FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The only dumb question is the one not asked

 

 

Contemporary Concepts has a lifetime guarantee on the precious metals and the workmanship with normal wear. If the gold EVER discolors or the piece breaks or comes apart due to a problem with the workmanship, I will repair or replace the piece free of charge.

General

1. How do I take care of my new jewelry?
2. This looks fragile, will it bend or break?
3. Will this tarnish?
4. I like this jewelry, but I have something special in mind, do you make special orders?
5. Can I swim/bathe/go in the ocean with this jewelry?

Stones

1. Do I need to take special care of this stone?
2. How do I clean the jewelry without damaging the stone?
3. The ring I bought no longer fits, what do I do?

Metals

1. What kind of metal is this?
2. How do I clean it?
3. Will this tarnish?

 

Your question not here?, E-mail your question to us.

Most Contemporary Concepts jewelry is suitable for everyday wear. A little common sense used when wearing or handling your jewelry can keep it beautiful for a lifetime.

14kt Rolled gold and Sterling Silver ARE soft, but much stronger than 14kt Gold and Fine Silver, and are much more suitable for this type of jewelry. Most bends during normal wear are not serious, and the item can usually be reshaped by the owner or Contemporary Concepts. Breaks during normal wear are rare, but should one occur, the item can be returned to Contemporary Concepts for assessment and repair. Note that while it may be possible to repair One Of A Kind pieces, they may not look exactly the same afterwards. The best policy is to safeguard your jewelry against damage.

Rolled Gold does not tarnish, but may get dirty from sweat, fingerprints, etc. This is easily cleaned.
Sterling Silver does tarnish, and it keeps best when worn often. If you must store your silver pieces, clean them before putting away and keep in airtight bags if possible. Be sure to take out your silver pieces before you need them to check for tarnish.

Yes, with Contemporary Concepts Handmade Jewelry, custom orders are no problem. You may pick from our vast selection of beads, stones, cabochons and faceted stones for your unique piece, or you may bring us unmounted stones of your own.

Yes, Rolled gold and sterling silver can go where you go, BUT....No, many beads and stones cannot withstand the soap, chlorine, dirt, etc. that these activities have. The best idea, is to remove any jewelry before doing activities which may damage the piece. Besides, there is also the danger of loss, damage and injury.

Most stones do not need special care, but some (such as Malachite) are softer or more porous and can be dulled or damaged by soap, chlorine, cleaning solutions etc. Some can chip or crack when worn during rough work or play. Proper cleaning and removal of jewelry during activities that could damage the stone, will keep your jewelry beautiful. Do remember, that should the stone be damaged, it may still be possible to replace it and salvage the piece. (Charge may apply)

Depending on the style and size difference, it is often possible, to enlarge a ring to fit. A ring that is too big can have the bottom wrapped (this usually looks like part of the ring) to decrease the size.

Cleaning of your rolled gold is simple. You can use a purchased jewelry cloth or any soft cloth and gently rub away fingerprints. A gentle cleaning agent such as dish soap also works well. A jewelry cloth can also be used to clean fingerprints and tarnish from Sterling Silver. If it has no stones or gems, it can be cleaned with any jewelry cleaner made for sterling.

14kt Rolled gold is 14kt gold surrounding a base metal (much like a corn dog). The two are bonded to each other and do not separate. The outside is and behaves like 14kt gold, but because of the inner base metal, this wire is much stronger than just 14kt gold. This makes the wire jewelry hold its shape and wear well.