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Frequently Asked Questions

EASY RETURNS

HAPPINESS GUARANTEE

We want you to LOVE your new jewelry! We offer a 90-day quality guarantee on all our jewelry from the date of your item's delivery - we are happy to help resolve issues with your jewelry. 

RETURNS

Buy with confidence, we offer an easy, hassle-free 14-day return or exchange policy for unworn ready-to-ship jewelry. We also accept exchanges only within 14 days for unworn made-to-order (custom) jewelry.

For health and hygiene reasons, earrings and body jewelry cannot be exchanged or returned. This means you are always getting a new hoop handmade just for you.

HOW CAN YOU RUSH MY ORDER? I NEED IT QUICK?

You can expedite your shipping by choosing a SHIPPING UPGRADE in the drop-down menu upon check out. Your choices are:

1. USPS Priority (1-3 days within the US)
2. USPS Priority Express (1-2 days guaranteed within the US)
3. USPS Priority International ( depending on Country - delivery estimate at checkout)

Please note the shipping method selected will not expedite your order's production time. Expedited shipping only expedites the shipping process once your order has been fulfilled.

If you have a rush order request, please send us an email to hello@mermaidbeads.com and we will do our best to accommodate your request, and meet your "need by date".

WHAT IS 925 STERLING SILVER JEWELRY?

Sterling silver is a precious metal that lasts forever. It is nickel-free, hypoallergenic, so you can wear it every day without risk of irritation.

It is 92.5% pure silver and the remaining 7.5% is mostly copper which adds extra strength and durability. Hence the .925 designation for sterling silver.

The tarnish process is normal. Sulfur in the air, water, shampoo, fragrance, medication, etc. can cause silver sterling to tarnish. Many people never experience it, but if you do, a quick polish will often do the trick.

We provide a polishing cloth to keep your jewelry like new.

WHAT IS 14k GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY?

Gold-filled jewelry is nickel-free, hypoallergenic, wears well, and is a durable alternative to the pricier solid gold.

It is composed of a thick layer of 14k gold, heat and pressure bonded to a center core of high-quality jeweler's brass. It has the same appearance as high carat solid gold.

The layer of gold on our gold-filled pieces is 25 times thicker than that produced by gold plating. When properly cared for, 14k gold filled jewelry can be worn every day for a lifetime.

If you are not sensitive to solid 14k Solid Gold, then you should have no problem wearing gold-filled jewelry as it is hypoallergenic.

WHAT IS 14k ROSE GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY?

A beautiful pinkish orange metal gets its coloration from the combination of gold and copper used in the metal.

Like yellow gold-filled, rose gold has a bit of copper added to the yellow gold to give it a rosy hue.

Like 14k gold-filled, 14k rose gold-filled is incredibly strong, long-lasting, versatile metal that makes it perfect for everyday wear jewelry.

WHAT IS ARGENTIUM 940 STERLING SILVER?

When you wear jewelry made from Argentium, it looks much more like you are wearing platinum or white gold instead of sterling silver.

We selected Argentium 940 Sterling Silver ("940" stamp) for our custom jewelry because it is nickel-free, hypoallergenic, highly tarnish-resistant, and also about 8 times harder than 925 Sterling Silver. Although it can still tarnish under only extreme conditions, it is much easier to keep Argentium silver jewelry looking reflective and shiny.

Argentium is 100% nickel-free which makes it the perfect to wear without fear on a daily basis. Argentium is even more hypoallergenic than traditional sterling silver. This makes Argentium jewelry a thoughtful gift for anyone.

WHAT IS 14k GOLD-PLATED OVER ARGENTIUM 940 STERLING SILVER?

We only use high-purity Argentium 940 Sterling Silver as the base metal for gold plating. Unlike many jewelers, we do not use stainless steel. Only electroplating on Argentium ensures that your jewelry will stay golden and hypoallergenic.

The thickness of gold indicated by the term 'gold plated' can vary greatly among jewelers. Our pieces have at least a 1-micron thick 14k gold layer for durability (it’s common for gold plated pieces to have 1/10th that thickness of gold). The thick layer of gold of our jewelry will match the gold jewelry you already own.

A practical balance of cost and quality, our chains are 14k gold-filled for durability. Chains get by far the most wear - less expensive gold-plated chains should not be worn.

WHAT IS 14k ROSE GOLD-PLATED OVER ARGENTIUM 940 STERLING SILVER?

Much like our gold-plated pieces, you’re still getting that thick layer of 14k gold on Argentium 940 Sterling Silver as the base metal. Copper is just added to give a gorgeous rosy hue!

Our 14k rose gold-plated pieces still contain the same amount of 14k solid gold.

A practical balance of cost and quality, our chains are 14k rose gold-filled for durability. Chains get by far the most wear - less expensive rose gold-plated chains should not be worn.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOOPS AND EARRINGS?

First time use | make sure you clean and sterilize your piercing jewelry, hands and piercing before inserting for the first time.

Periodic deep clean | remove and clean your jewelry often. Clean with warm water and antibacterial soap.

Avoid chemicals | to keep your hoop looking great, always remove before bathing or swimming. Keep away from lotions, fragrances, cosmetics, and chemicals. Wipe clean with a dry soft cloth.

Polish it | you can quickly buff a sterling silver hoop with a cotton or flannel cloth to remove tarnish. We provide a sterling silver polishing cloth.

Store it safely | clean and dry your piece well before storing it. Use an airtight container to reduce oxidation (especially for silver pieces).

HOW TO INSERT A TINY HOOP?

1. Clean | your hands, hoop and piercing before starting

TIP * best to avoid leaning over a sink unless you lay down a towel to avoid a hoop falling down a drain.

2. Twist open | gently ‘twist’ the hoop open (never pull the ends apart - this will stretch and distort the shape of the hoop and weaken the metal)

3. Insert | insert one end into the piercing (sometimes it can be easier inserting from the back side of the piercing)

4. Twist closed | once inserted in your piercing, be sure to gently twist the hoop so the ends meet and line up perfectly for a comfortable fit

TIP * gently push and pull the ends past each other to get the ends lined up perfectly. Once closed, the hoop should turn easily within the piercing with no discomfort.