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Contacting UsHow may I contact you?
Privacy and SecurityWhat is your privacy policy? Is your site secure?
ReturnsWhat are your return policies? Is personalized jewelry returnable? How do I make a return?
ShippingWhen will my order ship? What are my shipping options? Do you ship outside of the Continental United States?
Sales TaxDo you charge sales tax?
JewelryDoes your jewelry come gift boxed? Where is your jewelry made? What is Sterling Silver? What is Gold-Filled? What is Swarovski Crystal? What does AB mean after the crystal color name? Why does some jewelry have more color choices than other pieces of jewelry? What Gemstones do you use? What kind of beading wire do you use?
Cleaning and Storing JewelryHow do I clean Sterling Silver? Can I use a liquid silver cleaner? Do you sell jewelry cleaning products? How do I clean Swarovski Crystal? How do I clean Gold-Filled? How do I clean Gemstones? How should I store my jewelry?
Birthstone InformationDo you have a birthstone chart?
Special OrdersMay I order a necklace or bracelet in a different length than you offer on your site? May I order a piece of jewelry in a combination of colors, or a color that is not listed as an option for that piece? I see a piece I like but would like to customize it further with small changes. Are you able to do that?
Determining Bracelet LengthHow do I determine the right bracelet length to order?
New Jersey ResidentsNew Jersey Sales Tax
California ResidentsNotice to California Residents, Proposition 65
Swarovski Crystal DisclaimerAre we affiliated with Swarovski Crystal Company?
Contacting Us
If you’ve read through our FAQs list, and still have a question, please contact us, we are here to help. With questions regarding your order, please email:
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With questions regarding a return, please email:
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For any other questions you may have, please email:
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Privacy and SecurityOur Privacy PolicyHere at Pieces from the Heart, the privacy and security of our customers is of utmost importance to us. When processing your order we ask for your contact information, such as name, telephone number, email address, etc. We also ask for the necessary financial information such as credit card number, expiration date, billing address, etc. This standard information is requested and used to process, bill and ship your order and/or contact you with questions regarding your order. We do not store your information in our database, nor do we share, sell or rent your information with or to anyone, unless required by law. If you join our mailing list, we will store your name and email address on our system. But again, we will not share, sell, or rent your information with or to anyone, unless required by law. We, too, are on line shoppers, and as such appreciate and respect your concerns. We take every possible step to ensure your privacy. Return to Top of Page
Our Security Policy
Our shopping cart utilizes the latest in Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. You can shop with the knowledge that your transactions are being processed with up to a 256bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) data protection (the highest allowed by current web browsers). This means that the personal information you provide is encrypted (like a secret code) before it is sent over the internet. To ensure your information is secure, check for the lock or key at the bottom right of your browser window. This indicates the information you're sending is securely encrypted. Visa and MasterCard require all entities that accept credit card payments over the Internet - or process, transmit or store credit card data on a network connected in any way to the Internet - to be certified to meet the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard. The shopping cart on this site runs on a PCI-compliant security platform and utilizes ScanAlert (Hacker Safe certification) to assist with secure processing requirements. The Hacker Safe certification represents that a site has passed the rigorous Hacker Safe daily scans to reduce the liability of hackers, identity theft, and credit card theft. Return to Top of Page
Our Return Policies General Return PolicyYour satisfaction is important to us. If you are not happy with a piece of jewelry you can return it to us. Most jewelry is returnable for a full refund (less any applied discounts.) The exceptions are Personalized Jewelry and/or special orders which are returnable for a partial refund. (See Personalized Jewelry Return Policy for details.) Shipping charges are not refundable. Return to Top of Page Personalized Jewelry Return Policy
Personalized jewelry, in our case, is any jewelry ordered from the Personalized Jewelry category that contains specified names and/or birthstones, per your instructions, or jewelry that is refered to as a "special order". We are sure you are aware that it is the policy of most retail stores to handle all personalized orders as Final Sale with no option for return, or credit. We want you to be happy with your personalized jewelry and feel comfortable ordering with us, so we offer you the opportunity to return your jewelry if you are not satisfied with it. Please understand that personalized jewelry is made especially for you, with your specific name(s) and/or birthstone(s), or special order requests. We can not resell this personalized jewelry once returned. If you would like to return a piece of personalized or special order jewelry, we can offer you a refund of 60% of the purchase price less shipping and handling. Again, most retail stores consider personalized orders final sale, we don‘t. Return to Top of Page Return Procedure
You have two (2) weeks from date of delivery to make a return. If you would like to return a piece of jewelry, you need to email us at
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for return instructions. We will promptly email you with a return authorization code, return instructions and a mailing address. Jewelry must be unworn, in original condition and in it’s original packaging. It should be returned, along with receipt, in a padded envelope to prevent damage, within two weeks from date of delivery. We suggest you insure your return. Any returns received after the two week return period will be issued a store credit. Return to Top of Page
ShippingProcessing Time Policy
It may take up to 5 business days to process your order. Most often your jewelry will ship out sooner, generally within 1-2 days. We will notify you if we may need more than 5 business days to make your jewelry. Please not that shipping times are in addition to processing time. Return to Top of Page Shipping Options We offer several different shipping options: USPS First class and Priority shipping, each with choice of Delivery Confirmation or Insurance. (Please note: At this time, we ship within the continental US only.) USPS First Class Mail with Delivery Confirmation - $3.95 Includes first class shipping with delivery confirmation. (No signature required.) First class mail generally takes between 2 - 7 days for delivery. * ** USPS First Class Mail with Insurance - $5.95 Includes first class shipping with insurance. (Signature required.) First class mail generally takes between 2 - 7 days for delivery. * ** USPS Priority Shipping with Delivery Confirmation - $5.95 Includes priority shipping with delivery confirmation. (No signature required.) Priority mail generally takes between 1 - 3 days for delivery. * ** USPS Priority Shipping with Insurance - $6.95 Includes priority shipping with insurance. (Signature required.) Priority mail generally takes between 1 - 3 days for delivery. * ** * Please Note: Shipping time is in addition to processing time (see above for processing times). ** Please Note: USPS delivery time is not guaranteed. These are average times.
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Shipping Outside of the Continental US
We are sorry, but at this time we do not ship outside of the continental United States. Return to Top of Page
Sales Tax
We are required to charge sales tax when shipping within the State of New Jersey. We are a registered LLC company doing business in New Jersey, and as such are required by law to charge the state sales tax of 7% when shipping within in the State of New Jersey. There is no sales tax charged when shipping to all other states in the US. Return to Top of Page
JewelryGift BoxingAll our jewelry comes delivered to you in a standard two-piece, jewelry gift box. The cotton-like filling is specially treated to inhibit tarnishing. Return to Top of Page Our Jewelry is assembled right here in the United States
The jewelry components we use come from all over the world as well as the United States. Our jewelry pieces are designed, handmade and assembled right here in the US.
We take pride in our craftsmanship, and use only the finest quality materials. We use Sterling Silver and 14K Gold-filled beads, components and wires; genuine first quality Swarovski Crystals beads and pendants; Gemstone beads and pendants; and the strongest professional grade beading wire. Return to Top of Page Sterling Silver
Pure Silver is 99.9% Silver, but on it’s own is too soft to be made into jewelry or coins, so a small amount of another metal, generally copper, is added to give it strength. This alloy of pure silver and copper (or another metal) is referred to as Sterling Silver. Industry standards state that Sterling Silver must contain 92.5% pure silver. Sterling silver can be highly polished to a bright shine. Or it can be antiqued or oxidized (blackening in the crevices) to bring out the details in that particular piece of Sterling. Sterling jewelry will be stamped with a hallmark of either “.925” or “Sterling“. Return to Top of Page Gold-Filled
Gold-filled is an industry standard term requiring a minimum percentage of gold karatage in a jewelry product The gold is bonded to another metal, usually jeweler’s brass. Gold-filled is about 50 - 100,000 thicker than gold-plating. And unlike plating it won’t delaminate or peel off. 14K Gold-filled jewelry is stamped with a hallmark of either “14K GF“, or “14/20 GF“. Industry standards require a minimum karatage of 10K, but can also come in 12K and 14K. We use 14K GF whenever possible. Return to Top of Page Swarovski Crystals
The Swarovski Crystal Company of Austria has been making cut crsytal since the late 1800’s. It is a highly regarded and respected company, and has been manufacturng the finest quality crystals for well over 100 years. We only use genuine, first quality Swarovski crystal beads and pendants because they are the best! The crystals are contain over 30% lead, which gives the crystal it’s sparkle. They are extremely durable. They are always consistent in color, will not turn or fade. They will retain their reflective properties and color for a life time. Return to Top of Page AB Treatment on Swarovski Crystals For different effects, Swarovski often treats its crystals with special metallic chemical coatings. One of its most popular and most common coatings it called Aurora Borealis, or “AB”. This coating, or finish, allows light to refract in a rainbow spectrum. The coatings also add more depth and even more sparkle to the crystal. Return to Top of Page
Crystal Color Choices Not all cyrstal colors are available in every shape and size bead. Therefore, when designing a piece of jewelry we are limited in our color choices to the availability of the shape and size beads that are in that particular design. Return to Top of Page
Gemstones Most frequently we use Peridot, Blue Topaz, Garnet, Amethyst, Citrine, and Freshwater Pearls. We also use Rhodonite, Rhyolite, Tiger’s Eye, a variety of Jaspers, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise and Tourmaline. But we are always working with new stones. Check the description of the jewelry for a complete list of materials use for that particular piece.
Return to Top of Page Beading Wire
The beading wire we use is a professional grade beading wire. It is made up of 49 twisted strands of stainless steel coated in nylon with a tensile strength (breaking weight) of 26lbs. It provides the most flexibility and strength, with the least kink and stretch. Return to Top of Page
Cleaning and Storing Your JewelryCleaning Sterling Silver We suggest cleaning sterling silver jewelry with a specially treated sterling silver cleaning cloth. (We sell sterling silver cleaning cloths. Please see link under main menu for "Sterling Silver Cleaning Cloths" for more details.) There are liquid sterling silver cleaners (often referred to as a silver dip) on the market. However, we advise against using these liquid cleaners. While they do a very good job of removing tarnish, if the jewelry is left in the cleaner for more than a few seconds, or if it isn't rinsed or dried thoroughly, it can pit the silver. It can also remove the antiquing or oxidation on the sterling that is an integral part of the design of some of the sterling beads. It can also damage some gemstones. Return to Top of Page
Using a Liquid Silver Cleaner While the liquid sterling silver cleaner (often referred to as silver dip) does a very good job of removing tarnish, if the jewelry is left in the cleaner for more than a few seconds, or if it isn't rinsed or dried thoroughly, it can pit the silver. It may also remove the antiquing or oxidation on the sterling that is an integral part of the design of some of the sterling beads. It can also damage some gemstones.
Return to Top of Page We Carry Sterling Silver Cleaning Clothes
We sell specially-treated clothes made for cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry. See link under Main Menu for "Silver Jewelry Cleaning Cloths" for more information on cleaning clothes. Return to Top of Page Cleaning Swarovski Crystal
Crystal is easily cleaned to a sparkle. You can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down your crystals. Then follow up by wiping with a soft, dry cloth. You may use a liquid jewelry cleaner to clean the crystal, but, please, read manufacturer's label to determine if the other materials in the piece of jewelry can go into the cleaner. Return to Top of Page Cleaning Gold-Filled
Much like cleaning the crystal, you can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down your gold. Then follow up by wiping with a soft, dry cloth. You may use a liquid jewelry cleaner to clean Gold-filled pieces, but, please, read manufacturers label to determine if the other materials in the piece of jewelry can go into the cleaner. Return to Top of Page Cleaning Gemstones
As with the crystal and the gold filled, you can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down your gemstones. Then follow up by wiping with a soft, dry cloth. We caution again using a liquid jewelry cleaner on gemstones as it can damage some stones. Return to Top of Page Storing Your Jewelry
All fine jewelry should be treated with TLC. We suggest, when your finished wearing your special jewelry (all special jewelry, whether it came from our shop or another) that you wipe it down with a soft, clean cloth and store it in a secure place. Sterling silver will tarnish over time; it’s a natural reaction to oxidation. The best way to inhibit tarnish while your not wearing your Sterling jewelry is to wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth when your finished wearing the jewelry and then store it in a plastic bag until you are ready to wear it again. (The plastic zipper bag your jewelry is shipped in, is ideal for this.) Please note, it is essential that your sterling jewelry be completely dry before storing it in the plastic bag or else the moisture will cause tarnishing. Return to Top of Page
Birthstone InformationJanuary: Garnet, a deep, dark red. Crystal name: Garnet February: Amethyst, a deep, smoky purple. Crystal name: Amethyst March: Aquamarine, a pale blue green. Crstal name: Aqua April: Diamond. Crystal name: Clear Crystal May: Emerald, a deep, rich green. Crystal name: Emerald June: Traditional is Pearl, alternate is Alexandrite Crystal name: White pearl or Light Amethyst July: Ruby, a rich red. Crystal name: Siam August : Peridot, a lighter green. Crystal name: Peridot September: Sapphire, a deep blue color. Crystal name: Sapphire October: Traditional is Opal, alternate is Pink Tourmaline. Crystal names: Opal or Rose November: Yellow Topaz. Citrine, a deep gold gold. Crystal name: Topaz December: Blue Topaz, a deep, darker aqua blue. Crystal name: Blue Zircon or Light Sapphire Return to Top of Page
Special OrdersCustomizing Bracelet or Necklace Lengths
The length choices listed with each piece are average sizes. If you require something shorter or longer then what is listed, please contact us with your request. You must contact us before you place your order. Email us at
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. In most cases we can make the jewelry in the length you need. Please note, there may be additional charges on longer lengths. Personalized jewelry return policies apply to customized lengths. Return to Top of Page Customizing Colors
If you see a piece of jewelry that you like, but you would prefer it in a color that is not listed as an option, or would like a specific combination of colors, please contact us with your request. You must contact us before you place your order. Email us at
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. We will do our best to accommodate you. Please note, personalized jewelry return policies apply to special order colors. Return to Top of Page Customizing Jewelry If you see a piece of jewelry you like, but would like to make simple changes to the design, please contact us with your request. You must contact us before you place your order. Email us at
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. We will do our best to accommodate you. Please note, additional charges may apply, which we will discuss with you. Personalized jewelry return policies apply to special orders.
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Determining Bracelet Length
The best way to determine the bracelet length that is right for you is by measuring your wrist and then add about 1“, plus or minus, to your wrist measurement. Use a soft measuring tape and measure your wrist just above the bone. Tape should be snug, but not too tight. Note your wrist measurement. Then add between ¾” - 1-¼” to the wrist measurement to get your bracelet length. If the bracelet is a thinner bracelet, ¾” - 1” should give you a comfortable fit. For a chunkier bracelet, adding 1” - 1-¼” will give you a comfortable fit. Please take into consideration how you like your bracelets to drape around your wrist. For a snugger fit add the smaller suggested amount, for a looser drape, add the larger suggested a mount. Return to Top of Page
New Jersey Residents
We are a registered LLC company doing business in New Jersey, and as such are required by law to charge state sales tax of 7% of your total when shipping within in the State of New Jersey. There is no sales tax charged when shipping to all other states in the US. Return to Top of Page
Attention California ResidentsWe are required by law to inform you about the California State Proposition 65 because we use Swarovski crystal which contains lead. “Warning: Consuming foods or beverages that have been kept or served in leaded crystal products or handling products made of leaded crystal will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. “
(Please note: Lead can only enter the body through inhalation or ingestion. You can not absorb lead through your skin.)
The following is an outtake from a reply written by a rep from the Swarovski company in response to concerns over lead content:
…“Swarovski is the world leader in the manufacture of crystal for industrial and consumer applications, including figurines and jewelry. Our proprietary formulas and processes are based on years of experience, and the quality of our products is recognized throughout the world. Recently, there has been an increased regulatory focus on potential human exposure to lead from various consumer products, including jewelry. … in recognition of the limited risk of availabilityof lead from crystal, the settlement agreement standards as incorporated under California AB 1681 allows the continued use of crystal without limitation in jewelry not intended for children. For children 6 or younger, in the State of California, up to 1 gram of crystal may be used in such jewelry. Swarovski crystals also meet the ASTM F963-03 standard on lead availability for toys.” The reply continues …“Crystal has unique properties. While made with lead, the crystal manufacturing process creates a matrix which greatly retards the mobility of lead. By contrast, lead in other materials such as unplated metal containing lead may be available for surface exposures. Swarovski believes that the use of their products poses no significant risk to human health.” Return to Top of Page
Swarovski Crystal DisclaimerPieces from the Heart Jewelry is not affiliated, in any manner, with the Swarovski Cyrstal Company. We proudly use the quality crystal beads they manufacture as components in our jewelry. Return to Top of Page
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