Missouri Sales Tax: Knot & Splice is located in Missouri. In accordance with state and federal laws, MO residents and items shipping within MO will pay 8.225% sales tax for goods purchased. Sales tax only applies to Missouri residents and packages shipping to Missouri addresses.
FAQ/Policies
General questions and information
Sales tax
State of Missouri sales tax
Shipping info/policy
United States & Puerto Rico
Prices are subject to change. Please see the check-out page for the most updated shipping prices.
PLEASE NOTE: any orders with ready-to-ship and made-to-order items will not ship until the entire order is complete—unless you purchase additional shipping...you may also purchase your ready-to-ship item separately so that you can receive it before your made-to-order items.
If you receive free or reduced cost shipping discounts: please note that in the case of multiple orders (sent to the same shipping address) with "free" or reduced shipping, we WILL combine your orders to streamline our shipping process and reduce overall shipping labor/costs (please remember that often the total shipping cost often exceeds the $10 we charge for US shipping with insurance and handling costs). Please feel free to email with any questions or if you need an item sooner.
DOMESTIC
Priority Mail (we also may use UPS Next Day Saver if available for your address):
- FREE shipping on all domestic orders (please see each listing as to the shipping insurance amount that is included with your purchase); orders over $1,000 will include a signature required for delivery.
Ring sizers
- FREE (if by itself only; will mail in a padded or flat envelope via First Class Mail with no tracking; if purchasing with other items, it will ship with your entire order when it's ready to ship out). If you'd like your ring sizer to ship right away, please place an order for the ring sizer by itself.
Canada
PLEASE NOTE: any orders with ready-to-ship and made-to-order items will not ship until the entire order is complete—unless you purchase additional shipping...you may also purchase your ready-to-ship item separately so that you can receive it before your made-to-order items.
If you receive free or reduced cost shipping discounts: please note that in the case of multiple orders (sent to the same shipping address) with "free" or reduced shipping, we WILL combine your orders to streamline our shipping process and reduce overall shipping labor/costs (please remember that often the total shipping cost often exceeds the $10 we charge for US shipping with insurance and handling costs). Please feel free to email with any questions or if you need an item sooner.
Canada
Due to constant fluctuations in shipping costs, please see the checkout page for current shipping costs. If you'd like a quote for a different shipping method, please feel free to email us Nicole [at] knotandsplice.com
Everywhere else in the world
Due to constant fluctuations in shipping costs, please see the checkout page for current shipping costs. If you'd like a quote for a different shipping method, please feel free to email us Nicole [at] knotandsplice.com. Please note that some countries are not receiving postal service and will only receive UPS or Fedex. In the event your country is not receiving USPS mail, we will have to ship via another method. Thank you for understanding.
Exclusions (cannot be insured by Shipsurance*):
Please note, the following international locations are not insurable or have exclusions (from the Shipsurance website):
Countries not insurable by Shipsurance*:
Afghanistan, Angola, Bolivia, Burma, Congo, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire), Liberia, Nigeria, North Korea, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela
Shipsurance Exclusions*:
In addition, truck/rail shipments to and within Mexico other than as a connecting conveyance and any location that would be in violation of any U.S. economic or trade sanctions including OFAC Restricted Countries. For shipments to Russian and other Commonwealth of Independent States countries (includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan) coverage ceases upon touchdown of the aircraft at the airport of destination or upon discharge from the overseas vessel at the destination discharge port. This means that if a package is scanned into these countries, coverage ceases.
*Please see shipsurance website for updated exclusions list.
When will my order ship?
Processing times
CURRENT PROCESSING TIMES *please see announcement bars for any special holiday delivery updatesNote: Each order is packaged carefully by hand with beautiful packaging. Every order arrives in a jewelry gift box ready for gift giving (or treating yourself). We try to use eco-friendly/recyclable/compostable or reusable packaging whenever possible. We greatly value timeliness and hope to earn your continued support. This is a one-woman operation. Thank you so much for your support and appreciation for the slow, good things of life![Please note that the following schedule does not include shipping time/mail transit to your destination—this is the production time for which we will lovingly create, package, and ship your items to you]:
- Ready-to-ship items (no resizing needed):typically ships in 3 business days (we do not ship on weekends)
- Ring sizers (shipping alone): typically 1–3 business days
- Made-to-order: approx. 5–6 weeks
- Create your own solitaire rings: approx. 8 weeks once design details are finalized by email/form. The timeline for your custom piece will be communicated to you.
- Resizing (ready to ship rings (listing will specify if complimentary resizing is included)): approx. 14 business days
- Bespoke: see the Custom/Bespoke page for updated details
Jewelry care
General jewelry care information
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.
Lost packages/returns
Do you offer returns?
All sales are final. We cannot exchange or refund unless there is a clear mistake on our part. Jewelry care is the responsibility of the buyer. Please contact us should you have any questions, issues, or require a repair.
This is a firm policy, so please be sure to order the correct ring size(s) and/or style(s) at checkout and take care of your handmade jewelry and other items so it will last. If there's an issue or you are in need of a repair, please contact us so we can see how to help: nicole [at] knotandsplice.com.
We offer ring sizers for at-home correct sizing in the shop.
If there is damage to your piece when it arrives, please contact us (please also send clear photos in daylight lighting, if possible, for reference) immediately for assistance: nicole [at] knotandsplice.com.
Resizing is available complimentary on select pieces. Each listing will state whether the piece is resizable or not. Complimentary resizing that is stated in the listing must be completed before shipping the item out to you.
If you are searching for a gift and do not know the recipient's ring size, you may consider purchasing a gift card in lieu of guessing sizes which often proves to be inaccurate. We do not recommend any sort of printed paper or string method of gathering a ring size (these have proven to be inaccurate by 3+ ring sizes, at times!). The perfect gift is one that fits and will be worn and loved, so we do offer digital gift cards in the online shop.
Lost packages
Please note: from time to time a package is lost or stolen in transit. This is why we highly recommend shipping insurance—almost every shop listing will urge you to check that you've fully insured your item prior to check out. Knot & Splice and Nicole Jo Melton are not responsible for packages that are lost or stolen once they have been mailed.
Please double check the shop listing to see what is included in the shipping of your item (if the listing states to purchase additional insurance to cover the cost of your item, we have a shop listing dedicated to shipping insurance). When in doubt, please send us an email before placing your order and include which items you're wanting to purchase (we can tell you if insurance is included or not).
Lost or stolen mail is not our responsibility. We use excellent third party insurance, but if you didn't purchase an item that includes insurance, or you didn't add insurance to your order at the time it was placed, we will not be able to refund you in the event of loss/theft/damage. Please always just insure your package if it is not included.
If your address was incomplete or incorrect at the time of shipping, please note that we are not responsible for a lost/stolen package. It is your responsibility to contact USPS using the tracking number from your order to see if the post office may locate and intercept the package for you.
If your package is fully insured, please note that USPS as well as Shipsurance have minimum time frames before filling out a claim. This means that they ask us to wait for a certain time frame before filing that a package is lost. For overseas packages, this time frame can seem very long (due to the amount of time a package can be stuck in Customs and travel a far distance). Please check with us if you think your package is lost, and we'll do our best to let you know what your options are based on the insurance you purchased (or the amount that was included with your purchase).
Ring sizing
Information about ring sizes
We now offer affordable ring sizers in the online shop (with reduced shipping cost when ordered by itself). Ordering the correct ring size upon placing your order is very important. We do not recommend resizing a ring more than once as this can weaken the ring (in the event it is needed, it can be done, but we recommend resizing it just once).
If you do not know your ring size, we offer accurate at-home ring sizers in our shop. If you're unable to purchase a ring sizer from us, you may visit a professional jeweler to help you obtain your correct ring size. We do not recommend online sizing guides or "programs" in lieu of getting sized with a ring sizer—these other "quick" methods have proven to be very unreliable. Please do not use the paper printed method or string method to size your finger (these have proven to be off by multiple sizes).
Understanding ring sizes: This may go without saying, but each and every finger will most likely be a different ring size. Some fingers may be the same ring size as others. Ring sizes are based on a person's knuckle sizes. If you understand this concept, then it will make sense to you why sometimes rings will spin around when worn. This isn't necessarily a sign of improper fit. The ring has to be able to comfortably slide over your knuckle without being too tight or too loose. So, if your knuckles are bigger than the base of your finger, your ring size will be determined by that finger's knuckle size and the ring may seem looser at the base of your finger. When measuring a finger for a ring size, you should use the ring sizer we offer in the shop or be sized by a professional jeweler. If you wish to know all your finger ring sizes, it's best to write them all down and get the measurements at the same time. Often, a person's dominant hand will be slightly larger and therefore, your ring sizes will be different on each hand. Additionally, our hands and fingers may swell or shrink over the course of a day. If your hands tend to swell a lot throughout the day, it would be best to take your ring measurement when you are not cold. Body temperature, weather, diet, and health can cause our rings to fit differently throughout the day.
Can you just size down my ring?: The listing will state what sizing options are available, if any. It is implied the sizing should be done prior to shipping the item to you. If resizing is required at a later date, a fee will apply as well as shipping costs both ways.
You are also welcome to take your ring to a local jeweler to see if they may be able to safely resize the piece for you (please ensure they are absolutely experienced in handling heat sensitive stones as diamonds or sapphires with inclusions should not be heated). Some larger jewelry companies (that specialize in repairs) may have access to a spot welder (a fancy piece of equipment) that may allow them to easily resize stone pieces that are made with precious metals only (sterling silver, solid gold, etc.) without heat or removing the stone. We do not offer spot welding at this time.
Please feel free to ask questions prior to purchasing an item. If you should require resizing after you've received your ring, please reach out to us by email to help.
Recycled and environmentally friendly packaging
Environmentally-friendly packaging
On the exterior: Our durable fold-in style recycled cardboard boxes are sent out with kraft paper shavings and/or kraft tissue paper. We use reinforced paper tape on the outside of our shipping boxes which is from Ecoenclose and is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable. The entire box can go in a recycle bin or be reused for other shipping/storing needs.
Our velvet gift boxes (for most fine jewelry items) are meant to be reused or kept for storing your jewelry when not worn. Our paper gift boxes are also recyclable.
Additionally, our note cards are printed on recycled card stock.
Our studio recycles and reuses packaging whenever possible. We also recycle all precious metals (gold and silver) either in-house or sending off to a refinery. 100% of our metal scraps are recycled and reused.
We are always learning, growing, and hope to continue to make changes as we learn how to improve. Thank you for your support and caring about the environment.
Do you offer payment plans?
Payment plan options
Shop Pay is now available for interest-free financing up to $3,000. Details are in each shop listing. This service allows you to pay for your ring in 4 interest-free installments. Please carefully review the listing and information should you use this service (it is completed through Shop Pay/Affirm and we do not have access to your agreement or payment plan information).
Additionally, some customers may choose to select PayPal credit. We offer PayPal on our checkout page and PayPal credit can be selected through PayPal. This is another service we offer but do not have access to any information on your payment plan information with PayPal. Thank you for understanding.
Do you work with client stones or precious metals?
"I have a stone I would like to have set...can you make a piece of jewelry with it for me?"
On occasion, we receive emails from folks who have a sentimental stone they would like to have set. We may occasionally consider, but you will be required to sign a contract to release us of liability in the event that the stone cracks, chips, or breaks. We prefer to work with diamonds and sapphires because they are much more durable to the setting process and daily wear. Utilizing your own stones in a custom piece should be done so for sentimental reasons...it does not not typically save much or any money on a custom piece.
If your gemstone has large inclusions, fractures, chips, all of these will be documented and shown to you under magnification prior to working with your stone(s). In the age of the Internet, it is tempting to purchase gemstones yourself, but we recommend consulting with us first or having a jeweler or gemologist inspect the gem upon arrival (we often see clients purchasing gemstones that contain large fractures that they're unaware of...these gems may easily break when setting and/or are not as durable as you think). When in doubt, it is best to work directly with us in sourcing your gems.
Please understand that we choose to work with ethically mined stones for a variety of reasons including supporting small business/family miners, lapidary artists, and casters while doing our best to be ethical storytellers. We offer a beautiful assortment of stone pieces! Please inquire by email if you are looking for something particular for a bespoke piece (check our Bespoke page first for information).
Additionally, unfortunately, we cannot process gold or silver scrap for new jewelry. Our small casting company uses refined metals and cannot process scrap metal for casting new jewelry. Additionally, we do not offer this service in-house without a large labor fee (for fabricated pieces only). You may be able to send your scraps to a metal refiner for cash value (a simple google search should point you in the right direction).
Do you offer custom work/commissions?
Custom work/commissions/bespoke
Please see the bespoke/customs page for info.
Metals, gemstones, and other info
Metals
Knot & Splice uses U.S.-sourced metals from U.S. suppliers. Most of our metal is purchased from Chicago and the southwestern United States. Knot & Splice uses the following metals: sterling silver (.925), fine silver (.999), 14K gold fill (occasionally), solid 10K gold, solid 14K gold, solid 18K gold, gold-filled chain, 22K and 24K gold. Knot & Splice jewelry is nickel-free. For all pieces other than solid gold (10K, 14K, 18K), we use fine silver (.999, fine silver is of greater purity than sterling silver, .925) solder to join metals (you may see silver at the solder joins, and that is because we used fine silver solder to join the metal pieces). For 10K gold, we use 10K or 14K gold solder. For 14K gold, we use 14K gold solder. For solid 18K pieces, we will use 18K solder (however, for mixed metals pieces, we may use 14K solder on 18K and sterling items). We occasionally use vintage chains or findings (each listing will include this information).
We do not use regular white gold as it's heavy in nickel content (nickel also makes a piece brittle). Our supplier recently informed us that their palladium white gold also contains nickel (most websites online state that palladium white gold doesn't contain nickel, however our supplier confirms that it does). For this reason, we cannot offer white gold. Please feel free to email us with any questions about materials if we fail to provide information in a listing.
WHITE GOLD (we will only use nickel-free palladium white gold)
Traditional white gold contains nickel which is a common metal allergy and is carcinogenic to work with. It is also brittle and susceptible to damage when exposed to chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water as well as in swimming pools. For health reasons, I do not work with traditional 14K white gold nor any metal that contains nickel. That said, I have found a great alternative: 14K palladium white gold (it is a gold alloyed with palladium instead of nickel to create the white color). It is nickel free! Some designs can be made in 14K or 18K palladium white gold for an additional cost (as palladium white gold is more costly than yellow or rose gold of the same karat). Palladium is a white metal within the platinum family. Some designs may not be able to be created in palladium white gold as milled metals in this metal type are still somewhat limited as jewelers expand on their knowledge of materials (and customers become informed). Please email with any inquiries or questions, and we'd be happy to help.
Gemstones
All of our stone are ethically sourced and/or conflict free. Our gemstone dealers provide written or verbal agreement that they are in compliance with the Kimberley Process for diamonds (did you know that diamonds are one of the most heavily regulated gems in the world?). We work with stone cutters we know personally and source unique gems from reputable dealers that can be cherished and worn with joy for years to come.
Patina
Patina ("tarnish") is a charming oxidization process on metal. Patina will wear off over time with consistent wear, and then regain natural oxidization over time. Precious metals sterling silver and fine silver can gain patina on the metals when left out and unworn for long periods of time. Patina is not harmful, and can be avoided by keeping your jewelry dry and free of perfumes, lotions, and oils.
Do you offer repairs?
Repair policy
Repairs may be a accepted on an individual basis only by emailing us. There is a minimum labor charge of $100 for repairs (repairs that require the use of new metals will be charged separately) and may be much more depending on the type of repair required. A remake of a piece may inquire a significant labor fee. Simple resizing or prong repair may be the minimum. The fee will be discussed with you upfront based on photos and type of repair required.
Some pieces may have to be completely remade or require spot welding (this is true with sterling silver, in particular). We cannot repair crushed or cracked gemstones...these will have to be replaced.
You are free to explore local repair options as you wish. If you choose to use Knot & Splice for your repair, you must follow all instructions or we may decline to accept your repair. The customer is responsible for shipping and insuring BOTH ways (return shipping will be billed with the repair costs). Additionally, once we send an invoice, it is due within 48 hours. If not paid on time, your invoice will be cancelled. Thank you for understanding.
As a one woman business, time is limited...please be courteous and prompt with communications and shipping your item to us (or wait until you're able to be prompt with shipping/communication). Your repair must be shipped within 3 business days to us once approved by email (and the invoice must be paid prior to shipping). The tracking information must be sent to us upon shipping the item to us. Any failure at following our repair policies allows us to reject the item and send it back to you. If there is further damage than initially discussed, we may also decline the repair. This may seem strict, however, this is how we can maintain a timely and professional service to all our customers including you. We value and respect your time. Thank you for understanding.
Legal disclaimers
Legal disclaimers
Please note that Knot & Splice is a nickel-free studio. Nickel allergy is a common metal allergy (we have never used and will never use nickel in our studio). If you have metal sensitivities, it is your responsibility to ask any questions you may have prior to placing your order. Knot & Splice and Nicole Jo Melton are not liable if you or anyone who comes into contact with our jewelry experience an allergic reaction or metal sensitivity. Although no one who has purchased our jewelry has ever reported a metal allergy, it is good to know your own body and purchase the appropriate materials. If wearing a particular piece of jewelry causes discomfort or symptoms of an allergic reaction, please discontinue wearing it.
Jewelry pieces are small items that can pose a choking hazard to small children and infants. Please keep all jewelry and small items out of the reach of all young children and infants. When in doubt, store beyond reach. Knot & Splice and Nicole Jo Melton are not liable in case of harm or neglect.
Our jewelry is always designed and made to be decorative and sentimental. This should go without saying, but do not ever use jewelry for the purpose of harming another person. Knot & Splice and Nicole Jo Melton are not liable in case of harm or neglect.
Privacy
Privacy notes
Knot & Splice will not explicitly share your email or information outside of Shopify's requirements. We use a third party email client (Mail chimp) for our newsletters, and you may choose to unsubscribe at any time.
Our web store uses a secure system (Stripe) or PayPal (or other noted payment gateway) to process credit cards. Knot & Splice does not have access to private credit card information. We are only able to view that your purchase has been approved (or denied) and basic information like your shipping/billing addresses (so that we can mail your item to you), and how you paid (what type of payment). Once your order is approved, we receive an email notice and your order gets added to our work queue.