Questions.
Buying
How do I buy a strand?+
Message us on WhatsApp or email with the SKU, or visit us at a show. We confirm current availability, price, selling unit and shipping before sending an invoice. Catalog photographs and historical product records do not establish current stock.
Do you offer free shipping?+
Yes, on US orders over $100. Orders under $100 ship at cost, which we confirm before you pay.
Do you sell to shops and designers at wholesale?+
Yes. Most of our regular buyers are designers and bead shops. Tell us what you make and how often you buy and we will set you up with a reorder list.
Can I reserve strands and pick them up at a show?+
Yes. Send the SKUs a few days before the show and we bring them to the booth. Unpaid reservations are held for the first day only.
Do you ship internationally?+
We ship worldwide from Cupertino, California. Customs duties and taxes at the destination are the buyer's responsibility, and delivery times vary by country.
What is your return policy?+
Unaltered strands can be returned within 30 days. Strands that have been cut, restrung or worn cannot be returned. Natural color and size variation within the stated range is not a defect.
The stones
Are your beads natural gemstone?+
Each listing identifies the material, shape, size and cut from our product records. Ask us to confirm the specific strand, material and any treatment details before ordering.
What is the difference between precious and semi-precious?+
Precious is the traditional label for ruby, sapphire and emerald. Semi-precious covers everything else, including some of the rarest stones we stock. We use both labels because buyers search by them, not because one shelf is better than the other.
How are sizes measured?+
Measurements are recorded in millimeters. An x separates dimensions, such as width and length; a hyphen indicates a range of sizes. Ask us to confirm the actual strand's measurements before ordering.
How long is a strand?+
Strand lengths are shown where recorded in our product details. Confirm the exact strand length and selling unit before ordering.
Care
How should I care for gemstone beads?+
Store strands separately so harder stones do not scratch softer ones, keep them away from perfume and household chemicals, and clean with a soft dry cloth. Opal, pearl, fluorite, rhodochrosite and larimar are soft or porous and need the most care; sapphire, spinel and garnet are hard enough for daily wear.
Will the color fade?+
Kunzite, amethyst and some topaz can fade with long sun exposure. Hydrophane Ethiopian opal changes temporarily when it absorbs water. Ask us for care guidance for the specific material you are considering.
Shows
Which shows do you attend?+
We exhibit on the International Gem and Jewelry Show (InterGem) circuit, mainly the West Coast and Texas dates: San Mateo, Pasadena, Seattle, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Austin and Rosemont. The Shows page pulls the live InterGem schedule.
Where are you based?+
Cupertino, California. We are not a walk-in store; visit us at a show or contact us to arrange a viewing.