FAQ / Shipping

Is every piece unique?
Since most pieces are handmade, and since I use natural gems, beads and pearls slight variations in color, texture, gemstones, or finishes are normal and part of the handmade process. It makes every piece uniquely your own. 

What makes your jewelry handmade?
Almost all silver and gold jewellery is crafted from raw materials, from start to finish. By me, by hand. It takes some time, especially considering I don't keep a big stock and I make a design only when it's ordered. 
Brass and Steel parts are more often sourced and I form the silver to accompany the pieces. 

What materials do you use?
I work mostly in sterling silver. I started venturing out with some gold designs as well. And to have a more diverse offering I also use brass, copper, a few gold-filled pieces, and stainless steel. In some pieces I use gemstones, precious stones, pearls, beads and crystals.

Is your jewelry hypoallergenic?
Sterling silver is nickel-free and the brass I use is nickel-free as well. If you have a certain allergy and you're worried a piece might not be suitable for you; do check in and I can see if a material you're allergic for can be replaced in any way. 

Sizing

How do I know my ring size?
You can measure the inside of a ring you know to fit (make sure it's still round though!). If you measure from the inside to the other inside wall of the ring you get the diameter mm. I also have plastic ring sizers for sale, these are sort of similar to tiewraps (that won't lock though), and when pulled close on your finger you can read out your size. There's also several tips and tricks on YouTube, for instance: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wkCymEYLTVw

Can necklaces be made in different lengths? / Do you offer custom sizing?
Yes, I can change out most necklaces or adjust them to your wishes. If the option is not given in the menu, do send me a message before ordering and I'll set up something custom. Same goed for bracelets, rings, and even earrings.  

 

Orders

How long does it take to make my order?
If a piece is not readily in stock it can take 1-2 weeks to make and ship. More complex pieces could take up to 3 weeks if it's a busy period. If you're in a rush please do contact me to see if I can help you within your timeframe. 

Can I change or cancel my order?
Please contact me as soon as possible if you need to adjust or cancel your order. Normally I should be able to adjust within 48 hours, or cancel within 24. 

Do you offer gift wrapping?
Standard each piece comes in a jewelry box or bag. Wrapped up (in festive wrapping paper) in a little parcel together with my card. If you prefer the box to be wrapped seperately, do leave a little note at check out. 

Can I include a gift message?
This isn't standard, but do contact me and/or leave a note with your order. Then I'll of course include it in the parcel!

 

Custom Orders

Can I request a custom design? / Can you personalize jewelry?
Yes, I can create custom pieces, based on your wishes and ideas. You can always contact me and I can sketch something out to give you an idea. An other option is to adjust an already existing design. By adding a stamped letter, or a certain birthstone, you can also make a piece your own.

How long do custom orders take?
This heavily depends on your wishes and the level of customisation. Normally 2-4 weeks should suffice.  

 

Shipping

Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, I am able to ship almost anywhere. Contact me if you're unable to select shipping to your country - I'll see what I can do!

How much does shipping cost?
This differs per country, below I'll list the most common countries. Do contact me if shipping isn't available for you, I'll see how i can accommodate and what it might cost.

• NL: €6,50 (free on orders over €55,-)
• EU: €8,95 (free on orders over €120,-)
  
• Worldwide (USA, CAN, UK incl.): €12,95 (free on orders over €250,-)

How long will delivery take?
This differs per country, once I send out a parcel it should be delivered in 1 day within the Netherlands (in rare occasions it can take up to 3).
Outside of the Netherlands I use a forwarding service, this adds 2-3 days to normal shipping times, but it makes shipping far cheaper. Within Europe shipping takes up to a week normally. To the USA and Canada it should be around 10 days. 
Please note that I can not control customs, and sometimes a parcel does take a bit longer due to the import process, despite my best efforts to supply all needed forms and information.
Do contact me if you're interested in faster shipping methods. 

Will I receive tracking information?
Yes, I ship with a tracking number.

Do you offer express shipping?
Yes, I can use Fed-ex, the cost depends on the country, but it normally costs between €20-€40.

Will I have to pay customs or import duties?
Please inform yourself on your countries import and customs duties.
I can offer DDP for America but please contact me beforehand so I can set this up and make sure the entire process runs smoothly.

 

Returns & Exchanges

What is your return policy?
I accept returns by special arrangement, a piece has to be in new and unused condition and please contact me within a week of receiving the piece. The piece should be returned in the original packaging. Original shipping and return shipping costs are to be paid by the customer. Import and customs can not be refunded. 
When returning from outside of the EU please clearly mark that the parcel is a return, in order to avoid import/customs duties upon arrival back in the Netherlands. 

Can I return custom or personalized items?
No, due to the personalized nature of custom orders I can not accept returns on these pieces. 

What if my jewelry arrives damaged?
Please contact me immediately with clear pictures of the damaged piece and the parcel. I'll contact my shipper to address and solve the issue for you. 

How do I start a return or exchange?
Contact me through the contact form on illustrationist.nl or via email.

 

Jewelry Care

How should I care for my jewelry? 

To help keep your jewelry looking its best:

• Store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight pouch or jewelry box.
• Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising, or sleeping.
• Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and household cleaning products etc.
• Wipe your jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing it to remove oils and moisture.
• Keep pieces stored separately to prevent scratching and tangling.

With regular care, your handmade jewelry can remain beautiful for years to come

Will my jewelry tarnish?
Some metals naturally tarnish over time when they come into contact with air, moisture, skin oils, and everyday products. Tarnishing is a normal and naturally occuring process.

• Sterling silver will naturally tarnish over time but can usually be restored to its original shine with a silver polishing cloth.
• Brass and copper develop a natural patina as they age. Some people enjoy this vintage look, while others prefer to polish the metal to maintain its original finish.
• Gold-filled jewelry is highly resistant to tarnishing and can last for many years with proper care.
• Solid gold is very resistant to tarnish, although lower-karat gold alloys may develop slight discoloration over time.
• Stainless steel is extremely durable and highly resistant to tarnishing and corrosion.

 

Repairs & Warranty

Do you offer repairs?
Yes, do contact me for a quote if you need a repair on a piece.

What if a stone falls out or a clasp breaks?
Do contact me and I'll see what I can do. If this happened with normal use within 6 months a repair or replacement will be done. 

 

Sustainability

Is your packaging eco-friendly?
Yes, I use eco packaging, and mostly cardboard/paper when possible. When using a plastic mailer it's made from recycled plastics.

Do you use recycled metals?
Yes, whenever possible. I also buy eco silver whenever that's an option.

Can packaging be plastic-free?
Most of the time it is, for international orders I do sometimes use recycled plastic mailers in order to save on weight and shipping costs. 

 

Business Information

Do you sell wholesale?
If you're interested in wholesale, do send me a message and we can discuss items and amounts. Seeing as pieces are handmade do allow for a bit of time :)

Do you have a physical store?
No, not yet. I do sometimes participate in local markets or craft shows though.

How can I contact you?
Through the contact form on this webstore.