Frequently Asked Questions
1. Question - What products are used in your jewelry items?
.925 sterling silver is used in all jewelry pieces, along with genuine Swarovski crystals and semi precious stones. My bracelets are strung on 49-strand steel soft-coated wire for the strongest hold. My cords on my pendants are genuine leather and include a sterling silver clasp. All chains are sterling silver.
2. Question - How are your photo pendants made, and with what materials?
My photo pendant base is a very heavy, durable sterling silver pendant base. The bail of the pendant is large, in order for a leather cord to to be used, or a thin omega necklace. The photo is printed on a high-quality photo paper and cut to the correct size. The photo is then inserted into the pendant base using a high-strength jewelry glue. After the glue has dried, a liquid glass epoxy is then poured over the photo. Several layers are poured and each layer has to dry for 24 hours. The liquid glass turns to a true, hard glass. It is a very tedious and lenghty process and the result is a moment in time that is sealed FOREVER - even waterproof.
3. Question - Can I use any photo for my custom pendant?
Yes, any photo can be used. The most timeless pieces I have done contain candid snapshots - just a moment captured in time that can now be worn and taken with you wherever you go. In addition, professional photos can be used with a signed release from the photographer (see photo pendant link at left tool bar for details).
TIP #1 - if taking the photo yourself, try your best to have all subjects in the photo be placed at the same height, or have them lay on their stomach, facing you. If one subject is much higher on the photo than another, it simply will not work when reduced down to pendant-size.
TIP #2 - If taking the photo yourself, try to find a solid background. This will make the subjects in the photo really stand out and avoid destractions in the back ground.
4. Question - How do I submit my photo for my custom photo pendant?
If using a snapshot, you will simply e-mail your photo directly to me. Do not reduce the size or resolution of the photo. Color photos can be converted to black and white but a black and white photo can not be converted back to color.
If using a professional photo, you must submit a signed release from the photographer or studio. I have a signed release (click on photo pendant link on left tool bar) that can be e-mailed to the customer or photographer, the photographer can use their own release, or they can simply e-mail me their release. Once the release has been signed, you may submit your professional photo to me via e-mail, or the photographer may put the image on CD for you. The photographer can also e-mail the photo directly to me.
5. Question - What is your turnaround time?
Turnaround time is generally 3 weeks since each product is custom made. In many cases, the orders are filled earlier but I state the 3 week deadline. Rush orders are available for a fee of $10.
6. Question - Do you ship your items to customers out of area?
Yes, all of my items can be shipped and shipping is charged based on the weight of the item. The customer will pay the shipping costs, generally no more than $5.00. Please click on policies/info (at left) for shipping costs.
7. Question - How do I order through Dawn's Designs if there is no online shopping cart?
All orders must come through me directly. This is to maintain my quality standards on each piece and ensure no item is ever rushed. Simply e-mail me with your order and we will discuss details of your design at that time.
8. Question - What is your return policy?
Due to the nature and personalization of my products, I do not accept returns. HOWEVER. I will do anything I can to make your product right. If something is broken within the first 90 days of purchase, I will gladly repair it free of charge. After 90 days, you only pay actual costs of materials and a $10.00 re-stringing fee on any jewelry items (due to the time it takes to re-string).
9. Question - Do you do repair work?
I do repair work, as time allows. If you would like a name added to a name bracelet, I will gladly do this. If you purchased beads from another location and would like them made into an heirloom piece, I can do this as well! I have even taken a 100 year old watch and made it into an heirloom piece!
10. What forms of payment are accepted, and when is payment expected?
Payment is expected when your order is placed. I prefer Paypal as payment - just because it is the fastest way to send and receive, and there is no cost for the customer. I accept all major credit cards, personal checks, and cash.
