kaleidoscopejewelry web store FAQ section

Base metal is the general term for metal of no remarkable pedigree. When you buy any “cheepo” piece from the department store or even grocery store realize that this is indeed base metal! In purchasing components for jewelry parts are labeled vague things like “white” or “yellow” brass, yellow metal, and white metal. Some are clearer and called sliver or gold plated brass. I am quite sure that a great deal of “base metal” recovered jewelry scrap which has been returned in a jumble, and cast into useable form. Common make-up of “Base Metal”: 1.BRASS! Brass is a fantastic metal, and SHOULD have no nickel, lead or anything allergenic or deleterious to ones health. Unfortunately its metal content is not rigidly enforced, but brass is a great metal to use and is something I always look for when buying my metals. High quality brass is at price point with Sterling Silver and should be less reactive to skin. Base metal brass is cheaper than silver but more expensive than metal which can be purchased with vague descriptors such as yellow or white metal. 2. NICKEL! Nickel is a sensitivity that some people have, for instance I get a nasty chemical burn. Unfortunately it is cheep and readily available so nickel content is almost insured in base metals and even sterling and white gold. Once upon a time white gold was cut with platinum, now nickel is commonplace. A great many people have NO problem with Nickel, but for those of us with this sensitivity inexpensive jewelry is relegated to a part of the store not even worth wandering through! 3. LEAD! Lead is cheep and makes metal much easier to work—just like antifreeze is sweet!-- Less scrupulous base metal sources offer no contents listings. Pewter castings often mention possible lead content, but there is "lead free" pewter on the market. California recently pased a law reguarding lead content in jewelry, this has proven to be a wonderful change to the market, helping me to purchase items which do not contain lead! With base metal knowledge is power and thoughtful design can protect the wearer from any potential pitfalls coming from the contents of base metal. To avoid pitfalls of nasty metal, we: 1. Avoid base metal from retailers offering no contents listings. 2. Avoid metals manufactured in China as there seems to be no effective regulation. 4. Purchase from manufacturers who are compliant with the California lead law. 3. Recognize that placement on an item can minimize exposure. We may use base metal to create a pair of earrings, but the ear wires are yellow brass and that were purchased them from a trusted manufacturer. The chain that the dangles are on may have no notable pedigree but it does not touch the skin!

Our goal is your complete satisfaction; we strive for your satisfaction in any transaction with us however as we are very small there are limits which we must place on refunds. If you have any problems or concerns feel free to contact us. Refunds If you have buyers remorse please contact us immediately. We offer quick response to all orders placed, therefore time is of the essence. If your purchase is in the mail before your purchase is cancelled, please “USPS Return to Sender” the UN-OPENED item. Upon receipt of the package on our end you will receive a refund minus shipping cost. If you have contacted us before the item has shipped, you will receive an immediate refund from our end, however it may take a few days for the refund to process! We apologize, but these are the only two circumstances in which a refund will be granted. Return and Exchanges Upon receipt of the item, if you should choose that you do not want your purchase, or are unhappy with the purchase in any way please contact us within 7 days. You will receive directions for return mailing and upon receipt we will offer an exchange or store credit. Store credit can be used toward any item posted for sale or custom order. We must insist that any item you intend to return not be worn, especially earrings as this is not hygienic.