FAQs

Do you wholesale?

I do, currently just to local Utah and Idaho stores. If you are interested in featuring my items, please email me.


Do you do custom requests?

I do occasionally accept custom requests, depending on my current workload. However, I rarely wrap client provided stones for a few reasons:

  • I prefer to wrap cabochons to raw stones which saves you money because I spend less time designing a custom shape, and more time adding custom details to designs I have already created with cabochons.
  • I have tons of stones to choose from, and if I don't have it I can order it for you.
  • I don't want to be liable for potential damage that could happen during the design process to something that means a lot to you.

If you are interested in getting a quote or designing a custom piece with me, please contact me with your budget, preferred materials and desired design. You can reference another piece on my website or Instagram to indicate elements of the design that you would like to incorporate.


What is a cabochon?

Any stone that has been cut with a flat back and a domed top. They come in a variety of shapes, such as diamond, square, heart, moon, but round and oval are my favorite. Cabochons are the best for jewelry, since the flat back will lay flush with your skin rather than protruding sharp edges that raw stones can have. Typically, raw stones are better for specimen displays.

 

What is your favorite resource for tools, wire and gemstones?

I wouldn't buy wire from anyone other than Riogrande.com. They are reliable, have fair prices, and ship quickly. They also offer an incredible selection of advanced tools such as tumblers and an electroforming kit that I have my eye on!

As for basic tools and supplies, I'd honestly check your local bead store or amazon. My first set of pliers was a black case with 4 different pliers from Walmart for probably $12, 10 years ago. Although I detest Walmart and shudder at promoting them, I will say I am using the same set of pliers to this day... So don't feel like you need to put off learning because of the buy in cost if you're looking at pro pliers on riogrande. just get a set of bentnose, roundnose, straight, wire cutters, and nylon jaw pliers. If you are interested in chainmail, I use two sets of flatnose. 

For gemstones, I prefer to attend the gem fair that travels around the US. I get wholesale discounts because I own a business. I also order stones on Etsy.com to support other small businesses. They also have sellers from Indonesia with fair prices, so you're getting the gems from the source!