Colleen White - Jewelry Design

Silversmith & Lapidary, Enamels, Precious Metal Clay, Polymer, Beads & Wirework

Offering custom design and creation of original jewelry, custom stone cutting, and instruction in silversmithing, precious metal clay, enamels, polymer clay, beading and wire work.

Go directly to my Webstore

Custom Orders

 

 

Although there are pieces for sale in my webstore, the majority of my work is custom designed. It is an exciting process to have a custom piece made. Delivery times vary depending on design but I do get backlogged at holidays, so if you need a piece for a specific date, please inform me when ordering and I will do my best to comply.

Simply contact me by email and we will exchange ideas and sketches of your desired design. When we have settled on this, I will give you an estimate of delivery time and price. Prices vary widely depending on size, detail, and the time required for design and execution of the piece. With one half down, construction will begin. The balance is due in full before the work is shipped. Previous to shipping I will email detailed photos of your completed piece for approval. Remember each piece is an individual work of art, and generally 10-14 days will be required for construction. If special materials have to be ordered, this would increase the time. I do carry a varied stock, but may not always have exactly what is needed on hand.

Buyer will be responsible for shipping and insurance. I usually ship by USPS Priority Mail with delivery confirmation. All pricing is in US dollars. Payment may be by credit card, cash, or Paypal. If you would like to use Paypal I will send you an invoice with a link to my Paypal account.

 

My Guarantee

Due to the nature of my business, most of my work is custom made and one of a kind. Each stone has it's own characteristics and colors. If you are not happy with an item from my webstore, I will be happy to offer an exchange for an item of equal value or credit for a future date. I do not offer refunds on custom work. I will do everything I can to ensure that your order is how it was described and agreed upon and delivered on time. I stand behind my work and am willing to satisfy you, but all returns must be made within seven (7) days of delivery, returned in the same shipping package with the same packing materials. If the piece was worn I must have it in hand to examine for wear and tear before a merchandise credit is issued.

 

Repairs

I will repair any of my pieces free of charge as long as it was not the result of a harmful action. I just ask that you pay the postage, which is much less than taking it to your local jeweler for repairs. I also am familiar with the piece and will know the best way to handle it, where someone else may just do further damage. (What is harmful action? I once had a ring returned that was totally flattened like a car had driven over it with "It broke" being the claimed cause.)

 

Custom Stone Cutting

I have a large selection of slabs and stone in stock and do custom lapidary work for other designers. If you are a designer and are interested in having cabachons cut for your work contact me by email and I will be happy to work with you. I have many unusual stones and fossils as well as mineral specimens that can be incorporated into your works.

Caring for your Jewelry

Jewelry, goblets, and tiaras are made in sterling silver (.925), fine silver (.999), gold, bronze and copper. I will work in nickel silver on request. I do not use pewter in any of my works. Fine silver resists tarnish better than sterling, and each piece is shipped in a resealable bag with an anti-tarnish paper strip. Keep your jewelry stored in the bag between wearings, and it will resist tarnishing. To display goblets or tiaras, I have found that a bell jar case works great. Just put the strip of anti-tarnish paper under the object inside the jar, and keep away from direct sunlight to prevent condensation within the jar. My wedding goblet has been displayed since 2006 in this manner and still does not need to be polished.

To clean silver jewelry use a rouge cloth or Wrights silver polish. For bronze and copper jewelry, Wrights brass & copper polish works wonders. Rinse and dry throughly before storing. NEVER use silver cleaning "dips" as they pit the metal and damage stones. Pearls can be cleaned with a mild soapy water, however, they develop a luster from natural body oils over time that enhance the vintage look. Do NOT spray perfume, use body lotions, oils, suntan lotions or other chemicals where they can come in contact with pearls, or they may discolor. Never put pearls, turquoise, opals, or other soft stones in an ultrasonic cleaner or they may be destroyed. Use a damp toothbrush dipped in baking soda to clean stones. If you wear your silver jewelry in highly chlorinated water ( swimming pools, hot tubs) or come in contact with bleach or strong household chemicals, it can turn your silver black.