Not Made in China
Unless it says otherwise in the item description, the jewelry on this website is designed and made in the USA with my own imagination and hands. However, the various parts I use - beads, wire, charms, etc. - come from all over the world.
Some of my wire, pewter, ceramic, lampwork beads, charms and furnace glass beads are made in the USA. I also use beads from countries such as Italy, India, and the Czech Republic, which have long bead-making traditions. My silver-plated wire comes from Europe. Sterling silver parts may come from the USA, Bali, Mexico, or Thailand.
But It’s not always possible for me to know where materials come from. Stone beads, loose beads, findings in bead stores, “found” or vintage items, the origins of these are not usually identified.
When I can, I try to avoid materials from China.* My reason for this, initially, was because of poor quality. Then in 2007, there were several problems with Chinese-made items (links below). Some of my customers and friends also have personal or political reasons for boycotting China. If you have a question about any of my jewelry items, please feel free to contact me.
* What about Firefly-inspired jewelry? As Browncoats know, FIREFLY and SERENITY are full of Asian elements. I have made Asian-inspired jewelry and Firefly-inspired jewelry with Asian symbolism, and for these items I sometimes use jade, coins and charms from China.
Links to more information:
November 7, 2007: Chinese-made craft kits for children contain deadly drug
September 27, 2007: More Chinese-made toys, and jewelry, recalled
September 5, 2007: Mattel announces third recall of toys made in China
August 30, 2007: Toys R Us recalls art kit made in China, contains excessive amount of lead
August 14, 2007: Wastewater from Chinese factories poisons river
August 14, 2007: Second Mattel recall of toys made in China
August 12, 2007: China home to 16 of world’s 20 most polluted cities
August 9, 2007: Poison found in Spring Fresh toothpaste from China
August 9, 2007: Organ-harvesting allegations prompt boycott of Beijing Olympics
August 6, 2007: Mattel recalls a million children’s toys made in China (lead poisoning)
July 17, 2007: Salmonella in “healthy” Veggie Booty snack spice imported from China
April 30, 2007: Toxic chemicals in pet food linked to China
Animals Asia Foundation: Organization trying to end the use of cat & dog fur in products, stop the eating of cats & dogs, in China