Oxidized Birch Bark Textured Sterling Silver Band- 3/8 Inch Custom
A note on production time..... Please read my current production time on this custom piece prior to purchasing- https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Specimental?ref=hdr_shop_menu Any other information you read below on production time should be disregarded- current production times have changed. If this is a 'ready to ship' item, production times do not apply.
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A note on production time..... Please read my current production time on this custom piece prior to purchasing- https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Specimental?ref=hdr_shop_menu Any other information you read below on production time should be disregarded- current production times have changed. If this is a 'ready to ship' item, production times do not apply.
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This listing is for a 3/8" custom-built sterling silver band. The band is built of thick 18 gauge sterling silver. The ring stock I used is 3/8" wide before I build the ring- depending upon the pressure needed to form your ring in my ring press, the final width may be somewhat narrower than this. I texture the metal in my studio, using a variety of tools and techniques.
I create these rings by forging the band from a strip of sterling silver. After forming the ring, I create the linear, birch bark texture with a special hammer. The edges of this ring have also been carefully hammered. The final step is creating an oxidized finish on the ring, which I then brush back from the high points. These leaves the recesses in the texture an inky, dark gray-black. Please note that no oxidized surface treatment is a life-long finish- it will mellow, shift, and possibly darken or lighten in spots over time. To bring the non-oxidized areas up to bright again, you can use a soft emery stick and polish the ring. Or, you can always return it to me for a complimentary re-oxidizing treatment.
If you like the texture, but not the blackness, see this listing: https://www.etsy.com/listing/107178172/birch-bark-textured-sterling-silver-band
There are two options for band shape- a flat-profile form, or a domed band that has been put into a press to create a domed, wedding-band shape. Unless you specify, your ring will be created in the flat profile shape (see the first photo for a good indicator of what this looks like).
All inside edges are sanded and polished to a high shine, thus ensuring a smooth and comfortable fit. The ring is hardened in my rock tumbler for several hours prior to being shipped.
TO ORDER: In the 'message to seller' area during checkout, please give me two pieces of information:
1. your chosen texture
2. your ring size (I will add a half size to this in order to ensure a comfortable fit in this wide-band ring)
LEAD TIME: As this is a custom order, please check my shop announcement for my current lead time: http://www.etsy.com/shop/elseetee2
Shipping- please read: These ship with Air Mail Small Package, unless otherwise requested by you. This method has no tracking number, and a 4-10 business day (estimated, not guaranteed) travel time from Canada to the USA. If you would like a tracking number, or a faster shipping method (anywhere from three business days to overnight), please get in touch for an estimate prior to purchasing.
Returns & Exchanges
I don't accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Custom and personalized orders
I am always open to hearing your design ideas. Please contact me through the shop, or at treloar@telus.net to discuss design possibilities.
Sizing details
If you are unsure of your ring size, the best way to be sized accurately is by visiting two commercial jewelers. Please ensure they size you using their thin sizing tools- not the wide band sizing tools, nor by having you try on rings from their display.
If any questions arise around being properly sized, I am always happy to help- contact me through the shop, or at treloar@telus.net
Gift wrapping and packaging
I don’t provide a gift wrapping service. Rings and earrings ship in jewelry boxes that are hot foil stamped with the Specimental logo.
If the person for whom you are purchasing the piece shares your address, please be aware of the following: International export law dictates that the detailed contents of packages, and their value, be clearly marked on the outside of the package. This means that if they see the package before you do, they can easily tell what they are being gifted with.
Need secrecy for this delivery? The very best option is to have your package held for you at your closest Fed Ex store- if you are unsure of its location, I'm happy to help.
What about repairs and upkeep of your new jewelry- how does Specimental provide ongoing customer support?
Our hands are busy objects, and any ring worn on a finger can become accidentally damaged. All rings need regular maintenance. Make sure you are buying your raw diamond ring from a jeweler with the knowledge and experience needed to ensure your stone stays put. Ask them about their warranty and their repair/upkeep policy. Look at how frequently they work with raw diamonds, and assess whether they have the technical experience to create a ring that will last your lifetime.
I stand behind each piece of jewellery I make. If something goes wrong with your ring, at any time- you slam your finger in a drawer and crush the band, you break a prong, you smash and crack your stone- you can count on me to support you with the repair.
Recycled Gold
My gold is all recycled- the metal plant I purchase it from has been in business for over 100 years. They smelt their metals to the highest environmental standards, to cause the least impact on the environment. They do not deal with newly mined metals, as these metals cause much greater destruction to the environment.
There is no visible difference between recycled metals and newly-mined metals. There is also no difference as far as the karat of the metals go- 18k recycled gold is exactly the same in constitution as 18k newly mined gold. The vast majority of my clients prefer their metals recycled, as environmental impact is of concern when choosing the perfect piece of jewelry.
Can Specimental reuse my old stones and recycle my gold?
I can use your heirloom stones in a new design. The stones must be pulled from their settings and checked for stability by a professional jeweler prior to shipping them to me. I cannot recycle your gold. I am not set up to smelt gold in the studio, so am not able to melt down your old gold pieces for you.
Rush Orders
My current production times are listed in my shop announcement. If you need something more quickly, please get in touch via the shop, or at treloar@telus.net
Depending upon my work and family schedule, I am happy to accommodate your rush orders. There is no additional charge for a rush order. However, please do get in touch prior to ordering to discuss your deadline with me.
Can I order a ring with a different stone, wider band, different texture, or in a different colour/karat of gold?
Yes! All of my pieces are completely hand fabricated in the studio by me, from raw materials. I am able to create any of my designs with any stone, in any composition. In short, you can have your ring absolutely any way you like it. Contact me through the shop, or via treloar@telus.net to get the discussion around your perfect piece of jewelry started.
Why buy your raw diamond ring from Specimental?
A raw diamond is an exceptionally difficult stone to set properly. Their unique shape means that a custom setting needs to be fabricated for each and every stone. The way in which the setting is closed around the diamond must be approached in a very particular fashion.
I began setting these stones into my rings in 2009, when only a small handful of jewelers were working with this type of stone. As the appeal of raw diamonds has exploded, countless numbers of jewelers are now incorporating them into their designs. I have set thousands of raw diamonds into my pieces since then. Please check out my client feedback, as a testament to my workmanship and design skills: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Specimental?ref=hdr_shop_menu#reviews