. You can send a different image for each side if you chose, at no additional charge.
What methods of shipping do you use?
We have three options available FED-Ex, U.S. Mail, and UPS. Our website has links into the online rate calculators for each shipping service. We have a $2.00 handling fee for each order.
Can I send you a hard copy of my image?
Yes. Doing this we reserve the right to crop images to what we consider appropritate for the item ordered. We prefer to receive all images in electronic format - with the image sized and cropped appropriately but like we said earlier - that can be tricky for someone not familiar with photo editing.
Do you offer any discounting?
We do not offer any wholesale discounts. We will offer special promotions from time to time - these may be found in some of your favorite online websites or newsletters. We may even send you a discount coupon code if you send in an image of the item that we make for you. We like to use a variety of images on our site and if we use yours we will give you credit under the image!
What if I don't like the way the image looks on the piece once I recieve the item?
On rare occassions there have been customers that prefer to have less sterling showing around the image surface. It is important to know that we have been making photo jewelry for over 6 years, the sterling suface is instrumental in preserving the life of the item. For example, a sufficent amount of sterling needs to be exposed for our coating to bond - the image is held to the piece because of the relationship between the sterling and coating. In other words we will not make repairs because of too much silver/sterling showing around image. Images on our website are a combination of actual and photoshoped pieces - the finished looks may vary.
FYI...
Did you know that storing jewelry in cotton-filled boxes won't keep jewelry from tarnishing?
Silver is a precious metal. It tends to oxidize easily and rapidly, reacting with hydrogen sulfide in the air to form silver sulfide. This chemical reaction alters the natural color of silver to a yellowish brass color, known as tarnish. To delay and minimize this oxidative reaction, a thin coat of plating is used. In the jewelry trade, sterling silver is identified as 925 silver or SS.
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