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FAQ

I want you to enjoy your experience. Here are answers to common questions, but feel free to contact me if you have any others.

Reusing Old Jewellery & Custom Jewellery

Yes! I can create a custom ring just for you, as long as it is based on my existing designs. I can add a gemstone for you to create your custom piece
Please read the information under the next headings, regarding using your gemstones or gold.
And don’t hesitate to reach out via a phone call (902.422.9460) or book a video call online.

Yes, I work with clients’ heirloom gemstones all the time!
Please note that – because I am very discerning when making my gemstone purchases – I do not work with gemstones you purchased elsewhere.
For your heirloom gem, though: I guarantee that I will use the exact stone that is sent to me, and that I will apply skill and love to the rebirth of your stones. There are a few caveats when using your own gemstones that you can read about here.
 
Book a free consultation to discuss your dream project.

Yes. I generally trade in the value of your hallmarked gold towards the price of your new ring. As of December 1, 2023, trade-in value of stamped and hallmarked gold is as follows:

$46.46 for 18kt (75.0% pure gold)
$34.90 for 14kt (58.5% pure)
$23.93 10kt (41.7% pure gold)

While it is possible under certain circumstances to incorporate your melted used gold into a new ring, there are many reasons why I don’t recommend it. Read more here

Yes. Whether you’re replacing a lost earring from a pair, or would like to order a single earring, please contact me about ordering a single earring.

Materials & Sourcing

Striving for the highest ethical and sustainable standards for materials is a huge priority. I use certified Canadian diamonds which are all ethically sourced, as well as some laboratory-grown diamonds. My sapphires are from Pierres de Charme. 100% of silver and gold used is either recycled or certified Fairmined ECO gold.

In-depth sourcing info: Materials & Sustainability

Environmental sustainability and ethical sourcing are priorities. I am one of few in Canada using Fairmined ECO gold and silver, and use SCS certified-rated lab-grown diamonds. Additionally, I am a member of Ethical Metalsmiths. It is important to me that my suppliers are committed to ethical sourcing, and strong environmental and labor practices. I love having personal relationship with my vendors wherever possible. I care about transparency. In the case of Fairmined, this even means traceability right down to the small-scale, artisanal mines. My precious metals are 100% either recycled, or certified Fairmined ECO Gold and silver.

In-depth sourcing info: Materials & Sustainability

I only make OneFooter rings in 18k yellow or 18k palladium white gold, or sterling silver. No lower carat, no rose gold.

Palladium white gold lends itself to the forging technique. I appreciate its colour very much – it is very contemporary, and it is hypo-alleregenic, as it does not contain nickel.

I can rhodium plate, but I do not recommend it; I recommend against it as it has too many surfaces to rub off the plating.

My settings are always either 18k yellow or 18K white gold.

More info: Materials & Sustainability

There is not exactly a straightforward answer to this, but after years of research, I have decided that SCS sustainability rated lab-grown diamonds are currently the most ethical choice, although there are also some natural diamonds that also are showing promise in terms of their ethical and sustainable extraction. 

I have written much more on this complex subject:
Truly Sustainable Lab-grown Diamonds
The Diamond Truth: Misinformation in the Diamond Industry
Materials and Sustainability

Sizes

The most reliable way to know your ring size is by using a complimentary ring sizer that I would love to send you. 

For simpler ring projects and quicker sizing, you can see my post: What Ring Size Am I?

Finding Your Bangle Size
Watch the Video

How to Measure for Bangle Size

Bangle Sizing Illustration Diagram -Hand Only

1. Prepare Hold your hand as if you were putting on a bangle. Bring all of your fingers together with your thumb and little finger touching. 2. Measure Measure around the hand at the widest point with a tape measure, string, or a strip of paper. Be sure to pull the paper, string, or tape measure snug against your skin. If using a string/paper, mark it with a pen and then measure it with a ruler. This measurement is the circumference of your hand. 3. Determine Diameter Use the following chart to determine the diameter of your hand, based on the circumference. After determining the diameter, choose a bangle that’s at least 6mm (1/4″) larger in diameter than the diameter measurement of your hand Size not listed in the chart? If your size doesn’t fit into these categories, please choose “Other” for your size selection, and indicate your circumference measurement in the space provided.
Hand Circumference (mm) Diameter (mm) Size
190 mm 60 mm SMALL
210 mm 67 mm MEDIUM
219 mm 70 mm LARGE
Hand Circumference (in) Diameter (in) Size
7 1/2″ 2 3/8″ SMALL
8 1/4″ 2 5/8″ MEDIUM
8 5/8″ 2 3/4″ LARGE

Yes. Bringing joy to people is my main inspiration; I want you to be completely satisfied with your ring. If your jewellery does not fit, does not look right, etc., simply ship it back to me for an exchange. Click here for exchange instruction. For more detailed information, see my Shipping, Exchange & Cancellation Policy

You can also use my PickBox “Try Before You Buy” service to try on up to three items before purchasing.

Yes! You are welcome to choose up to three items from my online shop and then choose the “PickBox” option at checkout. You have three days once you received your jewellery to try it on, see how it fits. Only pay for what you keep.  More about my PickBox try-before-you-buy service.

Shipping, Exchange, & Tracking

Yes. Bringing joy to people is my main inspiration; I want you to be completely satisfied with your ring. If your jewellery does not fit, does not look right, etc., simply ship it back to me for an exchange. Click here for exchange instruction. For more detailed information, see my Shipping, Exchange & Cancellation Policy

You can also use my PickBox “Try Before You Buy” service to try on up to three items before purchasing.

I ship to Canada, USA, and all countries internationally. International shipping outside of Canada (sometimes including the USA) can incur extra charges on your end such as VAT, customs, local taxes, etc.. I suggest you first contact me before placing your order.

I also offer free local pickup in Halifax, NS, Canada. For estimated delivery times, please see Shipping & Exchange.

Yes! I offer free local pickup at my studio. My studio is located in the North end of Halifax, NS, Canada. I don’t have store front, but see clients by appointment. To visit the studio please contact me or book a studio visit appointment. Jewellery is available for purchase online, at various galleries, and at shows and exhibitions.

You can track any order using its order ID and email address, or you can login and view your My Recent Orders.

You can cancel your order within 48 hours of purchase by going to My Account-Recent Orders and clicking “Cancel.”

My studio is located in the North end of Halifax, NS, Canada. I don’t have store front, but see clients by appointment. To visit the studio please contact me. Jewellery is available for purchase online, at various galleries, and at shows and exhibitions.

Care & Cleaning

Like all handcrafted jewellery, my pieces require proper care and attention.

Generally, follow common sense: shower or wash your hands and put on lotions, perfumes or deodorants before you put on jewellery. Avoid wearing jewellery where it can get damaged by contact with hard surfaces such as on the beach (sand = abrasive … as in ‘sandpaper’), at the swimming pool (chemicals), working out or using tools (steel is harder than sterling or gold).

I am offering jewellery cleaning products which I feel confident in. My Polishing Cloth for all jewellery,  Gentle Jewellery Cleaning Kit for gold and gemstone jewellery, and my Silver Dip Solution for quickly and efficiently removing tarnish from sterling silver.

To clean gold or palladium jewellery, or that containing gemstones, dilute dish detergent in a small bowl of warm water and soak each piece for 3-5 minutes. Gently clean your item by using a soft bristle toothbrush. To ensure you removed all the diluted dish soap, rinse the piece under warm running water.
For best results, use my specially formulated Gentle Jewellery Cleaning Kit. My Gentle Jewellery Cleaner is safe to use on a wide array of jewellery, from beads and sterling silver to gold, gemstones, delicate pearls, opals, and unique fashion jewelry. This ammonia-free cleaner can be safely used on porous stones, soft stones, enamel and treated gemstones to keep jewellery sparkling like new. The kit also includes a polishing cloth. Follow the intersections in the package.
If you do not have the kit, try with warm water & soap, then rinse well and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Be sure to dry your jewellery completely before wearing  it again.

The single best way to avoid tarnishing of your sterling silver jewellery is to wear it – worn jewellery rarely tarnishes, unless a person has very specifically acidic body chemistry.  This has to do with amino acids, and can change with changes in hormone balance, and with medication, particularly chemotherapy.

Environmental factors such as proximity to the ocean, or sulphur developing during cooking in your kitchen, can harm jewellery, especially sterling silver.
So don’t store your sterling silver over the sink, or by the open window facing the ocean, or next to your stove, or even in the bathroom where it is more humid then in other rooms. If you have them, store your jewellery in tarnish-resistance baggies when you are not wearing the pieces. This will also prevent the pieces of rubbing against each other in your jewellery box.

Unlike my  Gentle Jewellery Cleaning Kit , which is for gold jewellery and items containing gemstones, the Silver Dip is not safe to use on all jewellery, but is exclusively for use on sterling silver. Do not use on porous gemstones, delicate pearls, opals, enamels or fashion jewelry.

It is, however, an amazingly well-working silver dip – once rough debris or oils are removed, simply immerse the sterling silver piece in the basket, count one-onehundred, two-onehundred, three-onehundred, four, and out it comes. Rinse immediately under running water. Dry with soft cloth. For very best results, use my Polishing Cloth for final polish. 

Please be advised that this process will also remove any patina or oxidization, which may have been applied to your piece on purpose (these are like the dark lines in recesses to highlight designs).

One last word: Such magic does not happen without chemicals, so it is recommended that you open a window (or two) while you do this. There is a definite smell to this product, as well. But trust me, I have tried many many such product, and this is the best! You will love it.

will remove any and all oxidation from our piece. Some jewelry and charms are meant to have oxidation to bring out textures, stamping, etc.

If you do not have the silver dip solution, then try warm soapy water. Apply diluted dish detergent to a clean cotton or flannel cloth and rub the piece in one direction. Try to avoid circular motions. When not in use, store your well-dried jewellery in a sealed pouch, ideally tarnish resistant. I can mail you some if you need them.

For heavily stained pieces:
Let’s face it, sometimes jewellery gets very,
very neglected. To remove heavier tarnish or oily build-up, soak and then wash your silver jewelry with warm water and mild dish soap. Use a very soft bristled toothbrush to loosen any stubborn bits. Then proceed to using the cleaning solutions.

Having said all that: the dark patina which builds up over time in the crevices of the OneFooter Series rings can become a very attractive element of a well-worn piece. Many of my collectors value this sign of age, when the ring remains shiny on the outside, because they wear it every day. Soapy water will definitely suffice, in that case :)

A last word: please do not use any homemade jewellery cleaning ideas, such as bleach, ammonia, baking soda or even toothpaste, on gemstones.

Immerse jewellery in cleanser for two minutes. Use the included brush to gently loosen any stubborn dirt in crevices of your Onefooter. Rinse & dry well.
Follow up with polishing cloth: rub the piece with the inside cloth, which contains the polishing compound, then use the lint-free outer polishing cloth for final brilliant finishing and handling of your jewellery after polishing.

To clean pearl strands, dampen a soft cloth with solution and wipe pearls.

To remove heavier tarnish or oily build-up in between strands or in crevices, soak and then wash your silver jewelry with warm water and mild dish soap, first. Use a very soft bristled toothbrush to loosen any stubborn bits. Then proceed to using the Gentle Jewellery Solution and Polishing Cloth.

Simply insert the tarnished piece into the liquid in the included dipping basket for about 4 seconds, slightly agitating it. Remove promptly and immediately rinse well under running warm water, then dry with a soft cloth!

To remove heavier tarnish or oily build-up, soak and then wash your silver jewelry with warm water and mild dish soap, first. Use a very soft bristled toothbrush to loosen any stubborn bits. Then proceed to using the Silver Dip.

 

Have more questions?

Please contact me and I will respond to your question as soon as possible.

USD prices are estimates only.
Custom 18K Yellow Gold Ring with Diamond and Sapphire by Dorothée Rosen
People tell me they make it their Sunday morning ritual to read my letters. It's a personal look into the life of an artist, with intimate stories, care tips, and of course some exclusive jewellery previews as well.