FAQS
HOW DO I PURCHASE YOUR JEWELRY?
Right here on my website!
Collection Releases will be regularly announced on my social media.
I'll announce a date and time when new collections will be released and post a full preview of each piece on my Instagram stories the day before or day of the release @basecampjewelry
The best way to learn about new pieces and happenings is to follow me on Instagram @basecampjewelry
HOW DO I FIGURE OUT MY RING SIZE?
You can visit any local jewelry store and request to have a professional size and determine your correct ring size.
My website also sells an "Adjustable Ring Sizer" tool for comfortable ring size determination at home.
There are also various methods available online using string and scrap paper.
If you have a ring mandrel available, you can use it to measure one of your current rings that you like the way it fits.
Keep in mind that your size for a WIDE BAND ring will be different than that of a typical ring band.
How do I size myself for a "wide band" ring?
Wider bands fit more snugly than your usual ring size. For a comfortable fit, size up to a half or full size.
- For example, if you usually wear a size 7 ring, you'll be a size 7.5 or 8 in a wide band. I personally find that going up a full size is most comfortable.
Please keep in mind that hands shrink and swell during the day, and each finger may be a different size.
Finally, I have a video on my Instagram highlights demonstrating what an overall "Good Fit" looks like.
Be sure to know your ring size before you order!
HOW DO I DETERMINE MY CUFF BRACELET SIZE?
The best way to get a good fit is to measure the inside circumference of a cuff bracelet you already have.
If you don't have a cuff bracelet, here are two methods for measuring your wrist at home:
1) Measure your wrist circumference using a flexible tailor’s tape by fitting it right above the wrist bone.
2) Wrap a piece of string around your wrist where you will wear the bracelet. Cut where the ends meet and then lay it on a ruler.
The most common size Women's cuff is a size 6". The most common size Men's cuff is a size 7.5"
ORIGINAL DESIGNS
My work is a collection of one-of-a-kind pieces made with my own two hands. These collections are made in small batches and take lots of my hard work, dedication, and time.
Many of my pieces are made with unique precious stones, such as turquoise, or found stones, such as river rocks, combined with hand-cut sterling silver, brass, or copper. Because of this, no two pieces will ever be alike.
Respectfully, please do not attempt to replicate or copy my designs. I care deeply about the quality of my work and do my best to make them last a lifetime and pass them down for generations.
DO YOU OFFER REPAIRS & RESIZING?
I offer limited jewelry repair and maintenance services for a fee. These fees will vary per project.
I can provide the following at my discretion:
- Polishing
- Re-shaping bent rings
- Chain replacement
Some of my rings can be sized up 1/4 - 1/2 size. If you're interested in a ring that you want to be resized, send me an inquiry via email.
I cannot downsize rings.
Simply email me a few photos with different angles, including a coin for scale.
*I currently do not work with solid gold*
DO YOU OFFER CUSTOMS?
Yes!
I accept Custom Requests on occasion and at my discretion.
Inspiration for Custom Requests must come from pieces I've personally created. I WILL NOT copy someone else's designs, so do not ask!
I can repeat my own designs as long as I have the supplies. So, if you're eyeing something that's currently "sold out," I may be able to recreate it for you.
All stones must come from my current stash. Once you have an idea of what you want, I will show you photos of what I have available, including a coin for scale reference. Please keep in mind that these stones come from nature, and so no two will be exactly alike in shape or color.
A $50 non-refundable payment is required upfront and will be added to your final balance.
Customs are non-refundable.
A $30 custom fee will be added to the final price to account for my time spent on communication and design changes
I will only take on a limited number of these projects at a time.
Customs takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. Sometimes, it takes longer if I have to source supplies. This time frame does not include processing and shipping time.
If you're interested in a custom, please send me your inquiry via email at basecampjewelry@gmail.com
Transforming your heirloom jewelry into something New:
I absolutely love to hear stories about your jewelry's journey. If you're anything like me, I have jewelry that has been passed down from my parents, grandparents, and many others I hold dear to my heart. Because these pieces are SO freaking special, I cannot, under good conscious, take the risk of potentially damaging them. Sorry.CLEAN & CARE
I personally love living in my jewelry. However, please take note that if you choose to do this, there is no guarantee that these pieces will stand the test of time. Not all, but many of the small details, patinas, chains, and stones I choose to work with are delicate. For this reason, I recommend removing your jewelry before any crazy adventures you plan to embark on (e.g. rock climbing, swimming, mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, etc.).
Also, it's normal for your pieces to naturally oxidize (or darken) over time, which will cause the metal to look dull or slightly change in color.
Here are some cleaning tips & tricks:
HIGH SHINE: Use a polishing cloth to rub off any unwanted oxidation, then lightly clean with an old toothbrush using soap and water.
MATTE FINISH: Use a small piece of a Scotch Brite pad to gently stroke the metal areas of your piece, rinse it with water, and pat dry with a paper towel.
Remember, NEVER use harsh chemicals to clean your jewelry.
If you have specific questions about cleaning your piece, please feel free to shoot me an email!
HOW DO I BECOME A BASECAMP VIP?
Simply scroll near the bottom of my website and add your email in the "Subscribe" box.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A BASECAMP VIP?
Basecamp VIPs get special codes and discounts via email that allow you to shop 30 minutes earlier than anyone else on collection days.
VIPs will also be the first to know any insider scoops about what is happening behind the scenes.
DO YOU GIFT WRAP?
Basecamp Jewelry pieces are thoughtfully packaged and ready to gift in an eco-friendly box filled with sustainably collected tidbits from Mother Nature's offerings.
Your 1st Basecamp Jewelry order will include a FREE Adjustable Ring Sizer Tool while supplies last.
SHIPPING POLICY
"Ready to Ship" pieces will be processed & shipped within 3 business days of placing your order and will be delivered to your doorstep via USPS or UPS.
"Made to Order" pieces take me 2-3 weeks to create. This does not include shipping and processing time.
"Custom" pieces take up to 4-6 weeks for me to create. This does not include shipping & processing time.
Each order will include full insurance (on me) based on the total number of products purchased. This does not include shipping costs.
Once I print your shipping label, you will immediately receive an email with your tracking information. However, your tracking number takes about 24-48 hours to activate after I actually ship the package.
Please understand that once the order is shipped, it is officially out of my hands. I am to be held NOT responsible for any lost or stolen packages.
If you have a lost or stolen package, please contact your local Post Office to help further assist you.
Please keep in mind that Basecamp Jewelry is run and operated solely by me (Beth) and that I am human just like you. I make everything by hand and pack every order myself, and sometimes, I make mistakes. That said, I do my absolute best to ensure that your shopping experience with Basecamp Jewelry, from start to finish, is a positive one.
DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes!
Basecamp Jewelry offers shipping to the following countries:
- United States of America
- Canada
- Australia
- Netherlands
At checkout, you will be prompted to sign my "Terms & Conditions Agreement" form, in which you agree that once your order is dropped off at the post office, it's officially out of my hands, and I am not to be held accountable for any lost, damaged, or stolen packages. You, as the customer, acknowledge the risks of both Domestic and international shipping.
I include full insurance on all orders based on the total amount of the products purchased. This total does not include shipping costs.
International customers are responsible for paying any and all customs, duties, and taxes your country requires.
If you would like your country added to this list, please reach out via email.
WHAT'S YOUR RETURN & REFUND POLICY?
I am happy to accept returns within a limited time frame.
- Contact me within 3 days of your order's arrival and state the reason for requesting a return.
- The item must be returned in the same condition it arrived.
- You are responsible for return shipping costs.
- Once I receive the item, I will determine whether or not it qualifies for a full or partial refund.
- If a piece arrives damaged beyond repair, I am happy to issue a full refund. In some cases, I can repair the damaged item. In order to do this, you will be responsible for the return shipping costs.
- Otherwise, all sales are final.
- No refunds on SALE items.
- No refunds on Customs.
- No refunds for lost or stolen packages.
- Shipping & handling fees are non-refundable.
- International orders only qualify for partial refunds due to duties and customs fees.
HOW DO YOU PRICE YOUR PIECES?
A little note on how I price my work:
The cost of my pieces is determined by several factors. It's calculated and not random, which is why you will often see prices that look like weird numbers like $104 or $267. So, here are a few things that get considered in costs…
- Price of Metal
- Metal prices fluctuate daily. Because of this, it's common to see pieces that I've created in the past have different prices in the future.
- Type of Stones
- Stones are priced according to their weight and value. Because of this, I can create two of the same designs with different stones, and the prices will be totally different.
- My Hourly Wage
- A portion of the cost of my work goes to paying myself. I track the time it takes to create each piece and use that to calculate how much I can pay myself for labor. Like a "normal" job, I will adjust my wage accordingly as my skill set grows.
- Overhead Fee
- There's a 20% overhead fee that's added to each piece. This accounts for materials & tools that I cannot cost out precisely. Examples of this are Solder, Propane, Sanding Discs, and Patina. This is a VERY COMMON business practice which I researched in depth.
- Shipping & Handling
- All of Basecamp Jewelry's packaging & gift boxes are Eco-friendly & Sustainable. Unfortunately, these products cost a bit more to offer. Part of creating a brand is having morals that the brand stands behind. Eco-friendly packing is very important to me. Typically, about $2 is added to the cost of a piece so that I can continue to offer sustainable packaging and you can help support keeping our planet safe & clean.
- Market Research
- On occasion, I compare my prices to those of other Metalsmiths creating similar work. I know, I know, "Comparison is the thief of joy. " But this is just business. I want to be sure that I am able to compete fairly with what's on the market. So far, my formula for pricing is on par with other work that's out there.
- Profit Margins
- A profit margin is necessary to make Basecamp Jewelry viable. Every business does this, and mine does, too.
This gives you some insight into how & why my pricing is what it is. I try to be as fair as possible while considering all of the above.
I work very hard to create unique pieces that are just as unique as the person wearing them. So much love and dedication go into my work. My hope is that hard work translates to you the moment you see and touch a Basecamp Jewelry piece. It's my goal to make sure that you are happy and satisfied with your purchase.