General Information

EssieB Homepage > Materials

Materials

In general, the materials I use are of high quality. I have been known to cherry pick from 5-6 strands of a particular semi-precious stones (Labradorite, Ametrine, Lapis, etc.) to select beads for one necklace. The same holds true of Vintage Glass Beads and Pearls.

I use Genuine Swarovski Crystal from suppliers I have trusted for two decades. In today’s world of knock-offs, the crystal market is full of imitations and I take great care to insure EssieB uses the real thing.

The vintage beads are Czech. Occasionally I will use vintage beads from another country, however, I have a penchant for the Vintage Czech Glass Beads.

You will also notice my use of Granulated Silver and Gold Vermeil beads. Vermeil is silver that is plated with 10-14K gold which is at least 1.5 micrometers thick. The granulated beads I use are crafted by hand primarily in Bali and Turkey.

Pricing & Method of Payment

The findings (ear wires, headpins, earring clips, necklace clasps and chain) are either Sterling Silver or Gold-filled. Gold-filled pieces will retain their bonded layer of 12-14K gold for years of active, daily wear. As with anything, it’s all in the source. And, after all this time, EssieB gold-filled findings are still going strong.

Suzanne, where are the prices? The EssieB website is currently more of a brochure/gallery site meant to demonstrate the design range and showcase the jewelry. EssieB designs turn over so quickly that cataloging and pricing all the pieces is simply too great an administrative task at this point in time. For those of you who know me well, I’m sure you can appreciate this and I thank you for your understanding.

I’d love for you to simply drop me an email if you are interested in particular designs. At that point, I will be happy to forward prices to you.

Earrings generally range from $24 - $60
Necklaces from $100 - $250 and $250 - $600
Custom Pieces are quoted in advance of work
Bridal Jewelry is quoted in advance of work

EssieB will gladly accepts cash check and most major credit cards on purchases over $100.
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Convert to Clip-on, Euro Wire or Post

Many of my clients have never had their ears pierced and yet wear EssieB earrings and love them. I am happy to let you know that 95% of the earrings may be converted to clip, euro wire or post in either sterling silver or gold filled metal. There is a nominal charge for the hardware and conversion is easy. I am happy to do it for you.

Metal Allergies

The majority of clients with metal allergies, including nickel sensitivity, find they can easily wear EssieB jewelry. For those with extreme allergies, I can convert gold-filled wires to 14K or 18K gold and offer suggestions for white metal alternatives.
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Use & Care

EssieB jewelry is crafted with everyday wear in mind. Many original pieces are still worn today - some of them after twenty years. As with any piece of clothing, handbag or other accessory, when it’s treated well it lasts. Here are a few tips to keep your jewelry looking great for years to come.

Beads like Swarovski Crystal, Semi-precious Stone , Vintage & Lamp-wound Glass should be handled and stored with care. Please keep your necklaces in the case or pouch provided, and store your earrings in a way that minimizes contact with other jewelry. When travelling, place pieces in individual compartments or zip-loc baggies to ensure their safety.

Sterling Silver & Gold Vermeil will oxidize over time. While EssieB jewelry has been designed with this oxidation in mind, there are things you can do to slow the oxidization process. 1) Avoid direct contact with water and moist environments. 2) Store these pieces in an airtight container or bag. 3) Place a piece of white chalk into the airtight environment with the jewelry to aid in moisture absorption. 4) Consider the purchase of 3M Anti Tarnish Strips to store with your jewelry. While 3M Strips will need to be replaced every few months, they work well.

Swarovski Crystal & Pearls can be very sensitive to moisture and chemicals. As such, it is important to avoid contact with perfume, hair spray, lotions and the like. Crystal glazing and the nacre (surface) of a pearl can be damaged with exposure to these common products. Over time, moisture can also effect the mirroring on some of the Swarovski crystal pieces. It is best to keep all jewelry dry and properly stored.
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In-Home Jewelry Classes

Looking for a great in-home workshop for you and your kids? Have you always wanted to learn how to make jewelry yourself and just never managed to coordinate your schedule so you can take a class? Well, if you live in the Bay Area, you are in luck! Suzanne offers private and small group classes by appointment and will come to your home with the tools and materials needed for the class.

Workshop Pricing

Workshops include the basic materials needed to make earrings and necklaces. You choose which you would like to make during class and keep whatever masterpiece you design!. After the workshop, tools and additional supplies are available for purchase; however, Suzanne also offers a wonderful list of local and internet resources so you may purchase your own supplies.

To reserve a date, receive a quote for an EssieB Jewelry Workshop Party or find out more information about EssieB Private In-Home Jewelry Classes, simply Email Suzanne.

Classes are a minimum of 90 minutes.
Additional time priced by the hour in 30min increments.
A typical 3-person class is $120 for 90 minutes.
Please add $20 per hour for each additional person.
Multi-class packages are available a discount.
3-4hr workshop parties will vary based on the number of people in attendance.

Please note: There is a small charge for travel time in excess of 30 minutes. This is agreed upon in advance of the workshop and is based on distance.
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