Jewelry Care and Sizing
Precious Metals Care
All handmade jewelry requires proper care to maintain its beauty. Here are some tips:
• General Care: Keep jewelry away from excessive moisture and chemicals, and remove it during exercise. Each piece comes with a complimentary polishing square and care instructions.
• Silver: Sterling silver will tarnish over time but can be easily polished.
• Gold: To keep prices accessible, all gold and rose gold items are made with 14/20k gold-filled material. This offers quality and durability while being environmentally friendly. Like silver, it can be polished if it tarnishes.
• Brass and Copper: Brass tarnishes more quickly than other metals. Our brass and copper bracelets and rings are treated with a polishing agent to help prevent oxidation (which can turn your skin green). This treatment will wear off over time, so repolishing is recommended unless you prefer a rustic look. Each item includes a complimentary polishing square and care instructions. Larger brass and copper rings are sealed with a protectant to prolong their shine.
Sizing Your Jewelry
Rings
To measure your ring size, you can make a simple ring sizer using a strip of paper, string, or floss. Wrap it around the base of your finger and mark where it meets. Measure the length to the nearest mm and use the size chart to find your size.
• If your measurement falls between two sizes, order the larger size.
• Measure both the base of your finger and your knuckle if it’s larger, then choose a size in between.
• Measure at the end of the day when your fingers are warm, as sizes can change throughout the day and in different temperatures. Remember, fingers on your dominant hand are usually larger.
• Measure 3 to 4 times for accuracy.
• Common sizes: Women typically wear sizes 6, 6.5, or 7; men often wear sizes 10, 10.5, or 11
Necklaces
Refer to our necklace length guide to help you choose based on your neckline style. If you have a wider neck and are considering shorter lengths, you may want to go up an inch or two.
Bracelets
To measure your bracelet size, wrap a measuring tape, ribbon, or strip of paper around your wrist at the wrist bone, where you typically wear a bracelet. Mark where the end meets, then measure with a ruler. This measurement is your wrist size. To determine your bracelet size based on your desired fit, add the following:
• Snug Fit: Add 1/4 to 1/2 inch
• Comfortable Fit: Add 3/4 to 1 inch
• Loose Fit: Add about 1-1/4 inches
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the earring wires and jewelry hypoallergenic?
All earring hardware is tested to be nickel-free and lead-free. We primarily use 925 sterling silver, 14/20k gold-filled, and jeweler’s brass, with stainless steel and titanium options available for those with sensitivities to copper.
Q: Do you offer wholesale or consignment in retail stores?
Currently, we do not offer wholesale or consignment but hope to in the future. Email us at beecreativepdx@gmail.com to express your interest.
Q: Are replacements available for lost earrings?
Yes! If the materials are available, we can assist you in replacing lost earrings. For one-of-a-kind pieces, please email us directly to discuss options. If materials are available, you’ll receive a 50% discount code to place your order, plus shipping costs.
Q: My brass or copper items have lost their shine. What can I do?
Brass and copper can tarnish more quickly than silver and gold due to oxidation. Each jewelry piece comes with a complimentary Pro-Polishing square and care instructions. You can also purchase additional polishing cloths from RioGrande.com or Amazon for maintenance.
Q: What Causes Green Marks?
Green marks on the skin are not necessarily a sign of low-quality jewelry. They often occur with copper and brass-based jewelry due to the presence of copper, which can react with the skin’s pH, moisture, lotions, and perfumes. All precious metals contain a small percentage of copper. These marks are harmless and can be easily washed off.