What is “Hand Stamped jewelry”? TOP
Hand stamped jewelry is crafted entirely by hand. The letters are not machine-stamped and therefore may not be perfectly straight or spaced. This is part of the charm of these artisan pieces. Stamping leaves a much deeper impression and is also blackened to much more visible than an engraved item. Hand stamping is not the same process as engraving. The letters and designs are pounded into the metal and it will mark the opposite side. This will not affect the beauty of your piece. Because our designs are hand-crafted, you will know that your piece is truly unique to you.
How are the Loving Impressions Fingerprint designs made? TOP
Upon your purchase, I simple to use mold kit will be shipped to you with instructions on how to obtain the prints, along with a postage paid envelope for return to Bella Merce. Once we receive your impressions, we will transfer the print into precious metal clay, polish and fire. After firing, the clay turns into fine silver - 99.9% pure. Your keepsake will then be shipped to you via the shipping carrier and method of your choice.
What is the earliest recommended age for obtaining Fingerprint Impressions? TOP
Our Loving Impressions Fingerprint pieces, allow you to capture a truly unique part of a loved one, permanently preserved in pure silver. From newborn infant to mature adult, each fingerprint is unique.
Generally infants 12 months of age and younger do not have fully developed fingerprints. They have very fine fingerprint lines and very soft skin, therefore the lines may not be visible in the impression. However, what will be visible is a cute, tiny imprint of your baby's fingertip - a moment in their life captured forever! Alternately, the infant's big toe or area behind their toes (ball of the foot) can be used to obtain prints.
How should I care for my silver and copper jewelry? TOP
Sterling silver and copper jewelry naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and other elements. The more a piece is worn, the less the piece becomes tarnished. How your jewelry is stored can make a huge difference in how quickly it tarnishes. When not being worn the jewelry should be stored in a closed jewelry box, an air tight plastic bag in a cool dry place, or better yet, an anti-tarnish jewelry pouch (click here to view pouch). It should not be touching other jewelry, especially if the other jewelry is tarnished. The best solution for tarnish is prevention. Never wear your jewelry while swimming, showering or bathing. Also, never expose your jewelry pieces to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products, bleach, chlorine, etc.We recommend that you use a high quality polishing cloth for occasional tarnish removal (click here to view polishing cloth details). Clean the silver or copper carefully and avoid polishing the others beads on your jewelry, such as crystals with an AB finish, as the anti-tarnish cloth can remove that finish. Most of our hand-stamped jewelry has been oxidized, or antiqued, to add depth. For this reason we recommend that you avoid polish creams, dips and/or liquids for they easily remove oxidation.
How do I choose the correct necklace or chain length? TOP
Women's Standard Necklace Sizes:
16" - choker
18" - at collarbone (most common length for average woman)
20" - a few inches below collarbone
24" - below the neckline
* These guidelines are for an average sized woman, with an average size neck. Petite Women or women with a very small neck should choose one size smaller, while larger women or women with a larger neck should choose the next size up. If you are still unsure, use a soft measuring tape to obtain the approximate measurement of neck, then go 2 sizes up from that. For example, if a woman's neck measures 15", then choose at least an 18" chain.
Men's Standard Necklace Sizes:20" - to collarbone (most common length for average man)
24" - just above the sternum
*These guidelines are for an average sized man, with an average size neck. If you know the man's shirt (collar) size, then you can easily use that measurement and go up 2 sizes. For example, if a man's collar size is 17", then choose at least a 20" chain.
How do I choose the correct bracelet size? TOP
We recommend measuring the wrist at the wrist bone with a soft (seamstress-style) measuring tape. Add approximately 3/4" to 1" to that size for a comfortable fit. For example, if the wrist measurement is 6-1/2" order a 7-1/2" bracelet. These are just guidelines as some people prefer a looser fit than others.
Do you have samples of the different hand stamped fonts? TOP
Yes, please visit our Hand Stamped Fonts page to view available fonts. Please keep in mind that recommended fonts should be chosen for best results.
Do you have samples of the different designs & symbols? TOP
Yes, most options are available for view by visiting our Design / Symbol Page
Do you accept Custom Orders? TOP
Custom orders are gladly accepted and have become a large part of our business. Please don’t limit yourself to the designs shown on our website. If you have an idea or just a color preference, please email us and let us give you a price quote on a custom design.
Do you offer Gift Packaging? TOP
Jewelry purchases from BellaMerce.com are beautifully presented in a gift box with a hand-tied bow, perfect for sending as a gift, or for treating yourself to something special. Rest assured, whether your purchase is for a gift or a treat for yourself, it will be a pleasure to open.
How long until My Order Ships? TOP
Hand Stamped Items: We normally ship orders within seven business days of receipt. Some custom orders may exceed this time frame, depending on raw material stock. Due to the high volume of orders received during the holiday seasons, such as Mother's Day, Father's Day and Christmas, this time could increase to 10 business days or more. Please view notice in shopping cart for current shipping estimates.
Loving Impressions Orders: After receiving your fingerprint impressions, your custom piece will normally ship within 10 business days. Again, during major holidays, this could increase.
Please view notice in shopping cart for current shipping estimates.
If you have an urgent gift need, a Rush Order service (you may view the details by clicking here) is now available in the shopping cart for $25.00. If this option is chosen, your order will be rushed through our production system and shipped within 5 business days.
You can check on the status of your order anytime by visiting the Order Info page or by emailing us. Make sure and join our Facebook fan page to learn more about Bella Merce, see all of the newest styles, get special coupon codes and enter contests for free merchandise.
Why can't my order ship right away? TOP
Every order is handcrafted in our studio. Most of our items start with the metals in raw form, such as sheets, wire or metal clays. We must hammer, mold or shape the raw form before we begin customizing to your specifications - phrases, names and dates must be done letter by letter.
What if I leave choices blank on my order or have special requests or questions in the comments section? TOP
Due to the high volume of orders, review does not take place until we are ready to actually stamp your jewelry. If you leave any portion blank or enter more than the maximum allowed amount of characters, your order will most likely be delayed. Also, questions or requests posed in the comments section will not be addressed until the time of creation. Any questions that need to be addressed at the time the order is placed, should be sent via email with the order number referenced as the subject.
If I want to place another Loving Impressions order later, do you keep the prints on file? TOP
We will keep the prints on file for 6 months. Just reference the previous order number and name when placing future orders utilizing the same prints.
What is your Shipping Policy? TOP
For domestic shipping within the U.S., customers have the option of shipping via USPS or UPS. A shipping rate calculator is located in the shopping cart. After entering the ship to zip code, the rates for various ship methods will be displayed. Please keep in mind, that all of our items are handcrafted and that the shipping time is in addition to the time needed to create your unique piece.
We no longer ship to locations outside of the U.S.
UPS Ground Service Map
What is your Return Policy? TOP
We want you to be totally happy with your order, but we can not give refunds on custom orders. If there is a problem with your order, please contact us immediately. If the error was our mistake, we will correct as soon as possible and refund your return shipping costs (if necessary). It is strongly advised that you ship all merchandise pre-paid and
insured. Bella Merce is not responsible for lost or damaged packages.
If the error was not our mistake and you are just dissatisfied with the product or font you chose, then the item is your to keep.
We do our absolute best to send out the highest quality of hand stamped jewelry. We reserve the right to judge our own quality and craftsmanship.
What is your Privacy Policy? TOP
We respect your information as personal and confidential. Any information that you submit to Bella Merce will not be sold or otherwise released to a third party unless forced to do so by law. All personal information collected during the order process is used to fulfill your order or to advise you of the status of your order. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@bellamerce.com
Will Sales Tax be charged on my order? TOP
All orders placed with a ship to address in the state of Texas, will be charged 8.25% Sales Tax on the total order. No Sales Tax will be assessed if the delivery address is outside the state of Texas.
Why was my credit card charged, yet my order status has not changed to "shipped"? TOP
Due to the custom nature of our jewelry, your card will be charged as soon as the order is placed.
Why did I not receive a confirmation email? TOP
Our confirmation emails are sent automatically and sometimes get filtered as spam. Please check your spam folder.
How may I contact Bella Merce? TOP
Via the Contact page form or you may email Cyndi directly at cyndi@bellamerce.com Since we are a small company and spend the majority of our time in the studio creating the jewelry, we are unable to answer the phones during set hours. If you would like to speak via phone, please email us your contact information and best times to be reached and we will give you a call.
