FAQ

For full details on Orders, shipping, and returns, please see our Shop Policies page.

General

  • Our pieces are designed to be worn and loved. To protect the quality and condition of your handmade piece, we recommend removing your jewelry before swimming, showering, or participating in activities that may expose it to moisture and chemicals (exercising, hotsprings, etc.!). 

    Regular cleaning and proper storage will help preserve the beauty and longevity of your handmade pieces. For intricate designs or pieces with gemstones, use warm water and dish soap with a soft-bristled brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.

    Regardless of material, we recommend storing your piece in a dry place (not the bathroom!), in a sealed ziplock bag or closed jewelry box.

  • We recommend going to a jewelry store or a jeweler to get sized. Minneapolis customers are welcome to contact us to schedule a sizing in our studio. Please contact holla@sophiekissinjewelry.com.

    If getting sized in-person isn't an option, here are some other methods to try.

    Please note that resizing fees apply.

  • Your SKJ piece comes with a three-month repair warranty. We will do repairs on your pieces within 3 months of your order date. To submit a piece for repair, please email holla@sophiekissinjewelry.com with a picture of the damage and your proof of purchase date (digital receipt/purchase confirmation number). Warranty does not cover pieces purchased at outside retailers.

    We are happy to repair your piece after warranty at cost. Please email holla@sophiekissinjewelry.com with a photo of the damage so we can provide you with a quote.

    Customer is responsible for shipping both ways.

    We do not do repairs or resizing on non-SKJ jewelry at this time.

  • If a listing states that the item is “made-to-order” it means that the piece must be made in studio before shipping. Please allow 2-4 weeks for your item to be made with care before shipping out. You will receive an email with tracking information once your piece has shipped.

    If a listing states the item is “ready-to-ship” the item is in stock and will ship in 1-3 business days after your order is placed, unless otherwise noted (i.e. if Sophie is out of the studio). You will receive tracking information when your piece ships.

    If you have placed an order with ready-to-ship AND made-to-order pieces, your order will ship once all made-to-order items are finished in studio. If you would like to receive certain items before others, please email holla@sophiekissinjewelry.com to arrange shipping. Additional shipping fees apply.

  • Creating one-of-a-kind pieces is our bread and butter-- because of this, we cannot guarantee that sold out item will return.

    Some pieces, however, are repeatable and released in small batches. If you would like to be informed when the item is restocked, please join the waitlist on the item listing page.

Metals

  • Gold-filled jewelry consists of a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal core, making it more durable than gold-plated jewelry.

    Avoid abrasive cleaners or polishing compounds, as they can wear away the gold layer over time.

  • Vermeil (pronounced ‘ver-may’) is sterling silver plated with a gold alloy. The gold plating on vermeil pieces is a minimum of 2.5 microns thick, which is thicker than a regular gold-plate. Vermeil is a more affordable gold jewelry option than solid gold, as well as a higher quality option than gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry.

    Gold vermeil jewelry is more durable than standard gold-plated jewelry due to its thicker gold coating. However, it still requires gentle care to maintain its appearance over time. Avoid exposing vermeil jewelry to harsh chemicals, abrasives, and excessive moisture to prevent damage to the gold layer.

    To care for your vermeil pieces, clean in warm water with a mild detergent. Use a polishing cloth to remove tarnish. Remove your vermeil pieces before exercising, swimming, and bathing. Store pieces in a dry place in a sealed ziplock bag or closed jewelry box.

  • Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This combination enhances the metal's durability and strength while maintaining its lustrous appearance. Sterling silver will naturally tarnish over time, but regular cleaning (with silver polish or a polishing cloth) and proper storage of your jewelry will ensure the longevity of your piece!

    White gold is an alloy of gold mixed with other white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. It has a slightly warmer tone than sterling silver. While routine cleaning and proper storage is still required to maintain your piece, white gold is more durable and tarnish-resistant than sterling silver.

    White gold is significantly more expensive than sterling silver because of its gold content. It is a great choice for heirloom quality jewelry because it retains its market value better over time.

  • Brass jewelry will tarnish and develop a natural patina over time (as will all metals!).  Brass and bronze may turn your skin green, however, this is not an allergic or harmful reaction– this is a natural oxidation! To avoid this reaction, clean your pieces often, remove in water, and apply a coat of clear nail polish to the inside of rings or wherever your piece comes in contact with your skin.

    Here are some tips for keeping your brass or bronze pieces bright and shiny:

    Cleaning your brass jewelry is easy! To clean your brass, create a paste of equal parts water, white vinegar and baking soda. Apply to paste to your brass piece and rub with a cloth or cotton swab. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.

    For heavier tarnish, use Brasso (available at hardware store). Always rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning your pieces with Brasso.

    Avoid exposing brass jewelry to moisture as it can accelerate tarnishing. Remove before showering, swimming, exercising, etc.

    Store brass jewelry in a dry environment. We recommend storing your pieces in a sealed ziplock bag when you aren’t wearing them.

Custom

  • Yes! I'd love to create something special for you or your loved one. Take a look at past custom work and inquire about a project on our customs page.

  • We love custom heirloom redesign projects! Heirloom redesign starts at $1000 which includes metal recycling. We do not buy or exchange gemstones or metal.

  • Unfortunately, no. We do not trade in or buy client gemstones because we do not specialize in gemstone appraisals.