FAQS
Hi there! Please read the FAQs before placing an order or shooting me an email, as I might've already answered your question below.
Do you make the jewelry by hand?
I do! I work out of my home studio. As such, please be advised that turnaround times might vary (though I do pride myself on my quick turnaround skills!) and that there might be small variations between the product you receive from the product in the photo.
How is your jewelry made?
I use two different methods to create the pieces:
- I either saw, file, and solder it out of sheet metal, or
- I use an ancient method called the lost wax casting method, which was first used in Ancient Israel over 5000 years ago. I hand-carve each design myself (with the help of a saw, files, a hot pen, and too much coffee) and then send off my wax models to get cast at a small, family-run caster.
Where do you ship?
I ship worldwide, via the United States Postal Service, First Class. Shipping is calculated based on the final destination. I include tracking with each order. The price of shipping includes other costs, such as transportation to the post office and eco-friendly packaging.
When can I expect to receive my item in the mail?
I will ship most ready-to-ship items within 5-7 business days of receiving the order. For made-to-order items, production times vary between 3-5 weeks. The items will ship within 5-7 business days of completion.
UPDATE! Due to the recent high volume of orders, I will ship ready-to-ship items within 2-3 weeks.
Regarding international orders, I unfortunately cannot make any timing guarantees, as this will vary depending on the country of destination, customs, etc. However, generally this falls within the range of 7-21 business days from the time your jewelry was shipped.
I don't know my ring size / my ring that I ordered doesn't fit
Unfortunately I cannot guess your ring size, so it’s your responsibility to know it before you place an order. You can get your finger measured at a local jeweler’s (it’s usually free).
I do not generally resize rings, as this is a time-consuming process. Your best bet in the case that something that you ordered doesn’t fit is to go to a jeweler’s that specializes in jewelry repairs so that they can resize it for a small fee. However, I cannot be held responsible for any damages.
What is your return/exchange policy?
Unless your item arrives damaged in the mail, I do not allow returns/exchanges. Should your piece arrive damaged, please shoot me an email at debbie@rootsmetals.com so we can resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Do you take custom orders?
I do not.
Can you repair my jewelry?
I will not repair jewelry someone else made. I will generally not repair Roots Metals pieces, unless they arrive damaged in the mail. If that is the case, please email me at debbie@rootsmetals.com with images, and I will be happy to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
How can I best take care of my jewelry?
For silver jewelry, wear it often! This actually prevents tarnishing. However, do avoid wearing it while swimming or in the shower, or when putting on lotion. I recommend storing it in an airtight bag when not in use (like a Ziplock bag).
Do not wear gold fill jewelry when showering and especially when in the pool, as chlorine can affect its appearance. If you must clean it, use warm water and a mild soap. Let it air dry before you wear it again. Make sure not to touch it too often, as excessive friction can result in tarnishing. Polishing with a polishing cloth is fine. Like silver, it's best if stored in an airtight bag. Do not store it with pieces of a different metal, as that can result in scratching.
Unlike silver, gold doesn’t really tarnish. However, you should still avoid wearing it to the pool, as the chlorine can change its color. Store it away from other metals, since gold is much softer and can scratch easily.
All Roots Metals jewelry comes packaged in reusable anti-oxidation bags to prevent tarnishing.
Where did you learn to make jewelry?
I am partly self-taught, but I have taken various metalsmithing courses at Creative Side Jewelry Academy in Austin, Silvera Jewelry School in Berkeley, and Metalworks in San Francisco.
Do you sell wholesale?
I do not.
Do you work with influencers?
I am not seeking to work with any influencers at this time.
What is gold fill? Is it the same as gold plating?
Gold fill pieces are pieces of jewelry with a solid layer of gold that has been mechanically bonded to a base of brass or silver. The gold in gold fill jewelry must comprise of 5% of the piece's total weight. If cared for properly, a gold fill piece of jewelry can last 10-30 years without exposing the base metal underneath.
Gold fill is not the same as gold plating. In fact, gold fill has 15-25 times the amount of gold in gold plated jewelry, meaning that it lasts longer.
Will you restock X item?
Rarely. If I did, I would never have time to put out new artwork.
In order not to miss out, I recommend setting an alarm to remind you whenever I put out a new collection, as I've had items sell out within minutes. I will generally start promoting a new collection up to two months in advance on my Instagram.
What is your educational background?
I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Syracuse University and a master's of fine arts in creative writing from the University of San Francisco.
I've written about and taught Jewish history in various forms for over 10 years. In fact, my first job was as a tour guide at a Jewish history museum.
I also partially focused on world religions as a minor at Syracuse University. For my MFA thesis, I researched the plethora of diasporic Jewish experiences.
Jewelry, art, and Jewish education: what's with the weird combination?
First and foremost, I consider myself a writer and an educator. I am super passionate about Jewish history in particular. That said, a big chunk of Jewish history is pretty heavy and painful. I firmly believe that while learning about the ugly parts of our history is important, centering Jewish joy is the most powerful form of resistance against our oppressors, past and present. For me, creating jewelry and other art is my "Jewish joy," which is precisely why Roots Metals is a combination of both.
Can I hire you for a seminar or speaking engagement?
Yes! Please fill out this form to get in touch.