You will prolong the life of your jewelry by taking care of it properly. Always remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, or sleeping. Keep away from lotions, perfumes, soap, hairspray, bleach, sunscreen ,water (ocean or hot springs) and direct sunlight. When not wearing your Dolce de Leti, store it in an airtight ziplock plastic bag or one of my handmade fabric bags (read below). To disinfect it, wipe it down lightly with a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol or use alcohol wipes available at grocery stores. If your piece has a lot of build up from hand lotion, makeup or sunscreen, use warm water and mild dish soap and lightly scrub with a soft brush.
14kt gold fill
14 kt gold fill wire and components consist ofa 14 karat gold layer permanently bonded over a core of base metal usually jeweler’s brass. It is safe for sensitive skin, it is tarnish resistant and it does not wear off. 14kt gold fill is the best option next to the most expensive solid gold.
Sterling silver & Copper
Sterling silver and copper will naturally tarnish with time when exposed to oxygen and humidity. Some of my sterling silver and copper jewelry has been oxidized with Liver of sulfur to create contrast or a vintage look. Please do not use silver cleaning solutions to remove the oxidation, this damages the stones and the jewelry will look nothing close as the original design. To restore shine, gently use a silver polishing cloth, it works for both metals. Copper might turn your skin green or irritate it depending on your body chemistry and metal allergies. If you do have them, please choose Sterling silver or gold fill.
Brass
Brass is an alternative to gold fill, but similar to silver and copper, it also tarnishes to a dark yellowish if not worn often. To restore shine, gently use a polishing cloth.
Leather & deerskin
Leather is soft and a comfortable option for those with metal allergies. Leather absorbs lotions, oils, perfumes and sweat, and can potentially turn hard, change color and get over-stretched.
Cotton - polyester thread - silk
Fibers are delicate but they can last with proper care. Polyester thread in my crochet and braided designs is durable and strong. In case it twists or changes shape, dip it in water for a second, reshape it and carefully let it dry hanging if possible. On the other hand avoid getting your silk and cotton jewelry wet as they get weak with water and can break. All silk knotted necklaces stretch over time. I do offer re-knotting your jewelry for a small repair fee.
Cotton fabric bags for storage
Cotton fabric pouches are not only cute but very functional. They keep your favorite jewelry pieces protected from tarnishing and dust, and they also work great to wrap small gifts, for storing small keepsakes, gifts, coins, travel jewelry bag, wedding favor bag, etc. All were handmade and machine sewn by me. You can purchase them individually, available at my Etsy shop. All cotton pouches have a double polyester ribbon that closes the bag tight. Due to the hand made nature of these cotton fabric bags, each is slightly different in size and in patterns.
Bracelet sizes
To know the size of your wrist and to find if a bracelet will fit you, wrap a lace/ribbon around your wrist not to tight and not to loose, where it rotates comfortably. Measure it against a ruler: that’s your measurement. To find your bracelet size, add the desired dimensions as follows: snug fit: ¼ to ½ inch comfort fit: ¾ to 1 inch loose fit: 1 ¼ inch If your wrist measurement is 6 inches and the bracelet size adjusts from 6.5" and 7.25", then that bracelet will fit perfectly.
Necklace lengths
Necklaces can be of many lengths. I usually work with 17 inches with an extender at the back to give you more room. I personally find this a very comfortable and appealing to most women, but this will depend of your preference and style. Here is the list of necklace lengths: Chocker: 14 to 16 Princess: 17 to 19 Matinee: 20 to 24 Opera: 26-36 Rope: 40-45+
Earring styles
I offer different styles of ear wires and hooks for your comfort. I handmade all open back ear wires from scratch, either using sterling silver, 14kt gold fill, rose gold fill, or copper wire. I shaped them, hammer them and filed the ends to perfection. All open hook earrings come with clear rubber backs that are optional to wear. I also offer lever back ear wires which are great for locking together when not in use to minimize loosing an earring. Posts are either sterling silver or 14kt gold fill and they include metal backs. Threaders look like a flexible skinny chain than threads and loops through your earlobe. I offer sterling silver and gold fill when in stock. Sterling silver and gold fill are the safest choices for people with skin allergies. Copper might turn your skin green depending on your body chemistry.
Gift-wrapping and personalization
I include complementary gift wrapping with every purchase on my Etsy shop. Each product comes gift-wrapped in a colorful origami box (made by me) with curled ribbon. If you purchase multiple items, they will be gift boxed individually. If you are buying a gift for someone else and you would like a personalized message with it, include it during check-out in the box “note to seller” or send me an email with the details. I don’t include printed receipts, but in case you need it, please let me know.
Shipping & Return policies
All items available for purchase on my Etsy shop are ready to ship! They will arrive in a white shipping box to ensure optimal delivery. Your order will be shipped within 1-3 business days to the address you provided via USPS with tracking number. All orders are shipped via USPS First Class. At checkout you can upgrade to USPS Priority or USPS Priority Express, both include delivery confirmation and insurance up to $100.
I'll do my best photographing and describing items, however I know shopping online can be daunting and it is very hard to shop for jewelry not being able to try it on person. I want you to be happy with your Dolce de Leti jewelry! If you experience a problem with your order, or the item is not what you expected, please contact me within 7 days of delivery before sending it back. Returned items must be unworn and in its original condition and packaging. Refunds, exchanges (same or higher price items) or small alterations (at no cost) can be made if needed.
It is the buyer responsibility to ship back all items appropriately wrapped and in the original package it was delivered. Return Shipping costs are buyer's responsibility and non refundable. Items must be shipped back within 14 days of delivery using USPS with tracking number. I am not responsible for lost or damaged items while in the mail. A refund will be made once the item has been returned to me and the item met eligibility. All sales are final after 30 days of receipt.
Customization
I love to design something absolutely unique and special for you. Currently I only work on custom orders from January through March. After that I get absolutely busy with shows, restocking stores and traveling. Contact me with details.
Wholesale inquiries
For Wholesale/consignment orders, please contact me by email with your inquiries. Thank you!