Rachel's Raindrop® Jewelry

Truly Handmade Jewelry by Rachel Strodtbeck

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of metals do you use?

We use responsibly sourced, high quality nickel-free metals, such as recycled .925 Sterling Silver and 14 karat Yellow Gold and Rose Gold Fill, and inlay of solid 14 karat Gold, sourced in the USA.

Sterling Silver is a mixture of pure silver and some other metal, usually copper. The resulting alloy gives the silver strength. The standard is at least 92.5% silver. Hence the .925 stamp you see on some sterling silver items.

What is Gold Filled? How does it compare to Solid Gold or Gold Plated?

Gold Filled is 100x more Gold than Gold Plated, and way more affordable than Solid Gold.

Solid Gold is an alloy that is described with the karatage of pure gold. Pure gold is 24kt. However, it is too soft to hold its shape or wear well. Therefore, it is mixed or alloyed with other metals to make it harder and easier to work with.

Our Gold Filled material is jewelers’ brass. A gold alloy is then bonded to one or both surfaces of the brass core with heat and pressure. It is a high quality material that is common in all types of jewelry. The product is easy to care for and will usually maintain its golden shine for a lifetime.

Gold Plating is a miniscule layer of solid gold applied to a brass base. The plating does not compose any measurable proportion of the products total weight, as it is mainly on the surface of the base layer. A cheaper material, gold plating will generally wear off rather quickly and expose the brass base product. It does not stand up to heat, water or wear over time, which is why we offer 14k Gold Filled in our line.

How do I clean my jewelry?

Some metals, while tarnish-resistant, are prone to natural oxidation especially if not worn often, or can lose shine with accumulation of daily wear. We recommend cleaning your jewelry with warm soapy water. Use a polish cloth to shine it. Store it in a dry area, best in an airtight plastic baggie. Avoid any chemical contact, moisturizers, beauty products, and house hold cleaners.

Is my Gold jewelry flaking or fading?

We only use silver solder on our jewelry with solder joints (rings, bracelets, pendants, etc.) to keep our price down, as gold solder is much more expensive. We may decide to use gold solder in the future. If the silver solder joint is bothersome to you, we are happy to exchange it for a piece that might be less noticable.

Why does my jewelry leave stains on my skin?

If your jewelry leaves a dark stain on your skin after wear, it is likely due to the the pH balance of your body, naturally reacting with the material.

What if my jewelry needs repair?

Seattle Raindrop® Jewelry will always offer 'Free Lifetime Repairs' on any of our own pieces. We just ask that you cover shipping costs. Please e-mail us at seattleraindrop@hotmail.com or through our Contact page and will supply our shipping address.

Do you do custom work?

Due to the effects of COVID-19 on the trajectory of our business, and the demand of our regular orders we receive is just too great, we are not accepting custom orders at this time. We have many different designs in different metals, and in several categories to choose from.

Do you offer returns or exchanges?

Seattle Raindrop® Jewelry offers easy Returns or Exchanges within 45 days of purchase. We just ask that you cover shipping costs.

How can I get your latest products?

We regularly update our website with new pieces in the New or One-Of-A-Kind sections. You may also stay closer up to date by following us on Instagram @seattleraindropjewelry where exclusives or presales may pop up.