Necklace Size:
I am often asked how large the loop pendants are. Each necklace is unique and I do not have a standard answer. However, I always try to provide an image of the necklace worn, so please be sure to take a look at that photo to get a sense of the size. The model in the photos is of medium build.
About the length of the necklaces:
For the FiddleStone Loops, each pendant is strung according to the customer's desired length at the time of purchase.
This is to remove the need for extensions, which will make the necklace less sturdy.
My necklaces are not adjustable - so far I have found that most necklaces of this kind that claim to be "adjustable" turn out to be hanging from a cord with a slip-knot tied on the end - I use large easy to use lobster claw clasps on my work.
My pieces have several tension points and many of them are designed to slide around on the cord to keep some of the tension down.
Because of this, I ask that when you order a necklace from me, please let me know how low you'd like the loop to hang so I can adjust the length of the cord.
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Shipping and Payment Policies
Shipping and payment policies .
Sold Work:
If there is an item in the archives of sold work that you were particularly interested in, I may be able to reproduce something like it, depending on how difficult it is to get the required components to make it.
Many of the pieces, especially those with artisan lampwork centerpieces, however, are unique one-of-a-kind creations, and I am only able to make more if the centerpiece came from a set of beads that I still happen to have more of here, or if the artist can remember how they made that piece and that the glass rods used are still available (assuming that the artist is one that I am in contact with regularly.)
I have been asked about sold work prices frequently. Prices of sold work are not displayed, because it can cost me very different amounts to ask an artist to recreate something custom for me, assuming that they are able to recreate it at all. I tend to find my beads and components at a wide variety of places, from random bead shops encountered while traveling to special bead shows to direct from artists at various sales, so I look for the best possible deals so that I may keep my prices reasonable. Because of this, a piece I sold a year ago may cost a different amount if I have to go out of my way to relocate the components now.
Custom Orders:
Yes, I do custom orders.
Need a matching pair of earrings to go with that necklace? Yes! I do offer those as well!
I can also do custom work based on themes and colors too. If you have a specific idea such as "elephants in blues" these are especially fun for me to try to do.
Bear in mind that I fill current orders before I do custom work, so how long it will take me to do something will totally depend on how busy I am. So, if you're looking for custom work right before Christmas, Valentines Day, or Mothers Day, expect it's going to take longer to get to individual special requests.
I'm going to have to start asking for advance down-payment for larger custom orders. I've simply run into too many vague requests that ended with me spending a lot of time, energy and money getting supplies together for folks who changed their mind on what it was they wanted or suddenly realized "oops" they didn't actually have any disposable income to spare right now.
Who makes these?
I do! All items you'll find here are handmade with love by me!
You can read more about me over here.
About the materials I use:
I go out of my way to try to use lead-free metal components for my work.
I cannot test all the components, but I always ask when buying to make sure that they are labeled lead-free, and I avoid certain types of materials from unknown vendors, as I have had to throw out supplies which failed routine testing that I would do once I got home.
For my FiddleStone Loops, I stick to specific known vendors of lead-free pewter (it doesn't seem to tarnish as much) and I use lead-free silver plated clasps on the cord tips.
I can do solid sterling silver clasps and components if you have allergies, but you need to let me know as this requires me to get some special components and it will cost a little extra. Unfortunately, I haven't found sterling silver Lobster-style clasp cord tips that are as strong as the ones I use, but I have been able to find Sterling Silver Hook-style clasps for customers who need this.
The only exception that I am aware of when it comes to using leaded materials in my work is the use of Swarovski crystals.
Swarovski crystal information
On my site, I offer some beaded designs that are made with leaded crystals by Swarovski.
For more than a hundred years, Swarovski has been the world's leading brand for cut crystal. Swarovski crystal is the culmination of merging natural materials, cut to provide ultimate brilliance. If you want to learn more about Swarovski crystal, please click here to visit their Web site.
Swarovski crystals, like most other crystals, contain lead oxide. Lead creates the refraction of the crystal with the maximum refraction at 30-32% lead content. Lead also adds to the weight of the crystal giving it a more substantial feel. Austrian Swarovski crystal contains approximately 32% lead. Full lead crystal must contain above 30% lead oxide content in order to be consider full lead crystal.
Please note, Lead levels in these products comply with FDA standards.
Having stated this, note that the Public Health Statement for Lead states that "not much lead can get into your body through your skin" and routine handling of leaded metals is more likely to cause a transfer than getting the lead out of the crystal. To leach lead out of the glass, the crystals would need to soak in an acidic environment for about 8 years, a problem that is more real when it is a crystal decanter which stores liquor, but less probable with even a swallowed stone which would pass through the body before lead could leak out.
California Proposition 65- For California Residents
I try to ensure that the products sold at my store comply with all applicable safety and health requirements. Below is the lead warning that is required by the State of California in conjunction with the use of Swarovski crystals.
If a person is from California when they purchase something containing Swarovsky crystals from my store, California requires the following notice of the Proposition 65 warning to be shown.
Attention California residents. Proposition 65 WARNING:
Consuming foods or beverages that have been kept or served in leaded crystal products or handling products made of leaded crystal will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.
The Public Health Statement for Lead is available online here.
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