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~ Unique Handcrafted Jewelry Including Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, Watches and More in Precious Metals and Gemstones ~
- Designer Jewelry by C. Otterson
About the Materials We Use
PURCHASING DETAILS
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Our MetalsWe use only the highest quality materials available in our handmade jewelry. All of the wire and findings (i.e. clasps, jump rings, earwires, etc.) used are either .925 sterling silver, .999 fine silver/metal clay, 14k or 18k gold or platinum unless otherwise specified. We fabricate most of our own findings and components. However, when pre-fabricated metal components and beads are used, they are carefully selected for quality to maintain the integrity of the jewelry. Our Beads and GemstonesThe gemstone cabachons and beads used in our jewelry are usually the finest quality available, which is a rarity in much handcrafted jewelry featuring beads. The stones and beads used are often hand cut, hand faceted and, in the case of the cabachons, often one-of-a-kind. Occasionally we will select a lower grade of gemstone or freshwater pearl for our jewelry designs because of it's character or visual appeal. More expensive does not always mean more beautiful and the stones and beads used in our unique designer jewelry are selected with that in mind. The glass lampwork beads featured in some of our designs are handcrafted by talented artisans and often the beads cannot be duplicated. Gemstone TreatmentsWe try to select gemstones that are only natural, with no treatments to alter or enhance their color. In the world of gemstones, however, there are several commonly applied treatments to certain stones, especially among the quartz family and freshwater pearls, to achieve a wide color-range. In certain gemstones (black onyx is an example) it is often impossible to get material that has not been color enhanced. We will disclose any known gemstone treatments within the jewelry descriptions using the keys outlined below. |
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and designs herein copyright 1998-2003 Carrie Otterson. All rights reserved. |