So Charmed

This is Rosebud Scissorpaws. Although sadly she has left this world, she will STILL be happy to answer your FAQ's from beyond. If you don't find what you need on this page, please send an email to Rosebud or to me, Jodi. Thanks. PS: No, I don't believe in heaven, but if I did, it would be full of kitties, and doggies, and hamsters, and lots of little goldfish that were won at state fairs and travelled home in a plastic bag, but didn't live through the week. And all of these dearly departed critters would definitely have email so we could talk to them whenever we needed to.

Q: How long will my order take to arrive?

A: Because every single piece of jewelry is handmade and most are handmade to order, typical shipping time is about 3-6 weeks depending upon complexity and workload. If you have a special deadline, please let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Q: How much is domestic US shipping?

A: US postage rates continually increase, and I've had to raise shipping rates accordingly. I ship domestically only by US Priority Mail, and insurance is mandatory and included in the fee. See below for international. Shipping amount is based on the total dollar amount of your order and will be added to your PayPal shopping cart automatically. You will be able to see the shipping before you finalize the order. AND PLEASE NOTE: If your pkg does NOT arrive when you are expecting it, write to me, and check at your local post office. All too often, delivery is attempted unsuccessfully (signature will be required) but the carrier FAILS TO LEAVE A NOTICE. Pkgs are held at YOUR local post office for about 10 days before being returned to me. Any pkgs that are returned will incur shipping fees again to resend.

Q: Do you ship outside of the USA and how much will it cost?

A: Yes, of course; I love to send my jewelry 'round the world! The costs are variable, depending upon total dollar amount of your order and destination. Because of severely increased rates at the US Postal service, I am only able to ship either parcel post (first class) or priority in flat rate packaging. There is no longer a reasonable way to insure overseas packages, so ALL OVERSEAS SHIPPING IS ENTIRELY AT YOUR RISK FOR LOSS, THEFT OR DAMAGE. That said, I have had excellent luck and rarely have pkgs gone missing. PLEASE NOTE: If your pkg does NOT arrive when you are expecting it, write to me, and check at your local post office. All too often, delivery is attempted unsuccessfully (signature may be required) but the carrier FAILS TO LEAVE A NOTICE. Pkgs are held at YOUR local post office for about 10 days before being returned to me. Any pkgs that are returned will incur shipping fees again to resend. Lastly, note: I can't be responsible for charges levied by your government on imported goods. Often times "gifts" will sneak through, if ya know what I mean. Sometimes not, so this can not be guaranteed, but I will do my best to help you avoid taxation.

Q: Do you sell wholesale?

A: No, not at this time... possibly in the future. But for now, my jewelry is available exclusively on this web site and at various shops on etsy.com.

Q: How much do the custom bracelets cost?

A: You'll find all the info you're looking for at the bottom of the custom page, including process and pricing.

Q: Why has some of the jewelry on the site gone up in price since I visited awhile back?

A: Two words: Sterling silver. Please read next question to find out more.

Q: What is the difference between base metal and sterling silver and why the change?

A: Previously, I had been using exclusively PEWTER charms and STEEL or PLATED headpins (ie, BASE METAL), in order to keep my prices super reasonable while I was finding my design voice and creating my line. Base metal is extremely inexpensive compared to sterling silver which is a PRECIOUS metal. Aesthetically, sterling has a more delicate, detailed, and refined look. Pewter, by comparison appears heavier, chunkier and is a darker duller gray in color. Many base metal findings can, and often do, turn brass (yellowish) over time as the plating wears off. Additionally, the value of base metal doesn't really change over time. Sterling, on the other hand, will tarnish, or gain a "patina" over time, which brings out all of the fine details in charms or filigrees, and the value of sterling tripled this year alone. One additional expense is LASER SOLDERING the sterling charms onto the bracelets, affixing them for life, as opposed to using simple jump rings which are much less secure or split rings which I find aesthetically too chunky. The bottom line is that with the sterling collectibles, you are investing in a true heirloom-quality work of original customized wearable fine art that will age beutifully, last forever, gain value over time, and provide maximum joy.

Q: Where DO you buy all those wonderful supplies?

A: Sorry, but that must remain my secret. Collecting is one of my truest talents, and is a major aspect of the work that I do. Suffice to say, I search the world and often create my own beads and charms from found objects.

Q: Should I order a 7 or 8 inch bracelet?

A: Your bracelet should fit without being tight or being too loose (it will bang around too much). Measure your wrist and see what might work best. I can also get you a 7.5 inch bracelet, please ask.

Q: Can I customize a piece of jewelry?

A: Yes, you can, absolutely! Typically, I like to keep the two types of jewelry separate: the conceptual pieces that I cook up in my own mind, vs. the custom personal work I do in partnership with my clients (who are the coolest people on the planet!). That said, if you must have a martini charm on your Alice in Wonderland bracelet, I'm happy to indulge this, or pretty much any other whim! Send an email, Rosebud and I are very friendly. If you want to go custom full-out, more info can be found on the custom page.

Q: Who designed the spiffy new Web site?

A: My other company, designfarm, which is a graphic design practice here in the DC Metro area.

Q: Can you tell me more about yourself and So Charmed?

A: Honey, I could talk (or type) for hours, thanks ever so much for asking. But this page is getting a bit long, don't you think? Check out this interview in StyleMaven for more more more. And here is a more recent interview at Julie Jackson's (Subversive Crossstitch, as if you didn't know) Crafty Query.

Q: I STILL have a question...

A: No problem, send an email ok?

xoxo, MEOW.