FAQ's - Answers to your Questions

If you don't see your question or answer here, just give us a call at 1-888-497-0456 or drop us a note at julie@julesjewelry.com.

What are Freshwater Pearls? Are they real pearls?
How long will it take to get my order?
I'm in a hurry, do you offer expedited shipping methods?
Is the jewelry sturdy? I'm afraid my child will break it.
Do you use sterling silver?
What if I order the wrong size?
What is your return policy?
What if my jewelry needs repair after 30 days?
Do you offer a wholesale program?
How do I clean my jewelry?
Where are you located?
Do you have a print catalog?
May I have the jewelry shipped directly to the gift recipient?
Do you offer gift wrapping or gift cards?
Do you offer coupons or discounts?
How do I sign up for your newsletter and contest?
Swarovski Crystal lead information and California Prop 65 Warning

What are Freshwater Pearls? Are they real pearls?

Yes. Freshwater Pearls are genuine pearls. The only difference between freshwater pearls and saltwater pearls are where they are grown. Saltwater pearls are grown in salt water in oysters or other bivalves. Freshwater pearls are normally grown in freshwater lakes in mollusks or other bivalves.

How long will it take to get my order?

Most orders ship within 1-2 business days. First class shipping takes anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks to arrive. It depends on the time of year, and what the post office does with your package. Priority Mail shipping takes approximately 1 week after the order is shipped to reach you. We also offer 2-day air shipping and overnight air shipping. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, 2-day air and overnight air are the way to go. If you are in a rush, please let us know. We are happy to do everything we can to get your order out the same day you order if at all possible.

I'm in a hurry, do you offer expedited shipping methods?

Yes. We offer both 2-day air and overnight express shipping methods along with our regular shipping methods. Please let us know the date you need your order by, so that we can be sure to do everything we can to get your order out as quickly as possible. Depending on the time of day you order, we can usually get your order out the same day. If you need your order shipped out the same day, it is best to call to be sure that can be arranged. 1-888-497-0456

Is the jewelry sturdy? I'm afraid my child will break it.

Yes, the jewelry is quite sturdy. We use a special flexible component for our little girls' pearls line that is created with 49 strands of steel wound around each other and covered in a soft-white nylon. It is both flexible and quite sturdy. My two little guys, then 2 and 5, volunteered to test the bracelets. They each wore a bracelet for an entire day (playground, jumping, climbing, running and all). Both bracelets were just fine after the day of tough and tumble testing. However, if your child should ever break her jewelry, feel free to return it to have it fixed for a small fee. The fee will depend on the repairs needed as well as if there are any pieces that need to be replaced.

For the silver and gold pieces, I would recommend the Double Loop chain (which is our strongest chain) or the Figueroa or Krinkle chains if you're looking for something with a bit more bulk. The dainty chain is also quite sturdy. I've been wearing the same dainty chain necklace since my first son was born in 2000, and it has lasted through nursing two little guys, so it really is sturdy. But honestly if pull hard enough on just about any piece of jewelry it can break.

Do you use sterling silver?

Yes, all metal in the jewelry (beads, clasp, chain, incidentals) are all sterling silver. Sterling silver, being true sterling silver, will oxidize (tarnish) with age. However, a simple jewelry cloth for silver will clean them right up. We also have some other interesting jewelry care methods below to help keep your sterling silver sparkling.

What if I order the wrong size?

That is not a problem. We want to be sure the jewelry is simply perfect. For necklaces, 12" will fit a child up through about 4. 14" will fit up through an adult choker. 16" lays on your collar bone or slightly lower. 18" hangs below your collar bone. 20" will lay down around where your shirt is (of course depending on how low the shirt cut is that could vary). For someone you don't know their proper size, I always recommend 16" for someone who is petite or thing. For an average size person, 18" usually fits quite nicely. I personally had thyroid surgery years ago and truly freak out when anything touches my neck, so I personally wear a 20" which hangs at the top of my chest.

For adults, the 7 1/2" bracelet seems to be a good average size. However, we custom make each piece to order, so any length can be created for you. All bracelets can be created with a 1 1/2" extension chain to be sure the fit is perfect. Just ask when ordering for the extension to be included. The best way to choose the correct bracelet size for children is to measure the person's wrist and add about 1/2" to find the size needed.

If you need to return a piece and exchange it for another size (within 30 days of receipt of the item), that is not a problem. You would only be responsible for actual shipping charges via the method of your choice and if you are going up in size, the difference in price. If you are going down in size, you would receive a refund of the difference in price. Please let us know you are returning a piece before you send it back.

What is your return policy?

We want to be sure you are happy with the jewelry. Jewelry that will sit unloved in a box is just so sad! In the first 30 days after receiving your jewelry, you can return it for a full refund (less shipping) with no questions asked. Okay, well maybe we'll ask why you are unhappy, so we can better serve you. If for any reason you are unhappy, we of course will work with you to make it right, but if you would rather return it that is fine as well.

What if my jewelry needs repair after 30 days?

If after 30 days your jewelry is in need of repair, please let us know. For a small fee we would be happy to repair it or clean it up. Each repair case is different, so please give us a call to discuss what you need, and we will quote you a price. 1-888-497-0456

Do you offer a wholesale or drop ship program?

No, I am sorry. At this time, due to the handcrafted nature of each piece, we do not offer a wholesale program and are not currently accepting new drop ship partners.

How do I clean my jewelry?

For the pearls, simply wipe with a soft cloth. You may wash the pearls off with warm water (no soap), if they are dusty. Be sure to dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth. To clean the silver, you can use a jewelry polishing cloth. A fun trick that seems to work like a dream is this:

* Line a bowl with aluminum foil
* Place jewelry on aluminum foil (the trick is to get the silver parts to touch the foil.
* Pour nearly boiling water over jewelry just to cover (be VERY careful not to burn yourself).
* Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the silver parts. Shake bowl a bit...baking soda will "bubble"
* If you have parts that don't touch the foil or nasty tarnish spots, you can make a "stick" out of foil and touch the sterling silver parts while the baking soda is bubbling.
* Wash jewelry off very well with warm water.
* Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Store your jewelry in an airtight container (like a baggie or a Tupperware bowl).

Store your jewelry with a piece of chalk.

Avoid getting chemicals on your pearls like chlorine, soap, hairspray and perfume.

Do not sleep in your jewelry. This creates quite a bit of wear and tension on your pieces and will shorten their lifespan.

Where are you located?

We are on the gorgeous Central Coast of California. We are about 1/2 way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. We are located near the beach in Lompoc, California. Lompoc is a beautiful little town known as the "City of Murals in the Valley of Flowers".

Do you have a print catalog?

We do not currently have a print catalog. However, we are working on creating one and are extremely excited that it will soon be available. How fun! It has turned out to be quite a lovely project.

May I have the jewelry shipped directly to the gift recipient?

Yes, you may. Be sure to include the "ship to" address when ordering. We are happy to have the gift packaged ready for gift giving. We can include a gift card with your custom gift message to the gift recipient. Unless specifically requested, we NEVER include an invoice in boxes shipped to an alternate person/address, *just in case*.

Do you offer gift wrapping or gift cards?

We offer beautiful gift wrapping options. Each jewelry piece comes attached to a lovely floral backing. The piece is then placed in an off-white organza bag with satin ribbons.

For special occasions, we also offer other gift wrapping options. You can take a peek at our gift wrapping options HERE.

Do you offer coupons or discounts?

Yes, we occasionally run promotions or offer coupons or discounts. Most of the time, you will find out discounts in our monthly e-newsletter. However, please be aware that coupons do expire on the first of the month after it was sent out, unless otherwise noted. If you're old coupon code is not working, it has probably expired.

How do I sign up for your newsletter and contest?

Click HERE to sign up for our e-newsletter and contest. We offer a wonderfully fun little newsletter called, "A Bit of Whimsy," which is sent out about once ever month or so. With each newsletter, we choose a newsletter subscriber as a winner. In our newsletter we offer recipes, crafts, quotes, fun things, interesting finds, new items, specials, sales and discounts.

Swarovski Crystal Lead Information & California Prop 65 Warning

This only applies to our pieces that contain Swarovski Austrian crystals. All components we use to create the jewelry are lead free except Swarovski Austrian crystals. We also offer Bohemian Cut Glass beads, a lead-free alternative for Swarovski Austrian crystals.

Each of our pieces has and always will be made right here in a little town on the Central Coast of California. Nothing we make is mass-produced. Everything is individually made by hand to ensure safety, quality and beauty in each piece. We use only natural pearls without coatings or dyes and all of our silver components are genuine sterling silver.

If you are searching for a lead-free choice of birthstone you can choose our Bohemian glass beads instead of our Swarovski Crystals.

We do offer Swarovski Austrian crystals as birthstone crystals, colored crystals, a princess charm and in our name bracelets. Swarovski crystals are the industry's leading crystal because of their durability, color richness and sparkle. They do contain approximately 32% lead. The crystals can be compared to a leaded crystal wine glass which we drink out of. We do ask that your child does not chew on her bracelet.

The state of California has very strict laws regarding lead in children's jewelry. Our jewelry complies with California's strict standards and we are in the process of having our jewelry tested by an independent third party.

Your safety is of the greatest concern to us. If you have any questions, comments or concerns we are very happy to discuss them with you.

California Proposition 65 Warning, required to be posted by California Law
This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.