FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

I am glad to answer any questions you may have!  Please don't hesitate to contact me.


What is this jewelry made of?

I use quality sterling silver, 14k gold fill and 14k gold.  Occasionally I throw in some bronze, copper or brass.  I use all natural gemstones, some have been treated to enhance color.

About 14k gold fill: 14K gold filled wire is a professional jewelers grade wire. Gold filled wire is not plated. It is a tube of solid 14K gold mechanically bonded to a brass or silver base. There is 100 times more gold in gold filled than in gold plate wire. This layer of gold must be a minimum of 1/20th of the total metal weight to be called gold filled. The color looks exactly like 14k gold. It is tarnish-resistant, safe for sensitive skin and unlike gold plate, it will not wear off. It is a great way to enjoy affordable gold jewelry.

I have a metal allergy?  Can I wear this?

Allergies vary per person, but all my metal is lead and nickel free.  A great alternative for highly sensitive ears is niobium.  I am glad to switch any earwires to niobium, which is a wonderful hypo-allergenic alternative to silver.  If you would like to switch the earwires to niobium, just ask!

The item I want is sold out!

Due to variances and availability of stones, a lot of my jewelry is one of a kind. So if you love something, act fast!  I am also glad to make you something similar, just ask!

Where do you get your stones?

I am very picky about my stones.  Each stone is carefully chosen for its quality and uniqueness.  I travel to big wholesale gem shows, so I can bring you the most beautiful, unique stones.

How long does it take to get my jewelry?

That depends on the items purchased.  Most items are ready to ship, and will be shipped within 3 days.  Items that need to me made will ship within 7 days.  Custom orders will ship within 2 weeks.  Please don't hesitate to ask, or let me know if you have a deadline. I ship USPS.  You can choose first class, priority or priority express. Of course, shipping time depends on the method you choose and where you live.  You can read more about shipping terms and policies at the bottom of the page under "shipping & returns".

How do I care for my Sarah DeAngelo jewelry?

Sterling silver: Sterling will naturally tarnish over time.  The way it wears, and ages over time is part of sterling's beauty. The good news is, it is easy to polish. Oxidized silver will need less polishing, since it is tarnished on purpose.  But a little buffing once in a while will help keep it looking new. 

14k gold fill:  Gold fill is a wonderful alternative to gold.  It should not tarnish.

Gemstones: Commercial jewelry cleaners can harm soft gems like pearls and turquoise. 

If you wouldn't put it on your skin you shouldn't put it on your jewelry. Avoid chemicals like household cleaners and liquid jewelry cleaner. All you need is a great polishing cloth. I love the Sunshine Cloth. You can also clean your stones with a soft toothbrush and water + a drop of dawn soap, then rinse under the faucet and dry with a soft cloth. Don't forget to plug the drain first!
 
Avoid letting pets & children play with your jewels.
Please don't wear them in the pool or hot tub, as the chemicals will oxidize your metals. Try not to sleep, garden or work out in them either.
 
Store your jewelry in a dry place. Moisture leads to tarnish, the bathroom is not a great place to store your jewels.

To slow down the natural tarnishing process, we suggest a small ziplock bag if your are going to give your jewels a break for more then a few days.

Brass, Bronze and Copper:  These metals love to tarnish.  A great way to keep these looking new is to give them a light brush with some fine steel wool, or use a polishing cloth. 
 
Another note about brass, bronze and copper is how it reacts to the chemistry of your skin. For some it can leave a green mark behind. This is a reaction of the oxidizing of the copper on your skin. Everyone's skin is different, but it is harmless.
 
If you want to create a barrier between your skin and the brass, a clear coat of enamel or nail polish will do the trick. In fact, most costume jewelry is already coated in this clear enamel for that reason. We choose NOT to coat or plate our metal so that you can experience the richness as the metal changes over time.

I don't know my Ring size ... can I just guess?

Please, please don't. Rings are considered custom orders and non-returnable. Some rings can be resized for a fee, some cannot. If you are unsure of your ring size, visit a mall jewelry store or the jewelry counter as some major department stores. There are online sizing tools available but they are not entirely accurate.

Where can I see your jewelry in person?

Come visit our retail shop! 16 E. Girard Ave., Englewood, CO. We are open T-Sat 10-5.

You can also find me at art fairs and events around Colorado.  I also travel to a few shows, in California and Wisconsin.  Please check my events page to see where I'll be next!

Sarah DeAngelo Jewelry is also available in boutiques across the country.  Take a look at the list of shops on the Stockists page.

Do you take returns?

My goal, always, is to make you happy. If you are unhappy with your purchase, for any reason, you may return or exchange it within 14 days of receiving it.  Custom orders, including rings, cannot be returned.  Please contact me for a return address and instructions on how to return your items.  Shipping costs will not be refunded.

My Dog ate my jewelry, and other fiascos...

I stand by the quality of my jewelry.  If a piece breaks, for any reason, including being eaten by your dog, I will be glad to repair it for you.  Send me a picture of your broken piece, so I can assess the damage.  You will be responsible for shipping, but I will take care of the rest.

Is this really handmade?

Yes.  Everything here is handmade by me. From my hands to you.  You can read more about me and my business on my about page.

Do you ever have sales?

Yes!  I have recently added a sale section into my website which I update frequently. You can also subscribe to my email list to hear about special sales, events and coupons.