Beat Black - handmade polymer clay jewelry
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Displayed below are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have an inquiry not addressed below or just need to contact me for any ole reason,  you can do so from my contact page here

1 Items:
1.1 What is all this stuff made from?
1.2 Is this jewelry fragile?
1.3 Will the paint come off from wear?
1.4 What happens if I wear my jewelry in the shower?
1.5 Are there any special care instructions? 

2 Ordering:
2.1 Can I order a piece you already make in a different colour?
2.2 Can I order my necklace with a different type of chain?
2.3 Can I order my chain at a different length?
2.4 Can I order my earrings in a different type of metal?
2.5 Can I order a piece as a key chain instead of jewelry?
2.6 Does Beat Black do custom orders/commissions?
2.7 How much does it cost to personalize a piece?
2.8 Does Beat Black offer wholesale or consignment? 

3 Payment:
3.1 Do I need a credit card? 
3.2 Do I have to purchase through etsy?
   
4 Shipping:
4.1 Does Beat Black ship worldwide?
4.2 How much does shipping cost?
4.3 How long will it take for my package to arrive?
4.4 Can I upgrade my shipping so it will arrive sooner?
4.5 Can I downgrade my shipping so it will cost less?
4.6 Can I pick up my order for free instead of paying for shipping?
4.7 Does Beat Black accept returns?

1 Items:

1.1 What is all this stuff made from?

They're all made from "Premo!" (and the odd brick of "Fimo Classic"), a quality brand polymer clay. It's an oven bake clay that has a constancy similar to plastercine. Once its formed it goes into the oven and cooks until it hardens.

1.2 Is this jewelry fragile?

No. It's not brittle like modelling clay or ceramic can be. Polymer clay holds a bit of flexibility after its baked. The best thing I can think to compare it to is a soft plastic. If you were to bite hard into a pendant, it'll hurt your jaw and might leave teeth marks behind.

Of course the odd design I create might have some small, thin details (like teeth or lollipop sticks for example) that would be something to keep an eye out for. They would be things you wouldn't want to forget in your pocket before you sit down.

1.3 Will the paint come off from wear?

No. On almost all piece I make, the only paint used is the black paint in the cracks. After its been applied I use a couple coats of glaze that seals in the paint and protects against sun fading. You never have to worry about any any colours coming off, ever.

1.4 What happens if I wear my jewelry in the shower?

Likely nothing. I use many coats of a water resistant glaze on my pieces to seal them and to protect them from sun damage. They hold up quite well but too much exposure to water might weaken the glaze. The odd water submersion won't hurt them but too much could shorten the life of your piece.

1.5 Are there any special care instructions?

There's not too much to know but some things to be cautious about. First, these polymer clay goods are not meant for small children.

If you use hairspray its best not to apply it while wearing your jewelry or accessory. The hairspray can bond with the glaze as well as any little bits of dust in the air.

The glaze coating the pieces is not scratch resistant. Keeping your item in a pocket or purse with coins, keys and other sharpish thingies can do damage. It's best not to convert your piece to a keychain for this reason.

2 Ordering:

2.1 Can I order a piece you already make in a different colour?  

Yes and there's no extra charge. Simply pick your numbers from the chart below or link me to another image that displays your colour choice. Once your listing is paid for I can get it made within 3-7 days and then send a photo along for your approval.

Picture

2.2 Can I order my necklace with a different type of chain?

Yes. I understand that many people have allergies to certain metals and I'm more than willing to accommodate. All you have to do is let me know before purchase which type of metal you can wear/prefer to wear. From there I can check out the local supply stores in Toronto and let you know if there would be any price increase. The new metals would include the loop on your pendant, the chain, the clasp and the closing loop.

2.3 Can I order my chain at a different length?

Yes! I cut the chain myself so any length changes are welcomed and usually at no extra cost. If your not sure of the exact measurement you want you can either measure the chain part of one of your favorite necklaces or even use a string to gauge the right length.

With a sting (twine, thread what have you) simply cut a long piece and thread something weighty onto it.  In front of a mirror adjust the length until its where you want it then carefully cut it to your preferable size. From there you can measure it and let me know your chosen length.

2.4 Can I order my earrings in a different type of metal?

Yes. Much like changing the chain I just need to know which type of metal your after before purchase. Once I find it locally I can give you a quote if it costs any extra.

2.5 Can I order a piece as a key chain instead of jewelry?

I don't recommend it. The issue with a key chain is that the glaze on the clay is not scratch resistant. This means the usual wear and tear that a key chain goes through would eventually wear down your item.

2.6 Does Beat Black do custom orders/commissions?

Yes. If you have an idea for something and you think I might be able to pull it off, you can contact me here with your idea.  Sometimes it takes some back and forth to get the idea across just right. I'll present you with a quote and we can go from there. Custom orders must be paid for in full before they are created. Below are some examples that were created from past customers ideas
2.7 How much does it cost to personalize a piece?

Prices start at .50 cents per character for the first 6 then go down from there. The next 6 are .25 cents a piece and all remaining characters are .10 cents each. 
Picture
Since the letters need to be etched in while the clay is still wet, a new piece will need to be made after ordering. This means a wait time of 3-7 days before your jewelry or accessory can be sent out. To get the ball rolling simply contact me here with the details. Here are some examples of what others have ordered

2.8 Does Beat Black offer wholesale or consignment?

I'm currently not offering either of these options at the moment

3 Payment:

3.1 Do I need a credit card to order? 

No. If you don't have a credit card you can also send a "post office" money order or a western union. Both of these options will charge you extra to send money. Exactly how much extra varies from country to country. That information can be found at your local post office or western union carrier. If you would rather purchase using either of these options, please let me know ahead of time.

Also please do not send money in the mail! There's no insurance for that sort of thing and your money could be stolen along the way. It's not something I ever recommend... I like you too much

3.2 Do I have to purchase through Etsy?

No. If you don't have nor want to have an etsy account you can email me with your order and I can set up a listing for you on my website (if what your after isn't there already). All orders are carried out securely through paypal unless you would prefer to send through either of the options listed above.
  
4 Shipping:

4.1 Does Beat Black ship worldwide?

Absolutely! There's something really cool about having my jewelry and accessories being worn all over the world.

4.2 How much does shipping cost?

It varies from country to country as well as from piece to piece. Flatter items that can fit through the Post offices 2cm slot are the least expensive:

Within Canada $2.00
To USA $3.00
Elsewhere $6.00

Thicker items cost a little more:

Canada $9.00
USA $8.00
Australia $ 10.50
New Zealand $ 10.50
China $ 11.00
Elsewhere $9.50

It's also important to make sure you know your countries rules and regulations on what can pass through your border. Some places are charged a fee for packages that exceed a certain dollar amount. Beat Black is not responsible for these fees.

4.3 How long will it take for my package to arrive?

If your item is "made to order", it could take 3-7 days to create. From there your order will be sent within 1-2 days.

Within Canada they usually arrive in an average of 5-11 business days.

Parcels being sent across borders take a little longer because of customs. To the USA it takes about 1-3 weeks but in rare instances can even take up to 4 weeks.

Internationally the wait time is about 2-4 weeks.

4.4 Can I upgrade my shipping?

Yes. If you need your package there faster than the time above you can email me with your postal/zip code and country. From there I can give you the optional rates. All shipping must be paid for first before the items are sent.

4.5 Can I downgrade my shipping so it will cost less?

In some cases yes. For the higher priced shipping options ($8.00-$11.00), you may be able to downgrade from air mail to surface mail. This option can take longer, 4-6 weeks and may cost 2-3 dollars less. If you'd like a quote on less expensive shipping, you can email me with the country your order would be shipped to and I can get you a new price.

4.6 Can I pick up my order for free instead of paying for shipping?

Sure, if you live in or are visiting Toronto and don't want to pay for shipping I can always make time to meet up in the annex area at a public place. I'd just need enough notice to have your order ready.

4.7 Does Beat Black accept returns?

Yes. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason at all, you can return it within a timely manner. You will receive your refund minus the cost of shipping. Just be sure to use the original packaging or its equivalent to insure its safe journey through the shipping process. Refunds are sent through paypal upon its safe arrival to my mailbox.

I'm sorry, there are no returns for custom orders and engraving cannot be done on an already finished piece. Still, if you have any concerns I'm always here to help.

Credit for the graphics used on this website go to:
http://deadly-nightshade.com/
http://elaborate-dream.deviantart.com
http://sanami276.deviantart.com


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