Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you have a mission statement?
• A. To design and lovingly create hand crafted jewelry that is unique.  To give nature and texture a central focus that will enlighten people to what they might not have noticed.
• When I place an order, what is the delivery time frame?
• A. That depends. So I'd be in touch via email or text or phone to let you know what the #curbsidepickup or shipping date would be. Could be almost immediate if your items are 'in stock'.  Could be longer, depending. 
• Will it look exactly like what I see on-line?
• So, handcrafted items rarely look exactly alike. They are unique because I'm human and not machine like. That said, when you order something, it is because you like the look of it, and everything possible will be done to satisfy your desire for that particular look.
• Q. How long does it take to have custom work done?
• A. I handcraft every piece of jewelry, here, in Brookline, in my studio. Some custom work takes less time than others. Please contact me to discuss the time frame if you have an event or specific date in mind.
• Q. Do you repair jewelry?
• A. If I can fix what you need fixed, Yes is the answer.  A referral is what you'll get if it is something I don't work on.  Consultation like this is just being part of a  community. (FREE) And it can be done with a photograph.
• Q. What is the turnaround time on repairs?
• A. Depends, and I'll give you a time frame when I take the job. From a day or two depending on complexity.
• Q. I have a broken strand of pearls. Could you repair them?
• A. Yes, most likely.  The piece needs to be examined to determine what work needs to be done. I taught  beading and knotting for over 11 years in about 13+ communities in and around Boston (from 1988 until 1999), so I know how to deal with pearls and other beads. I have a lot of positive experience with this. 
• Q. I want something made that I don't see on your website and want to work with someone local. Can you help?
• A. Yes, of course. Though my style is unique and eclectic, I can work with others' ideas, as long as it doesn't infringe on a copyright. Or I can give you a referral.
• Q. How much do you charge for consultation?
• A. Helping is free, part of being a good human.
• Q. Why do you say sustainable sterling?
• A. What I use is reclaimed sterling that had been mined, used in fabrication and has been smelted, purified again. The refining process is domestic, so it is "made in the USA".  It is sustainable because the recycle stream is involved.  It is like new, without the digging up part. Findings (parts used) and tools are also US sourced/fabricated.
• Q. I want to make something and don't have the tools. Could I use yours?
• A. Adult Ed classes are where you would want to spend some time. Be introduced and trained. Safe and proper use of tools and equipment and familiarize yourself with techniques is crucial. (Plus, my studio is petite.) IF you want to learn how to knot or string beads like a professional,  I would be delighted to discuss helping you learn about that because I am well versed in it having taught it through adult ed throughout the metroBoston area for 11+ years. 
• Q. If I bring you a triple strand of beads and one strand is broken, what will you fix? 
• A.  After inspecting all the strands only the broken one or any that look like they might break soon would be restrung/knotted.  And if the wear on the cord looks like it negatively impact the strand I would address the 'offending' part. Sometimes a bead with rough or sharp edges can just cut through silk cord and it needs to be dealt with. 
• Q. Would you replicate an earring if one of the pair were missing?
• A. I would suggest returning to the source to see if the maker can/will re-make.  If the design or technique are compatible with what I do, I would consider re-making.  And / Or when I offer a  "repurpose & resurrect your precious memories" jewelry class and have your email address I'd contact you and you could reserve a spot in the workshop.  In this workshop we will consider repurposing and reusing beloved pieces of jewelry that are not useable in their current state.
• Q. What is the difference between sterling and nickel silver?
• A. Today nickel silver is used mostly for industrial and electrical purposes. Sterling silver is purer and has been around longer than nickel silver.  Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper.   Nickel silver, Maillechort, German silver, Argentan, new silver, nickel brass, albata, alpacca, is a copper alloy with nickel and often zinc.     Nickel silver is named due to its silvery appearance, but it contains no elemental silver unless plated.
• Q. May I visit your studio?
• A. My bricks and mortar 'gallery' is in the heart of Brookline Village. You are welcome to make an appointment and visit.  *after the pandemic       Please call me to arrange an appointment at 617-335-4326.​
• Q. Do you sell in stores?
• A. Quick answer - yes. Long answer - not wholesale.  And not during this pandemic.  If I sold in stores the $ would be x2.  My work is affordable and I keep it that way.  Community minded shop owners like Fran at Drive-by-Pies, ​ 248 Cypress St. Brookline, MA and Richard at We Are Hair, 18 Hyde Park Ave. across from Forest Hills station have an assortment of my craft. *not open during pandemic
• Q. What steps do you take to be eco friendly and sustainable?
• In keeping with environmental concerns, materials used are: USA sourced, reclaimed sterling. Gift boxes are made from 90% post-consumer fiber, covered with paper made from 100% post-consumer fiber and ½”-thick white poly-fill wadding that will not cause tarnish.  finecreationsjewelry received high marks from "In Brookline Climate is Everyone's Business" for our environmental steps to being green.
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• OTHER?  More questions and answers coming.  If you have a question you'd like an answer to,  just email me madeline@finecreationsjewelry.com     Let's see what the answer is. I'll email you a response &  post it here with only your initials and your town name if provided.