I've been selling handmade earrings (and other items) for more than ten years. In that time, I've answered a lot of questions from customers! Here are my answers to some of the most common questions I've been asked:
I lost one of the earrings I bought from you. Can you make a replacement?
Er, maybe. If I have the parts (or can get or make them), then, yes, I'm happy to sell you a single earring as a replacement. I occasionally make one-of-a-kind earrings using vintage charms, found objects, or other unique items. Those may be irreplaceable if lost. Even modern charms and beads come and go just like other fashion trends, so something popular five years ago might be impossible to find now. If that's the case, consider adding a non-matching earring that is somehow similar (such as one that uses the same gemstone) or having the single earring redone to be worn as a necklace pendant.
Why do stainless steel or surgical steel earrings hurt my ears?
To be clear, steel ear wires do not bother everyone. But if they bother you, it's likely to be because stainless steel contains nickel (about 8-12%). The American Academy of Dermatology Association estimates that more than 18% of North Americans have a nickel allergy. Surgical steel is a type of stainless steel that may be less bothersome for you. Your best bets are the specific surgical steel grades of 316L or 316LVM which are often used for body jewelry. These still contain some nickel, so if you are super sensitive you might want to steer clear altogether.
How heavy are your earrings?
I try to make my earrings as light as possible, so they're comfortable for everyday wear. Most of my earrings weigh .1 ounces (note the decimal point!). This is about the same weight as a U.S. penny.
Will my copper earrings change color over time?
Yes! My favorite example of an item in copper that has changed color is the Statue of Liberty. It's hard to give an exact timeline of when copper will start to turn because it depends upon your environment. Is it dry? Humid? Are you storing your earrings in a vat of salt water?
You can use a soft cloth to clean your copper jewelry. There are also a host of natural and store-bought polishing options available. Some people coat their copper with nail polish or acrylic sealants like clear spray paint to preserve the copper color. I don't do that, but it's something you can try yourself. Just know that it will change your jewelry in that you might see brushstrokes or air bubbles on the metal surface. I do sometimes use a sealing wax like Renaissance Wax that will protect the finish for a time. Eventually, however, it will wear away and need to be reapplied.
This photo of four stamped copper circles shows (from left to right): a brand new piece of copper, an untreated piece about a year old, and two pieces that have been artificially darkened to look older. After your copper passes the last stage shown, it will start to develop blue and green tones if left untreated.
My sterling silver ear wires are black. How do I clean them?
Sterling silver will tarnish or darken over time, especially if you do not wear it much. This tarnish can be wiped off with a soft cloth like a rag made from an old t-shirt or a cloth especially made for cleaning jewelry like a Sunshine cloth. As with copper, there are tons of natural cleaning methods for silver that involve common items like baking soda, as well as packaged cleaners that you can buy.
What's a niobium ear wire anyway?
Niobium is a metal that doesn't get too much mention, but I like it because it is hypoallergenic. (By the way, hypoallergenic means that most people will not be allergic to them, but a few still might.) It come in a range of colors.
Can you make these earrings as clip-ons?
Yes, I usually do have a few pairs of clip-on findings to turn pierced earrings into clip-ons. Please ask if you're interested! There may be a slight price difference.
Can you make me a custom pair of earrings?
Possibly. I'd need to know more information from you, particularly how soon you need them. Custom work can take longer, particularly during the holidays. Your best bet is asking me to create something that's similar to something else in my shop. I'm unable to sell jewelry that infringes on other company's trademarks (sports teams, Disney, etc.).
Do your earrings come with backs?
My post earrings do because without the backs they will not stay in your ears! I also occasionally include backs with other types of earrings. If they are included, that fact will be mentioned in the description and in the photos.
Questions I haven't been asked, but will answer anyway because I know you're wondering!
Why did these ear wires turn my ears green?
Ear wires that are made with copper will turn the skin green on some people. I don't typically use copper ear wires for this reason. If you know you're sensitive, ask if there's an alternative ear wire that can be used.
Why did the silver disappear from my silver ear wire?
Most likely your earring has a silver-plated ear wire, not one that is fully sterling silver. I do not use silver-plated ear wires for this reason. Silver-plated ear wires are much cheaper because there is just a thin coat of sterling silver on the top of a cheaper metal like brass. Over time, the silver will wear away and expose the base metal below. Sterling silver costs more because the entire wire is silver and will stay that way.
I wouldn't. You should also take them off before you step in the shower or go swimming. You might be fine if you forget once in awhile, but over the long term you'll probably damage your earrings.
This is a long blog post. Is it almost over?
Yes.