FAQ

What materials do you use in your jewelry?

I handcraft each jewelry piece with artistry and wearability in mind. For your convenience, each product listing lists the specific materials.

Materials may include:

  • Sterling Silver (bright or oxidized)
  • 14K and 18K gold (white, yellow, rose, or green)
  • Precious gemstones (ex., pearls, sapphires, aquamarines)
  • Semi-precious gemstones (ex., garnet, quartz, tourmaline)

Can you adjust this piece to fit my size?

YES! Carolina Cole has been crafting bespoke jewelry for more than 35 years. She can adjust the size, length, color, and materials of the piece you have in mind. Feel free to reach out at carolina@carolinacole.com for an in-depth conversation, or leave a brief note during checkout.

What is your stance on ethical and sustainable material sourcing?

Carolina is committed to finding the most ethical raw materials available. Due to the nature of mining practices, an average gemstone can pass through many hands before becoming jewelry, and its evolution is difficult to document. To find out more, click this article:  http://www.ethicalmaking.org/stone-sourcing/gemstones/

Carolina seeks out documented, sustainable raw materials whenever possible, and she will happily work with stones from your collection.

How do I clean and care for my jewelry?

The best approach is low-tech maintenance for cleaning fine jewelry. Below are the methods that I use myself.

SILVER:

  • To remove tarnish from silver jewelry, use your favorite liquid jewelry cleaner. Avoid contact with pearls; the cleaner can affect their luster and polish if submerged in silver cleaner. A Q-tip helps you reach tiny spaces. Rinse thoroughly and dry with paper toweling.
  • If your piece needs a more thorough cleaning, we suggest using a thick paste of powdered baking soda and warm water. Rub the surface vigorously by hand with this paste, rinse, and dry with paper toweling.

**Please note: ** Any sterling silver jewelry will tarnish when exposed to air. This process is unavoidable. Tarnish does not reflect the metal's quality. To avoid tarnish when not wearing it, store your jewelry in white packing tissue in a sealed plastic bag. This method prevents air from reacting with the metal and reduces overall maintenance.

GOLD, DIAMOND, RUBY AND SAPPHIRE:

  • Bring a cup of water to a boil and add a couple of drops of dishwashing detergent. Place your jewelry in the hot water, then let it cool to room temperature. When cool, use an old toothbrush to brush away any loosened material under running water. Rinse and dry with paper towels.

PEARLS strung on silk:

  • Place your jewelry on a soft fabric towel and brush the knots with warm soapy water and an old toothbrush, taking care not to stretch the silk. Gently rinse under warm water, and lay flat to dry for at least 24 hours. Silk is most vulnerable when wet, and if mishandled, it will stretch or break.

OPALS, EMERALDS & AQUAMARINES:

  • Carefully use lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry with paper towels.

What payment methods do you accept?

Credit card, Venmo, Zelle, and Apple Pay.

What shipping methods does carolinacole.com ship?

  • USPS; Priority Mail is free in the continental US.
  • If you live outside of the US, please contact us at carolina@carolinacole.com for specific costs and timelines.

Is my item insured in the mail?

  • Yes, your purchase is insured up to the full purchase price in US Dollars.

How long does it take to ship an item?

Jewelry pieces can take three (3) business days to 6 weeks to ship, depending on availability. For example, we will ship a ready-to-ship item upon receipt of your payment. In contrast, custom-made jewelry will take several days or many weeks. Each jewelry listing will detail the timeline.

How can I return something?

We are convinced that you will love what you buy from me, but in the rare case that you aren't, here are the details: 

  • Please reach out first and let us know about the issue.
  • We do not offer refunds, but we will gladly exchange under the following conditions:
  • Exchange criteria require that your item be unworn and unused, just as you received it. All tags must be attached as originally shipped. No exceptions.

To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase, such as a copy of your original bill of sale, your confirmation email, or packing slip.

  • Once we receive and inspect your return, we will email you to confirm receipt. If we deem the item defective, we will quickly refund your purchase price to the original payment method. We process your refund within five (5) business days.

Items that cannot be returned or exchanged:

  • If 1ten (10) business days have passed since your item was delivered, and you haven't notified us within that time of your intent to return your purchase.
  • We cannot accept returns or exchanges on items that are altered just for you, including the sizing of a ring, necklace, or bracelet. Earring alterations you request are also not returnable.
  • We cannot accept returns or exchanges on any custom work (special order) piece, personalized engraving, or the like.
  • We cannot accept returns or exchanges on worn merchandise.

How about exchanges?

If you need to exchange your purchase, please email us and explain the issue. We will then advise the best and safest way to return your purchase. We will only replace items we deem defective upon receipt. We regret that we cannot refund your return shipping cost.

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