FAQ - GTMW Jewels

Please thoroughly read the following sections. All new custom clients will be sent the link to this page for review before proceeding on any custom project. Updated May 2 2020. Thank you! 

STANDARD CUSTOM/BESPOKE JEWELS -- We currently ask for a production time of  anywhere from 2-6 months on custom jewelry orders. This means from date ordered (stones picked, design finalized, and deposit has been made) to shipping date of the finished product. This production time will wax and wane, dependent on individual projects, time of year, and number of projects current on the books. Charity balances GTMW with being a stay at home mom, and does her best to factor this lifestyle into her quoted timelines for bespoke jewels.

MADE TO ORDER ITEMS purchased from the GTMW online shop -- Please allow 2-4 weeks for production. 

MADE TO CUSTOM ITEMS purchased from the GTMW online shop-- Please allow 2-4 weeks for production, counting from time designs have been finalized and any additional deposit fee has been paid.  You will be getting contacted to continue planning when a listing of this nature is purchased. However, it does help move things along when client initiates contact after purchase. 

RUSH FEE -- Rush is not always available, but occasionally can be accommodated for extra fee depending on several factors, please inquire if interested.

 Charity takes pride in being a jewelry designer and creator.   Please monitor the GTMW Instagram account @ghosttownmetalworks to see what pieces are currently in production – you will see your piece(s) make an appearance! Usually within the social media “story” of the day (which expires 24 hours later). . GTMW likes you to know the progress of your creation and enjoys sharing that experience with you!

"Pricing varies and is calculated by metal cost, weight, stone (quality, the specific mine/origin, rarity or commonality of coloration, complexity of the cut shape, stone weight/size), amount of client correspondence, complexity/skill, and production time. Please contact us directly with pricing questions. *New Custom Orders are not always available if slots are filled* All custom order pricing is given in the form of an estimate, and GTMW reserves the right for a final invoice to vary by +/- 15% from the estimated cost, as most customs are one-of-kind and some designs may require more/less production time than originally allotted.  The minimum order for a custom design is $50 + S&H – regardless of simplicity of the order/design – and goes up from there. "Ready to ship" and "Made to order" jewelry designs versus getting a "Custom" jewelry: the best analogy to apply here is "off the rack" against a "tailored" dress. There is a price difference between the two dresses, as there would be between two rings. One has extra time and intention put into it, with an individual client in mind. One was made for the general public, and may not have everything incorporated in it that you would have liked, or the fit may not be as precise. Custom work will also run more than work that is made in advance and just waiting to be bought. Oftentimes, I am working in unique stones and this also adds variability to pricing.

 Deposits on custom jewelry pieces are non-refundable, due to jewelry designer time already investing in arranging the designs/materials and client correspondence. A typical deposit is 50% of estimated cost quoted (+tax+shipping) for the final sketched design with stone choice. Once confirmed, this will be sent via a professional, itemized PayPal invoice to your email- please pay your deposit within 48 hours. A deposit's registry time/date stamp determines your place in GTMW's Custom Calendar. Your spot is not held until deposit has been received. 

TIME VARIABILITY -- Oftentimes, multiple clients are booking GTMW customs at the same time (first come, first serve applies to deposit completion). Therefore a quoted estimated completion time at the start of a custom inquiry may vary by the time of custom confirmation/deposit, depending on time that has passed between initial inquiry and confirmation. 

PRICE VARIABILITY -- GTMW reserves the right for +/- 15% from estimate at project completion, due to variability in one-of-kind pieces and uniqueness of custom work. When a custom piece is completed, the remaining balance (+ S&H and tax) is due within five (5) business days (unless other arrangements were made ahead of time). Thank you for your understanding.

FAILED CONTACT -- If you are contacted regarding your pending order, and we do not receive a response within four weeks, your deposit is unfortunately forfeited – and ALL selected stones will have to be returned to inventory, or may be placed into another GTMW creation. 

GTMW currently sets stones from Nevada, Washington State, and Montana - three states that Charity is passionate about, and enjoys learning the geology of. Occasionally material from other locations is considered in special custom jewelry situations.   Each type of stone has its own different needs in terms of jewelry care (some types of stones are more sturdy than others), so never hesitate to contact us before a purchase.

GTMW Turquoise, White Buffalo, Variscite, and Opal is 100% sourced from verified Nevada mines (or from the rockhound that picked them up on an outdoor NV adventure!). Our cut turquoise is either bought directly from mine owners, or is bought from the stone cutter that purchased rough material directly from the mine owner. Because each cabochon is hand cut from natural stone, every piece will vary in color and matrix, leaving them beautifully unique and one of a kind. No two are exactly alike!  There may be a rare exception to this rule - ie a great find of "old stock" Nevada turquoise discovered at an estate sale - but this will always be divulged in a sale listing.

Turquoise, Variscite, and Opals are examples of soft stones. We are not responsible for cracked or broken stones after 3 days of receiving your jewel (please see our return policy). 

All "Ready To Ship" items are shipped within 3-5 business days of order – unless arranged otherwise. GTMW currently ships out on Saturday mornings. Custom orders are shipped within 3-5 business days of completion of custom and final payment. FOB Shipping Point is enforced - ownership is transferred to you once we receive final payment and order is shipped. We are not responsible for items that are lost or damaged in transit. Please note GTMW *always* sends custom order parcels with tracking and insurance – we are just as attached to our creations as you are… we like to know where they are at, and to give us both the peace of mind that your new investment is covered! Please *add on insurance* if you are purchasing through the online GTMW shop- it is a worthy investment.

 Shipping price will vary depending on the distance between GTMW and you! 

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: Customer must cover any import taxes for international shipping- acknowledging GTMW will openly, honestly display costs and item descriptions on customs forms for import/export. Custom Jewelry tends to have higher price points, so please be prepared to pay the appropriate import fees for your purchase.

Please read entirely to understand the unique jewelry care required for your new GTMW beauty. We want you to keep your GTMW heirloom-quality jewels in the best shape possible and for many years. Properly cared for, each piece of GTMW history will last through generations of love. Please remember many stones such as Opal, Variscite, White Buffalo, and Turquoise are “soft” jewels and need special love to extend their lifespan. Even diamonds (the hardest of the gemstones!) can still be fractured or broken with a hard enough impact. 

Handle your jewels carefully, and avoid regular/extended soaking in water or exposure to chemicals (think to remove them when before you scrub that bathtub, do those dishes, or take a shower/bath). Some Native Americans believe porous gems like turquoise are happiest when they can be oiled with the oil of your own skin, and it may make the turquoise coloration intensify over time. For Jewel Cleaning: clean very *briefly* in warm, sudsy water, and dry well with a soft cloth. Avoid commercial jewelry cleansers. Avoid drops onto hard surfaces or wearing your jewels while performing strenuous tasks.

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