FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions!
Have something you don’t see an answer for here? Feel free to email me at grit.lapidary@gmail.com
How much does your jewelry cost?
The client’s chosen material, as well as size and shape of the jewelry being ordered will dictate the final price of a project. Because every piece I make is unique based on client specifications, and material costs for minerals can range significantly it is impossible to have a comprehensive pricing list. If you have a budget you'd like to work within let me know ahead of time and I can see what I can make happen.
What are the smallest and largest sized plugs you offer?
I offer single flare style plugs and labrets as small as 5mm (4ga). Double flare plugs can range from 6mm (2ga) to 100mm+ (4”). For oval or teardrop shaped double flare plugs I offer them as small as 8mm (0ga).
Teardrop style labrets are made as small as 6mm and oval style labrets as small as 8mm.
How long will it take for me to get my jewelry?
As of 2022, I will be opening my books up to new orders 4 times a year (roughly every 3 months); January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st. I take on 10 orders at a time during these quarterly bookings. Clients are taken on a first come/ first served basis. Wait times can be as short as 2 weeks and as long as 3 months depending on where your inquiry/deposit falls in the queue. There is no wait list so you have to be on top of getting those orders in on the previously mentioned dates.
When placing an order, how do I know which materials you have in stock currently?
If you aren't sure what's out there you can always search #thestonedemuhn hashtag on Instagram and it will bring up almost every project I’ve completed over the past 10 years. You can screen cap the ones you love and email them for reference along with your desired dimensions. Do keep in mind that each cut is unique and cannot be replicated. I can use it for reference to try and find you something equally as stunning though!
I don’t know how to measure my current jewelry in order to complete the pdf for my custom project. How do I measure it to ensure a proper fit?
Please visit our Custom Orders page for in depth “How to” videos!
Can I send you my own material for my custom project?
I can and will use client provided materials as long as they are up to the same quality standards Grit Lapidary holds for the other materials I offer. The client will have to provide clear, detailed photos of the rough material from multiple angles as well as dimensions prior to agreeing to the project. Postage for shipping and returning of the material is paid by the client. If the material breaks during production, I am not responsible for any monetary compensation. There will be a labor fee of $50 per hour for carving the client provided specimen. A 50% deposit is still required to hold your place in the queue.
Can I return or exchange my jewelry if it does not fit?
Sadly, I cannot provide refunds or returns on custom jewelry. It is CRUCIAL that you verify your desired dimensions PRIOR to placing your deposit. Any changes to dimensions once the deposit has been placed may lead to an additional charge.
I’m ready to place my order! How does payment work?
Online order payments are generally made via PayPal (Venmo, Cash App and Google Pay are also options). You can pay the total balance plus shipping OR for orders OVER $200 we can break the order up into two parts. The first payment would be a 50% non refundable deposit. That payment reserves your material and place in my queue.
Shipping cost will be added to the remaining balance once your order is ready. $10-20 for domestic Priority Mail with tracking and insurance, or $25-$75+ for Priority International mail with tracking and insurance. For international orders, you may have to pay an import tax on orders. (I cannot be held liable for such charges)
My order is coming up in the queue but I don’t have the funds to pay my balance, what will happen to my order?
If you need more time to pay your balance, let me know ASAP! I will gladly push your start date back in order to give you more time to make payment. Do remember that orders are not started until the total balance of the project is paid. Deposits are non refundable, and are used to pay for your material costs as well as hold your place in the queue.
How do I learn how to make jewelry or pursue lapidary arts?
I always encourage folks interested in the lapidary arts to reach out to local gem and mineral clubs in their area. Very often these clubs have workshops for members; joining the club and learning the ins and outs of using a cabbing machine prior to investing in your own equipment is highly encouraged. The learning process will take a lot of trial and error as well as patience, and making sure you enjoy the process prior to purchasing your own equipment is crucial! Equipment can be a very large investment for someone who hasn’t ever given the craft a go. If you can’t find a club in your area I would suggest looking into purchasing a used machine (Facebook marketplace, Offer Up, and Craigslist are great sources) There are tons of tutorials on YouTube that can give you a great start to the process, and I will be working on my own “How to” content this year, so stay tuned!
What machines do you use to make the jewelry you sell?
I use 6” cabbing machines from the wonderful folks at CabKing - use the code LUV2CAB for 10% off supplies!