Are the gemstones natural?
The gemstones in my jewelry are natural stones. Many of them are purchased directly from the lapidary artist who cut the stone. Because they come from the earth, natural gemstones may have inclusions, matrix, variations in color and pattern, small pits, or other unique characteristics. These are natural features of the stone and are not considered defects.

Are your pieces one-of-a-kind?
Because much of my jewelry is designed around the individual stone, each piece is unique in color, pattern, and shape. It is rare to find two stones that are exactly alike, and when I do, they are usually made into a pair of earrings. Even two stones cut from the same rock can catch the light differently and show variations in their patterns.

Will the piece I receive be the exact piece shown in the photographs?
Yes. The jewelry shown in the product photographs is the actual piece you will receive.

Why does my jewelry look slightly different from the photographs?
Jewelry can sometimes be a challenge to photograph. Too much light can wash out the color; too little light can hide the details. Silver is especially difficult to photograph because reflections can make some areas appear almost pure white while creating dark shadows in others. Colors can also vary slightly from one computer or device screen to another. I do my best to give you a good representation of the actual piece.

What is Keum Boo?
Keum Boo is an ancient Korean jewelry-making technique that permanently bonds thin, pure gold foil to a silver surface using heat and pressure. The result is a durable layer of gold that becomes part of the silver surface rather than a coating or plating.

What does “oxidized silver” mean?
Oxidized silver is sterling silver that has been intentionally darkened, usually with liver of sulfur, to create a patina. I often use oxidation to bring out textures and details in the silver and to add contrast to a design. The darkened areas are intentional and are not tarnish or a defect.

What do the silver hallmark stamps mean?  
You may see different silver purity stamps on my jewelry, including .925, .935, and .940. These numbers indicate the percentage of pure silver in the metal.

.925 Sterling Silver contains 92.5% pure silver and is the traditional standard for sterling silver.

.935 Argentium® Sterling Silver contains 93.5% pure silver.

.940 Argentium® Sterling Silver contains 94% pure silver and is the Argentium silver I currently use for much of my work.

Argentium is a modern sterling silver alloy that contains germanium. Compared with traditional .925 sterling silver, it has a higher pure silver content, a naturally brighter, whiter appearance, and significantly greater resistance to tarnish.

Both .935 and .940 Argentium offer these benefits. I use .925 sterling silver as well as Argentium silver in my work, depending on the piece and the materials needed. Some of my older pieces were created with .935 Argentium, while .940 is the Argentium silver I currently use. The hallmark on each piece reflects the actual silver alloy used when I created it.

Argentium is highly tarnish-resistant, but it is not completely tarnish-proof. Over time, exposure to chlorine, sulfur, bleach, cosmetics, humidity, or individual body chemistry can cause discoloration.

For routine care, clean your jewelry gently with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemical dips unless they are specifically recommended for Argentium Silver, and store your jewelry in a cool, dry place when it is not being worn.