Is “Monkeyshines” a real word?

Yes. I didn’t make it up. It means a mischievous prank, trick, or monkey business. I’ve also heard that, in older usage (Victorian times or earlier), it referred to fake jewelry — something that looked like real jewels or real gold, but was just “monkeyshines.”

How do I receive updates or notifications when you list new items?

This website is a blog, and you can subscribe to it with a blog reader, aggregator, RSS feed, or other online service. There are several options available, including RSS Forward which sends updates straight to your email box, Google Reader, or your own browser might have a blog reader application.

Do you do wholesale or consignment?
Do you have a catalog?
Where is your store located?
What is your phone number?

The answer to all of these questions is that I’m just one nutty crafty lady who makes unique jewelry because I enjoy it. This is my hobby. I don’t have a physical store or a business phone. I only sell through this website, very rarely through any other venue. I don’t sell in other stores, because my jewelry sells faster online than it would in any store. I don’t do wholesale, consignment, catalogs or brochures, because my jewelry is one-of-a-kind.

Can I buy more than one? What if it says SOLD?

If the item description says “only one available,” then only one is available. In some cases, I may be able to make a similar item for you, but many of my pieces have unusual or one-of-a-kind components, so there’s no guarantee I’ll be able to make another. As soon as I can, after an item is ordered, I mark it SOLD. The only way that item would become available again is if the customer does not pay for it. This happens very rarely.

Special note: On FIREFLY/SERENITY replicas and other costuming items, I do make more than one, though each will vary, depending on availability of materials.

Do you accept special orders or make custom items?

I do, as my schedule permits. Click here for more info.

What do you charge for shipping?
Do you have a privacy policy?

These questions and more are answered on the Shipping Information and Privacy pages. You can also use the search box to find things on this website.

Do you have recommendations on the care of your jewelry creations?

Perfumes, lotions, hair spray, household cleaners, chlorine and other chemicals are harmful to all jewelry. To prolong the life of any jewelry, don’t shower, swim, clean house, or engage in strenuous activity while wearing it; do not pull, tug, yank, force, or crush your jewelry, or allow others (such as small children) to do so. Any jewelry will last longer if you keep it away from dust, sun, water, sweat, etc., and stored properly when not in use.

SILVER: Sterling silver and silverplate WILL tarnish when exposed to air, water and skin, and sometimes cleaning can be difficult. PEWTER does turn dark - even black - from skin contact. BRASS often has a patina or discoloration. This is part of the charm of brass (in my opinion). However, it can turn the skin green - though this doesn’t happen to everyone.

Do you have a return policy?

I want people to be happy with the items they purchase, and I go to great lengths in the initial ordering stage to work out the details of each transaction. I’ve been told many times that the items I make look even better in person than in the pictures.

But if you do decide that an item is not right for you, you may return it within 10 days of purchase, in it’s original condition and packaging, for a full refund of the item price (shipping is not refunded).

CUSTOM ITEMS CANNOT BE RETURNED. I will email you pictures of a completed custom item for your approval before shipping to you, and do my best to make sure it is exactly what you want, but I do not accept returns on custom orders.

Do you ever use Soft Flex, Beadalon, or Tiger Tail?

No. I don’t like the way these sorts of stringing materials feel. I prefer thread if I’m stringing beads, I like the way it hangs and moves, and I like the way the finished ends look. I will typically use waxed linen, or a combination of waxed linen and silk. Occasionally hemp, nylon, cotton or some interesting fiber might be used. Leather, suede, or vegan suede, if appropriate to the design. Though my favorite way to make jewelry is to just link things together with silver or silver-plated wire, rather than stringing.