GENERAL:

What is Swarovski© crystal?

Put simply, Swarovski© crystal is the finest crystal on the planet. The colours, the cuts, the precision, the sparkle....nothing else even comes close. Swarovski© crystal is full lead crystal, meaning that no less than ........

What is Austrian Crystal?

"Austrian Crystal" is generally accepted to mean Swarovski. However, there are some circumstances in which a manufacturer, for one reason or another cannot or does not wish to use the proper name. Oh..... and if anyone ever tries to sell you "Australian" crystals, well, either politely correct them, or run in the other direction! Remember, crystal is the Danube River, the Alps, and the Viennese Waltz...... NOT Koala bears and Kangaroos!!!!!

OK, so what is a 'rhinestone'?

The first "rhinestones" were stones mined from the Rhine river in Germany, and then hand cut and polished, hence the term "rhinestone". It was Daniel Swarovski who invented a machine to automate the stone cutting, and then moved his entire operation to Wattens, a small town in Austria. 

Despite the advances, the generic term rhinestone has stuck over the years. Some folks have the mistaken notion that only crystal that is foiled (has that silver or gold backing) is a "rhinestone", and will therefore reject a set or wrapped unfoiled crystal, or crystal beads. This is a shame, as the foiling is meant for when the stone is set into a solid mounting; like a diamond, when the stone is set into an open-backed setting, no foiling is used. And, also like a diamond, when properly cut and set, an unfoiled stone - partiularly a clear one - will refract light gloriously. Think of all those wonderful crystal mobiles you've seen that catch the sunight!

How is Stefanie Somers Collection jewelry constructed?

We start with the shapes and colours of the Swarovski© collection of jewelry stones for our inspiration. With the needs of our varied clientele in mind, we begin the creative process. Through much trial and error, we create what you see on this site, and much, much more.

Each piece is individually handcrafted in our workshop near Houston, Texas. Depending upon the design, we use techniques such as collaging, beading, wire manipulation, sewing, stone setting, wrapping, cagework.....whatever it takes to achieve the particular vision of that piece. Materials used are the finest available.....all metals are heavily plated for long wear, usually in 14kt gold or rhodium (which is a precious metal, and, unlike sterling silver, resists tarnishing) Some pieces may utilize a laquered brass or steel as a base, but only when it will not be exposed or seen. For certain high value pieces we may use, and you may always request, sterling silver, gold fil;, or sterling vermeil.

Our clip earring backs are the same heavy plate as are other components. Earring posts are surgical steel, sometimes with a gold plating over them. Please note that while our posts are compliant with all United States regulations concerning jewelry metals, they MAY NOT MEET SOME EUROPEAN STANDARDS concerning nickel. If you need nickel-free posts, please let us know. We are in the process of moving to all nickel free materials, but this will take some time. We will be glad to make sure your posts are nickel free if you ask.

All of our chains are also heavily plated brass. Sterling silver or gold-filled chains are available by request on most items at an additional cost. Some items may be available with 14kt earposts by special order. 

Our crystal....Swarovski© of course! Nothing else even comes close to the quality. 

Is Stefanie Somers Collection jewelry nickel-free?

Please see the section above on construction.

Can I buy Stefanie Somers Collection jewelry at a local store?

Many fine boutiques, pageant shops, and and dance shops throughout North America, Europe, and Asia carry our Collection.  To find out if there is a representative in your are, just contact us. Also, please feel free to contact us regarding carrying our Collection in your shop!

The earring I want only comes in clip. How do I keep that on when I'm dancing?

If you ask 10 ballroom dancers, you’ll get 10 different opinions! Same if you ask 10 pageant vetereans. Some favor nail glue or eyelash glue (ouch!), while a pencil eraser is a good choice to insure that pierced earrrings stay put. We prefer clip earrings for most styles, because a clip can go wear IT needs to go....not where your earring hole is!

The trick is to position the earring close to your face and jawbone, not necessarily along your earlobe. (Go for that spot right where your ear attaches to your head :-) To make absolutely sure things stay in place, our favourite trick is Double Stick Mounting Tape, such as is made by the 3M Company. You can find it in most office supply or craft stores. It is about 1/8? thick, with a sturdy adhesive on each side. Cut a piece to fit the back of your earring (the part that touches the FRONT of your earlobe) Peel the protective paper off (you’d be surprised how many people forget that part!), and position very carefully. Give it a good squeeze, and you’re ready to Tango. if you will be really ?challenging? your jewelry, go ahead and replace the foam pad on the back of the clip (the part that touches the BACK of your earlobe) with double stick foam tape as well. 

A couple of things to remember here:

• No makeup on your ears!

• An extra squeeze just before you dance or go onstage is always a good idea.

• Double stick tape is a one time use thing! Remove it right away (see the section on Cleaning Your Jewelry for tips on removing adhesive residue), and use a fresh piece for each performance.

• Be gentle when you remove your earrings. This stuff works, and it can hurt. Peeling is our preferred method removal.....SLOWLY!

We're working on some pictures - who knows.... maybe even a little video if we get brave! - of how to do his correctly. Stay tuned!

ORDERING: (Quickie answer version... better details coming!)

How do I know what colour to choose?

Call us!

Why can't the style I want be made in the colour I want?

Well now, that's a long story..... and there just might be a way around it...

Why can't my earring choice be made in clip (or pierced)?

Not becessarily ~can't~, but it's rather a matter of physics. Pull up a chair...

I don't see what I'm looking for... can you do it?

If it's crystal, more than likely!

Can you make me a piece I saw in a magazine (catalogue, website, etc.)

Possibly. We won't copy another artists's design, but give us a call.... perhaps we can do something with a similar feeling. Or it may just be ours! You never know!

I lost (or broke) one earring. Can I order just one to replace it?

More than likely, assuming we still have those stones in stock, or can get them. Just give us a call, and send us the remaining earring (and whatever is left of the broken one, if applicable). If we are repairing one of a pair, PLEASE be sure to send us the complete pair. Repair or replacement costs will be detewrmined on an individual basis.

Please be sure to read the section below on packaging jewly for return; this is VERY important!!!

WARRANTY:

Do you guarantee my jewelry?

We want you to be happy with all your jewelry purchases from us. To that end, should you receive any piece from us that is damaged in any way when it is received, please contact us immediately, within 2 business days of your receipt for a full replacement or refund. If the package is received in damaged condition, please contact the carrier as well in order to assist us in beginning an insurance claim. Items received damaged will be repaired or replaced at our discretion, with no shipping charges incurred. (Ground shipping only, within the USA)

In addition, we guarantee your jewelry for a period of one year from receipt against all manufacturing defects. This includes internally flawed stones, loose stones & drops, loose clips or other findings, etc. IMPORTANT! We DO NOT guarantee against chipped or broken stones (except items damaged upon receipt as stated above), or damage that is inflicted due to accidental circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to items that have been dropped, stepped on, improperly packed, stored or shipped, or any other damage which we deem to be due to mishandling. Repairs that fall within our warranty are subject to a $7 return shipping fee that must accompany return of your jewelry. This covers return shipping and insurance to you. USA only; international customers will be quoted shipping on an individual basis. 

We are more than happy to repair any damage at any time if possible. However, any items not covered by the guarantee as stated above will be subject to normal repair charges. We will be glad to quote a repair estimate at any time. All repairs include a thorough cleaning and ?revitalization? of your piece(s). All repaired pieces will be professionally packed for shipping back to you. Please contact us for an RRA (Repair Return Authorization) before returning anything to us. Packged without an RRA number on the outside are subject to refusal.

If you have any questions, specific or general regarding our warranty and/or our repair policy, please feel free to contact us via phone, fax, or e-mail. 

What do I do if something breaks?

It happens. Whether from improper storage, accidental dropping, or just plain OOPS!, jewelry does occasionally need surgery. What you do next when something breaks is VERY important!

DO NOT try to do a quick do-it-yourself job. Most commercially available glues, such as Super Glue, Crazy Glue, eyelash glue, and most craft glues, have potential to permanently damage crystal stones. We cannot be responsible for any jewelry piece that has had a repair attempted by anyone other than us.

If you have the loose stone, wrap it in tissue, and contact us. If you cannot find the missing stone, please don’t worry; we can usually replace almost any stone we have used, even older ones. Contact us by phone, fax, e-mail or letter for an RRA (Repair Return Authorization) DO NOT ATTEMPT A REPAIR, and please do not take your piece to another company for repair. This will void any warranty in effect.

To return your jewelry for repair, wrap each piece separately and securely in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or some cushioning material. Pack in a shipping box of ample size with LOTS of cushioning—peanuts, bubblewrap, crumpled newspaper, etc. You MUST use a SHIPPING box, not a jewelry box, or a bubble envelope. Appropriate shipping boxes can be bought at the Post office, as well as at stores such as Office Depot. We recommend at least a 6x6x6 box. The Post Office will give you Priority Mail boxes free if you use Priority Mail.

Tape securely, and ship or mail to us, INSURED. We are not responsible for items lost en route to us. 

We will assess your jewelry based upon the condition in which we receive it. If we deem that it has been improperly packed, and/or if it arrives in a condition which would void the warranty (see our guarantee at the end), any repairs will be subject to our regular repair charges.

There is a flat return shipping charge of $7 per package for all repairs, regardless of whether or not your jewelry is under warranty. Shipping charges may be waived if you have received an item damaged and have contacted us in accordance with our guarantee. You may enclose a check, money order or credit card information with your jewelry.

We process all repairs as quickly as possible. Plesse let us know if you have ?need by? date for your jewelry. If we need to use air shipping to get it back to you in time, you may be responsible for that cost. Contact us for details.

PAYMENT:

When will my credit card be charged? Your card will be charged when we are ready to ship your order, except in the case of custom design work, where we may ask you for a deposit if you are a new client.

Can I pay for my order on-line? Not yet, but when we unbeil our new website re-design, we will have a shopping cart system!!

Can I pay for my order C.O.D? Unfortunately, we are not able to accept C.O.D. If you are unable to use a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover), we can accept a Paypal instant Check. Go to www.Paypal.com for more information.

SHIPPING:

How will my order be sent? We generally use UPS, occasionally FedEx for allshipents within the continental US. Shipments to Alaska and Hawaii go by Priority Mail. International shipments depend upon what part of the world they are going to; we will use the carrier that we feel offers the best balance of value and safety. We will not ship anywhere uninsured or under-insured.

When will I receive my order? For small orders (1 to 5 pieces), we can usually ship your order within 2 to 3 weeks, unless we need to bring in stones or other materials that are out of stock. Larger orders may require more time, as may orders during busy seasons of the year. We can give you a shipping time when you call us.

What if something is wrong with my order? We don't mess up too often, but if we do,we'll make it right! Just give us a call, and let us know what's wrong. We'll take it from there. Our bottom line is your satisfaction. We want you to feel magnificent in our designs, and be the designer you call on for the special events of your life.