Handmade jewelry (and all jewelry) is not indestructible—but if you care for your jewelry, it will last. All damage occurring to a piece under your care is your responsibility. We include care cards with each order and/or list clear information on our website that is readily accessible. All damage, including normal wear and tear, is the buyer's (or owner's) sole responsibility.
Please note that Knot & Splice is not responsible for lost, broken, chipped, cracked, or damaged gemstones in the jewelry you have purchased from us once it has left our hands. While this rarely happens, some gemstones are more fragile than others. The type of wear that rings can go through is extensive. If you're making a larger investment, as in an engagement ring, we recommend insuring your jewelry with a reputable insurance dealer. This will also help protect your investment from loss, damage, theft, etc. Caring for your piece to the best of your ability will help preserve your piece...even when you're careful, accidents do happen. We are available to consult on gemstone replacement, however, please note that this service is not cheap (and we may have to rebuild part of your jewelry piece if a new gemstone is needed).
The jewelry you are purchasing is made to last, but like all handmade items, it is delicate. Care is necessary and is the sole responsibility of the wearer. Pieces worn daily may require repairs at some point which is the buyer's sole responsibility. Always remove your jewelry before sleeping, swimming, or bathing. Keep jewelry clean and free of perfumes/chemicals (this includes oils, lotions, soaps, etc.). Perfumes, oils, salves, and soaps can damage the stones over time or cause unwanted patina or verdigris on the metal (darkening or green coloration)—this happens due to a chemical reaction between the materials and is not a sign of being defective. Patina can form on brass, bronze, sterling silver, lower purities of gold, and gold-fill.
Delicate chains are strong, but are not meant to be worn while sleeping or showering. Please remove your necklace before bathing, swimming, or sleeping.
Please remove your jewelry before any types of heavy activity, i.e. gardening, exercising (as these types of work can bend or break prongs or scratch/crack natural stones). It can also dent and distort the metal. Metals are strong, however, bending any part of a metal piece over time will break the piece. Catching or hitting your ring on surfaces over time can loosen prongs, weaken solder joins, and even cause the metal to become brittle and eventually break. Similarly, solder joins are meant to last but are not made to endure repeated abuse (if you find you are smacking your ring on objects, catching it on surfaces, etc., this can not only scratch or damage the stone or setting, but it will eventually damage or break the solder join(s)).
Cleaning your jewelry: You may clean your jewelry with clear soap and water, but never use chemicals or other types of cleaners (this will destroy natural stones and remove any patina on the piece). Sometimes a soft toothbrush is helpful for gently cleaning around prongs and the stone itself (please be very gentle as you can inadvertently weaken or move the prongs with too much pressure). Sunshine polishing cloths (available for purchase online (google "Sunshine polishing cloths")) are great for removing unwanted oxidization and are safe to use on all Knot & Splice pieces—including natural turquoise and other natural stone jewelry. Do not ever use jewelry cleaners containing ammonia or strong chemicals—these types of cleaners are meant for solid gold and hard diamonds (we do not work with hard diamonds; most of our stones are softer and porous and can be completely destroyed if submerged in chemicals).
Storing your jewelry: Store your jewelry in a plastic ziplock bag (or inside a velvet bag or a closed jewelry box) when it is not being worn. It may also help to prevent unwanted patina. If left out in the open, sterling silver can oxidize and darken. To prevent this, wear your jewelry as much as possible and store in a plastic bag when stored for periods of time.
Caring for turquoise and other soft stones: Natural turquoise and many other stones (opal, etc.) we use are both porous and delicate (please take care of your jewelry and do not use chemicals of any kind to clean your jewelry). Please note that water and oils can actually change the coloration and look of natural/untreated American turquoise over time. If this type of change is undesired, be sure to keep your jewelry dry whenever possible (remove when washing your hands, do not apply lotion or oils while wearing your jewelry, etc.). These types of daily activities can affect the look and quality of the jewelry over time.
Please note that natural stones cannot be repaired if they crack or break. Occasionally gems can be recut or repolished, however this is an expensive service. We are not liable for gemstones that crack or break over time. Gemstones are natural and need to be worn with care.
If your piece arrives damaged: Please inspect your jewelry, stone settings, etc. when your parcel arrives. If the piece arrives damaged, it is likely due to heavy mail handling. This can happen from time to time, but please email us immediately (within 48 hours of the tracking showing as delivered): contact us so that we may file the appropriate insurance claims. Once the claim is filed, we will discuss the next steps.
If you are in doubt on how to care for your handmade Knot & Splice piece, or if you have any other questions, please email us for help.