California Jewels   great jewelry...great prices™

FAQ: Frequently asked questions  

1.    What kind of hooks/ear wires do you use?

14kt gold-filled and sterling silver posts...vermeil and .925 sterling silver French hooks

2.    Do you have earrings for sensitive ears?

Yes.   Vermeil French hooks are made with 23kt gold (more gold than 14kt gold) heat bonded to .925 sterling silver.  Several customers have been wearing them for 18-20 years with no problems.  However some people find that almost any metal they wear irritates their skin.  This is not unusual.  Send us your email address and we'll send you copies of our newsletters that may help you or someone you know with this problem. 

3.    Do you make clip earrings? 

You can order any earrings with clips on them.  If you want a pair of earrings that already has hooks or posts on it...just  tell us and we'll change them to gold-plated or silver plated clips free of charge.

4.    Does it cost anything to change from hooks to posts or vice versa?  

To change from posts to French hooks or vice versa - is free. 

5.    How can I get a bracelet that fits me?

Click on the "bracelets" button below...and scroll down to * * * How to get a CUSTOM FIT bracelet or anklet * * *

6.    Can I change a clasp on a bracelet or necklace and how much does it cost?

Most bracelets and necklaces are made with fishhook (pearl) clasps because of their unique safety feature.  Changing from a fishhook to a spring ring clasp or vice versa is done for free.  Changing to a magnetic clasp adds $9.00 to the cost of a bracelet or necklace.  We do not recommend magnetic clasps on anklets.

7.    Do you make anklets?

Yes.  All are made by custom order to ensure a correct fit.   

Click on the "bracelets" button below...and scroll down to * * * How to get a CUSTOM FIT bracelet or anklet * * *  for details.

8.    Can I get a choker or longer necklace than what's shown?

Yes.  Most necklaces can be made shorter or longer unless they are one-of-a-kind and changing the length will drastically change the design of the necklace.  Making a necklace shorter is usually done for free.  Prices vary when it comes to making a necklace longer...because it might have to be remade and a lot more materials might have to be added to it. 

9.    Is this real crystal?

Yes.  We only use Swarovski ® crystal because it has the best color and the best sparkle! 

10.    Can I get something I've seen on your site in a different color?

Yes.  Email or phone and tell us what color you are looking for...or what you want to wear the jewelry with...then let's talk about what materials we have that might work for you.

11.    Do you take credit cards and/or PayPal?

We accept PayPal.  Use your credit cards with PayPal.   

12.    How long will it take for me to receive my jewelry?

Your jewelry will be handcrafted as soon as your payment is confirmed.  It will be sent to you within a week of the date your order is finalized...or we'll let you know ahead of time if it will take longer.   PayPal orders process faster...and  Priority Mail usually gets your order to you in 3-5 days.  If you're in or near the San Francisco Bay Area... you can pick up your order  (or we might deliver it to you) as soon as it's ready and you'll save on the s&h charges. 

If we will be mailing your order...we will send you an email to tell you when it's on its way.

13.    Can I pay for my order when I get it from you?

No.  All orders are payable in advance.

14.    What if I want to return what I ordered and will I get my money back?

All returns are subject to prior approval by California Jewels.  No cash refunds. Credit will be issued for future purchases only.   

15.    Are there any items that cannot be returned?

Yes, custom orders cannot be returned.

16.    Do I need to pay sales tax?

Yes.  Applicable sales tax will be added to all orders delivered in California.

17.    Do you have a privacy policy?

Yes.  Click on the "ordering information & privacy policy" button below for details.

18.    Do you have a catalog and how can I get one?

No.  We do not have a catalog.   Much of what we make is one-of-a-kind (only one made).  Once we've talked about  what you want by phone or email...we'll refer you to specific pieces on our website...or email you some scans of actual jewelry pieces (occasionally samples) for you to chose from. 

19.    Can you repair and/or redesign my grandmother's necklace for me so I can wear it?

Yes.  We've changed 3-strand necklaces into single long stands with matching earrings...added about 9 inches to one and 7 inches to another necklace.  Several necklaces we've cleaned and then restrung have gone from looking rather dull to looking gorgeous!

20.    Can I wear my crystal jewelry all the time or do I need to keep it from getting wet?

Some of our customers rarely take off any of their jewelry...however we recommend that you do not wear any California Jewels pieces in the shower...bath or swimming pool.  Water...soap...chlorine...etc. can effect how  they look. 

21.   What is the best way to clean my crystal jewelry?

We use baby wipes...but...be sure not to use any with powder in them otherwise you'll have a dull white film on your jewelry.  Use a soft paper towel on your jewelry after cleaning it if the wipes are very wet otherwise it might look dull and not sparkle as much as it should.  Wipe your jewelry from end to end in both directions. 

To make your crystal jewelry really sparkle...soak the pieces in a sudsy combination of hot water and DAWN dishwashing liquid for just a few minutes...gently go over the pieces with a very soft old toothbrush if necessary...rinse from end to end in both directions with hot water...dry with paper towels...then set out on additional paper towels to finish drying. 

We do not recommend using "jewelry cleaners" because the chemicals in them can effect the metal parts of your jewelry and discolor them.  If you use such cleaners on pearls they will remove the luster of the nacre.

Soak any jewelry with pearls in baby oil and then dry with a soft cloth.

Vicki wears a lot of sunblock when we're at shows outside and it tends to discolor some of her jewelry.  If it doesn't look better after the DAWN treatment, it's because there's been a chemical reaction between the sunblock and the metal in her jewelry which occasionally can't be improved...so it has to be remade with new hooks...clasps or such. 

If you have this problem with jewelry you've bought from us...bring it to us and we'll see what we can do.

22.   Do you have a newsletter...Is it free...How can I get it?

Our newsletter is sent by email.   We usually send it out during the first week of each month.  Send us an email and ask for the free monthly California Jewels Newsletter.   

If you have a question that has not been covered above, click on the "contact us" button and send us an email about it.

To see more jewelry...click on the following.

© California Jewels 2012