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FAQs
What IS "Lampworking" ?? TOP
Lampworking is the term/title used to describe the way glass art, in this case bead making, was made in the early centuries. They used oil lamps to melt soda-lime glass (sand) in order to form and decorate beads. Today we use this term to describe the art of making glass beads by hand. I use a minor torch, which gets up to 2000 degrees to melt a thin rod of soda-lime glass. It becomes molten and is wrapped onto a "mandrel" or metal rod (this makes the hole in the bead). After adding details with thinner pieces of glass (stringer) and manipulating the glass with tools (while the bead/glass is still soft) a bead is created. After the bead is formed it is placed into a digitally controlled kiln and held at specific cooling temps, a process that takes about 8 hours to get the bead to room temp.....very SLOWLY! If the bead cools to quickly, the bead will crack. The controlled cooling strengthens the molecular bonds in the glass, causing it to become quite durable....but not indestructable! After the bead is cooled it is then cleaned with a diamond bit drill and inspected for sharp ends around the hole. This is the process I use for each and every bead I make!! I love all aspects of lampworking, but my favorite part is opening up the kiln in the morning, with a hot cup of coffee in hand, taking them out to get cleaned and looking at all the lovely "Jewels" that I made! What do you charge for shipping? TOP
I charge a flat rate of $5.00 for USPS priority mail to U.S. residents. There is NO insurance added in this fee. Please let me know if you want to add insurance when ordering. Also, I am not responsible for lost or dammaged packages that are uninsured. A small handling fee of $1.50 is also added. The total S&H would be $6.50 for 3 items or less in the U.S. Do you ship internationally? TOP
Yes I do. The charge for international shipping is a flat rate of $15.00 What forms of payment do you accept? TOP
I accept credit cards (Visa/MC/Disc) and I also accept Paypal payments. I will consider personal check/money order upon request only. Please email me for address and check request at Lebella@cox.net. All check orders will be held until payment is received and cleared. A $25 fee will be charged for all returned checks. What if I am not satisfied with my purchase? TOP
If for some reason you are not happy with the item purchased, please contact me and return item within 15 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange, minus shipping fees. (Items should be un-worn and in original condition upon return). What size should I order? TOP
The average adult bracelet size is 7-7.5". Adult sized necklaces are made at 16", unless otherwise noted. To ensure proper fit, use a tape measure and measure 1" below the wrist, add 1/2" to length. Small size averages 7", medium 7 1/2", and Large 8". I would suggest ordering a lobster clasp with the adjustable chain to insure proper fit if you're ordering as a gift. Children's sizes add 1/4" to total length. Or follow the following for average sizes by age:
Children Bracelet sizes: Children's Necklace sizes:
newborn: 4" (not recommended for children under 3)
2 yrs: 5"
3 yrs: 5 1/2" 11 1/2"-12 1/2"
4-5 yrs: 6" 12 1/2"-13"
6-7 yrs: 6 1/2" 13-13 1/2"
8-12 yrs: 6 3/4" 13 1/2"-14" Do you have a warranty policy? TOP
Yes. My pieces are handmade and carefully designed to withstand gentle wear. Please realize that even though the glass beads have been annealed for durability, they can break if handled improperly(dropped on cement, for example!). I would hope that you would notify me if a piece breaks due to design error, I will gladly repair items free of charge for up to 60 days after purchase. Damage caused by owner (dropped, smashed, pulled, caught...) will have a $15 fee for re-stringing as needed, plus the cost of replacement pieces and additional shipping fees. Please be careful and follow the following suggestions for making your jewelry last, and look good for a lifetime:
*Avoid getting your jewelry wet
*Take time to remove jewelry at bedtime
*Store your pieces in an air-tight container or Ziploc bag to avoid tarnishing. If silver becomes discolored, use a soft jewelry polishing cloth to brighten and shine your silver beads What if my bracelet doesn't fit correctly? TOP
I will allow up 15 days after purchase to have the item re-sized at no additional cost, minus shipping fees. After the 15 day grace period I will charge $10 for each strand that needs to be restrung, plus shipping fees. What materials do you use? TOP
I use only the finest sterling silver (.925), beads, Swavorski crystals/pearls, and lampwork beads (created by myself). I also incorporate other fine materials occasionally, such as leather cording, natural gemstones and silver charms. I will note the findings for each piece listed. How long will it take to receive my order? TOP
Please allow up to 2 weeks for semi-custom designs or made-to-order pieces, although they will usually ship quicker if they're instock as noted when purchasing. I will notify you should your order require a longer time for shipment. Please contact me at lebella@cox.net if you need an order placed through rush delivery. I will make every effort to meet your specific needs. Do you take custom orders? TOP
Please email me for all questions regarding custom orders, thanks!
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