FAQs

Custom Orders

When you choose to work with me on a custom order, you receive 1:1 personal consulting as we design your piece together. You will also receive updates throughout the process, including images of your custom jewel as it is being created step by step in my studio.

The gemstones are a pivotal aspect of most Ignis Borealis jewellery. To begin a custom project, we explore stone options together and decide on the perfect stone or combination of stones as the foundation. Taking inspiration from my past work, you will let me know which pieces are your favourites and what you love about them. From this we can decide how to feature the stones you have chosen. This includes deciding which metals, silver or gold, you would like to have incorporated in your custom piece.

All details for custom orders including budget, timeline and payment schedule will be discussed during this initial consultation period. Following this I will invoice you for your piece(s).

Pricing is an estimate and subject to a +/- 20% contingency. I require a 50% non-refundable deposit to begin formal design and fabrication of a custom order. Subsequent payment instalments will be based on the timeline specified in our agreement for your particular piece. Final payment is due prior to shipping your order. I have minimums in place for silver custom orders (>$500 USD) and custom orders with gold components (>$1,000 USD).

Please allow a 4-8 week production time on custom orders, beginning from the date I receive your initial deposit to the time of final payment and shipment of your finished piece. Shipping duration may add to this timeline. If you wish to place a rush on your custom order, I will do my best to work with you whenever my schedule permits. A rush fee may be incurred. 

If you have a special stone of your own that you wish for me to work with, I will review it on a case by case basis. I will take the utmost care with your precious personal gemstone and inspect it carefully upon receiving it to be sure there are no visible stability issues, vulnerabilities or concerns. If I am not confident of the stone's durability and safety for working with, I will decline the project. However, I cannot guarantee that a gemstone is safe to work with and therefore cannot guarantee the outcome of working with customer-owned stones. I am not responsible for replacing a gemstone if it is broken during setting. The client assumes the inherent risks of sending their stone to be set in a custom piece of Ignis Borealis jewellery.

All custom sales are final.

 

Shipping

Basic shipping is complementary on all orders over $200 USD. Shipping rates apply to orders under $200. I aim to ship completed items within three business days. All items ship with tracking and basic/partial insurance from Toronto, Canada.

If you would like to upgrade your shipping speed, insurance value or carrier, please let me know when you make your purchase and I will provide you with a shipping estimate. The customer will be responsible for any additional fees associated with upgraded shipping.

I cannot be responsible for lost or stolen packages once they have been handed over to the postal service. I include basic insurance on all parcels, however this rarely covers the full cost of the piece. Please consider purchasing additional insurance for your package. Tracking is included for most countries, with some exceptions.

 

Jewellery Care

My jewellery is made with the utmost attention to quality and craftsmanship. If you care well for your piece, it can last for generations to come. However, no piece of jewelry is indestructible. Care and treatment will impact the lifespan and natural aging of these handmade items. 

Avoid wearing jewels while sleeping, bathing, swimming or during strenuous physical activity, such as exercise or gardening. Do not expose your jewellery to perfumes or other chemicals, as they can affect the surface finish of your piece. The same is true of natural body oils and sweat. Soft stones such as opal and turquoise are particularly susceptible to changes over time, so it is best to take extra care with these.

Stones, silver, and other metals will darken and discolour over time. This is referred to as a patina or tarnish. Sunlight, oxygen, oils, sweat, and anything else that comes into contact with your jewellery can contribute to this natural aging. It is best to store your jewellery in an airtight bag or container when it is not being worn. This will slow the process of aging and protect your jewelry from inadvertent damage.

Silver and stones can be easily scratched or even fractured if handled roughly. Please take care to protect your pieces when wearing and storing, handle gently, and avoid dropping.

You may clean your jewellery with warm water and mild, clear soap using a soft toothbrush. Please do not ever use harsh jewellery cleaners or chemicals on your Ignis Borealis pieces, as these can damage soft stones and silver. Jewellery polishing cloths are great for removing tarnish and restoring the shine of silver. However, these are not meant to be used on pieces with darkened patinas as they will remove the surface finish.

 

Returns

Please purchase mindfully and ask all questions before committing. If you are unsure of your ring size, please find out before making a purchase. If you do not love your new Ignis Borealis piece, you may contact me within 5 calendar days for exchange only. I do not offer returns or refunds.

 

Guarantee

I offer a guarantee on my workmanship. If you receive your piece and find any flaws or damage from transit, please contact me immediately. Unfortunately, I cannot be responsible for issues reported to me after 24 hours of your package being delivered.

Please keep in mind that I create each piece by hand, and there will always be slight imperfections and variations. These add to the character and one-of-a-kind quality of your handmade piece.

I inspect each piece carefully before sending it out and I package your jewellery diligently to protect it during its journey. In the event a piece is damaged in transit, it will be the responsibility of the customer to put in a claim with the shipping carrier. Please consider purchasing additional insurance with your shipping, as carriers will only cover damage costs up to the value of the insurance.

 

Please email me with any other questions at hello@ignisborealis.com