• What is Metal Clay?
• What is Lampworking?
• How should I care for my jewellery?
• We would love to carry your jewellery in our store, do you sell wholesale?
• How will my purchase be packed and shipped?

What is Metal Clay? TOP
The simple answer is 'It's metal' Pure silver or pure gold. Plain and simple.

To get technical it consists of teeny, tiny particles of pure metal suspended in an organic binder. Once you've textured, sculpted, sliced and diced it, your finished creation is then fired at a minimum of 1200F in a kiln. The organic binder burns away, and voila...you have a pure metal piece of art.

For more information, or to take classes, check out the following links:
http://www.beadfx.com/catalogue/artclaysilver.php
http://www.artclayworld.com
http://www.pmcguild.com

What is Lampworking? TOP
Check out Wikipedia for a most excellent description!  - Here's a wee excerpt :

Lampworking is glassworking using a torch to melt and shape the glass. It is also known as flameworking or torchworking, as the modern practice no longer uses oil-fueled lamps. Although the art form has been practiced since ancient times, it became widely practiced in Murano, Italy in the 14th century. In the mid 19th century lampwork technique was extended to the production of paperweights, primarily in France, where it became a popular art form, still collected today.

How should I care for my jewellery? TOP
The most important rule is to store your jewellery properly. When you are not wearing it, keep it wrapped in either a ziplock bag, or stored in a special case with an anti-tarnish treatment. These special jewellery boxes are more readily available now. Your jewellery will come shipped with an anti-tarnish strip.

Do not wear your jewellery while scrubbing the tub, and other similar activities :-) harsh cleaning chemicals can damage silver, pearls, gemstones, and steel cable (used as a stringing material in some designs)

Be especially careful with pearls and gemstones. They tend to be fairly soft, with the exception of diamonds...but I don't sell any of those!

We would love to carry your jewellery in our store, do you sell wholesale? TOP
Of course! I would be thrilled. My wholesale requirements are quite reasonable, please send an email to jennifer@beadfx.com Please include contact name, company name, mailing address and contact #. Also, be sure to include any relevant tax id, or business id.

How will my purchase be packed and shipped? TOP
Fast...and snug as a bug! All of our jewellery and beads are gift wrapped, and packaged in extra bubble wrap.
In stock items are shipped generally within 24 to 48 hours. Custom orders, or made to order merchandise will take a bit longer. I ship Monday to Friday. Here in Canada, we unfortunately do not have Saturday postal service.

I ship via Expedited Mail, which is fairly fast, reasonably priced and trackable and insurable. Other methods are available, generally at a much higher rate.