FAQ's

PERSONALIZED AND CUSTOM ORDERS

We are happy to offer both inside ring engraving and flat engraving, as well as hand engraving. Please see our Jewelry Service Collection for these listings.

We are also happy to work with you on personalizing our designs with changes to stones, pattern wires, metals, and combinations. We are also happy to work with you on original custom designs, available in copper, silver, and gold.

Please note that customized or personalized jewelry orders cannot be returned or exchanged unless there is a mistake on our part.

 

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

In order for your jewelry to provide years of happiness, it has to be treated with care and kindness. To help you with this, we provide a polishing cloth and care instructions with each of our jewelry pieces.

Oxidized finishes and patinas will wear with time. They can be maintained at home by using a liver of sulfur gel (available on Amazon) or by using hard boiled eggs (please see tutorials online). We are also happy to help, just drop us a note from our Contact Us page!

However, we understand that problems occur and accidents happen, and we are happy to help. If you find yourself needing a repair on your jewelry, just contact us immediately! We are happy to handle most issues for just the cost of shipping, or to give you an estimate for more extensive repairs!

 

GIFT WRAPPING AND PACKAGING

Each of our items comes packaged in a box, ready to present. We are happy to include a beautiful handwritten note if you need to say something special - just drop us a note from our Contact Us page after checkout!

 

RESIZING POLICY

We have found that the best way to get an accurate ring size is to have your finger measured with a metal wide band (wedding band) ring sizer at a jewelry store, which most closely matches the steel production mandrels we use to create your jewelry.

Because we understand the challenge of buying jewelry without trying it on, we are happy to offer one free resizing within 30 days of delivery of your jewelry purchase. Just Contact Us for further details. After 30 days, our sterling silver resizes are $30 for the first ring and $15 for each additional ring sent in at the same time.

We also offer a reusable belt-style plastic ring sizer, should you be unable to get to a jewelry store and have your ring size measured. It comes with free Domestic US shipping and a free resizing for one of our rings, good for any time. Our reusable plastic sizer is available here.

 

 

SHIPPING INSURANCE

We insure all of the jewelry we ship, both Domestically and Internationally, and send our customers a tracking code when your jewelry leaves our studio. This service is reflected in the cost of the shipping you pay.

We offer delivery services with both USPS and DHL Worldwide Express, and are happy to help you with other options, should you prefer!

Please contact us should you have any further questions!

 

WHOLESALE AVAILABILITY

We are happy to offer wholesale pricing to businesses with valid sales licenses. Our wholesale orders take up to 20 business days for production.

Please Contact Us for more information, or to see our line sheet with pricing!

 

Because you asked:

How do you get the patterns on the rings?

The different patterns of wire we use for our bands are created by using a simple machine called a rolling mill. Our favorite description of this machine is "a pasta roller for metal." We use different patterned steel rollers to roll a pattern onto wire. Some rollers are antique or not made any more, and so to get those patterns, we purchase wire that has rolled by other jewelers.

Once we have patterned the wire, we heat it to soften it, then shape it to the shape we need for the jewelry that has been ordered. We hammer, solder it, clean it in a hot citric acid bath, round it again, and then clean up any marks left from forming, and put it in our vibrating polisher with steel shot. It stays there overnight, then comes out and is antiqued with an acid solution, which turns it completely black. Then it gets the second stage of polishing when we polish off the highlights to give it depth and accents. 

So do you make everything in your studio?
The pieces we sell are created in our studio in South Carolina or cast by our casting partners in Virginia and finished in our studio. Nothing that you purchase from us is bought from another place and resold to you. We do purchase some things - like findings (lobster claws, ear wires, bezel cups), chain, gemstones, and occasional components that are used in larger jewelry pieces.
 
Who works for you?
I started the business as a one-woman show in 2010, and it has grown! 

John joined me in 2014. He is my head jeweler and brings a diverse background in everything from sheet metal fabrication to model rocketry to embroidery, he approaches making fine jewelry with an eye to design, detail, and durability.

Kira joined us in 2015. With two college degrees in art, she was more than ready for the challenge of jewelry creation. However, as our business has grown, Kira has become my office manager. She helps answer customer inquiries and keeps us coordinated!

Duncan joined us in 2015. Originally, he helped with order fulfillment, shipping, and customer service, but in the last year he started training to set stones at the bench. He spends his free time trying to become one with the internet, watching anime, and studying computer games.

Dustin joined us in 2019. He started with a mechanical engineering background and a background in machining and engine repair. He has been quickly learning the art and science of production jewelry, and we're very grateful for the help!   

Beth joined us in 2020. She is originally from Tennessee, and stepped in to do with order fulfillment, shipping, and customer service when Duncan began training for stone setting with the production department. She's part of the coordinated effort to keep us organized, and we appreciate her immensely!
 
Are your pieces real?
I decided when I first got started that I would not sell goods that were plated. This decision was made for safety reasons (plating chemicals are pretty noxious and my studio's not that big), simplicity's sake, and so I would never give my customers a reason to wonder about what they were getting. All of the pieces that we make are created from .999 Fine Silver, .925 Sterling Silver, or .85 Reticulation Silver or 14 karat Gold, 18 karat Gold, or Platinum 950 or 900.

 

How do I know I'll get my shipment?

All Moonkist Designs shipments are packed and shipped in such a way as to ensure safe delivery. We ship our packages fully insured against loss or breakage. Should there be any problem with delivery, please contact us so that we can help you to resolve the issue.

 

Does Sterling Silver change color?

Sterling silver is an alloy containing approximately 92.5% Fine silver and 7.5% copper. Copper reacts to its environment, and these reactions show up as tarnish on your Sterling Silver. High moisture levels, exposure to sunlight and contaminants such as salt water, chlorine, and beauty products can all increase this reaction. 

You can take steps to protect your sterling silver jewelry by keep it in airtight storage, use tarnish-resistant products (such as tarnish tabs or strips) that absorb harmful chemicals, and storing your sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dry place. Most tarnish is easily removed by polishing with a mild polishing cloth.

 

Do I really need my ring size? I saw this thing on the internet where I could measure...

Just like you wouldn't expect to buy a pair of shoes that looked and felt good without having an accurate shoe size, you can't buy a ring (for yourself or someone else) without a ring size. We have found that the best way to get an accurate size for your finger is to have your finger measured with a metal wide band (wedding band) ring sizer at a jewelry store. These match most closely to the production ring mandrels that we use to create your jewelry.

If you are not able to get your ring sized, we offer a reusable ring sizer, available here.