Questions

-ORDERING-

I want to order an item but the description says it is out of stock.  Can I still order this item?

Yes.  If the description states that the item is out of stock, simply go through the purchase process as if it were in stock.  Once selecting any specific attributes (i.e., finish or size), add to your shopping basket.  Items that are out of stock normally take 4-6 weeks for the production and shipping.

I want to order an item that is out of stock and I can not add it to my basket. Can I still order this item?

Yes.   We update our stock items daily, however if an item is out of stock and has not been updated, you will not be able to add this item to your shopping basket.  In this case, you may email us at Info@lorakdesigns.com.  Include your contact information and the product number, description, and if applicable, size of the product you are trying to order and we will contact you for payment information and process the order.   In some cases, to make sure that your information is secure, once you email us with the product info for the out of stock item, we may adjust the listing of the item on the web site so that it can be added to your shopping basket and we will notify you that you may return to the web site and place your order.

I am interested in selling your jewelry in my store…do you take wholesale orders?

Yes.  We require a merchant ID number as well as a minimum order to open a wholesale account.  Wholesale inquiries can be made by calling or emailing us at:  info@lorakdesigns.com

-TERMINOLOGY-

Are the gold rings made from solid gold?

Unless described as vermeil or gold-filled, all pieces are cast and handmade in solid alloys.

Do you recycle or reuse materials?

Yes.  Lorak Designs recycles and reuses metals and other materials whenever possible.  Raw materials are purchased form reputable suppliers that use environmentally friendly practices.

What does “patina” mean, and is it the same as the blackened silver?

Blackened refers to the blackening (or patina) of Sterling Silver through the method of introducing an acid which causes the Silver to darken to colors from dark brown to black. This is not completely permanent and will lighten and change with wear, creating an even more “worn in” effect.

What is vermeil?

Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is sterling silver plated with gold.  Lorak Designs uses a 24K gold vermeil in a nickel-free process which meets the thickness requirements for the Federal Trade Commission.  These are hand made with all the same attention to detail and finish as all the other pieces in this collection.  The use of vermeil allows for the look of gold at a fraction of the price.  Gold plating, however, can eventually wear off over time, especially at points where jewelry has contact with hard objects.

What does it mean when the description says a chain is “gold filled”?

Lorak Designs offers a few gold-filled chain options which are gold brass, dipped in 14k gold. Ultimately what you have is a 14k gold chain with a brass center.  Gold-filled chains are a good alternative to a solid gold chain at a fraction of the price.

-RING SIZES-

Do you keep all ring sizes in stock?

No.  We have limited sizes in stock for each ring.  Over time we will be able to carry more ring sizes in stock, however our current inventory does not allow for us to keep all rings in all sizes.  When ordering a ring, please expect the manufacturing and shipping process to take 4-6 weeks from the time you place the order.  If we happen to have your size in stock for the ring you are ordering, we will notify you and ship it out as soon as your payment is processed.

How do I know what size ring I need?

If you are not sure what size ring you need to order, please send an email to info@lorakdesigns.com with your name, email address, mailing address and phone number.  We will send you a complimentary ring sizer so that you may order a ring in the exact size that you need.

The ring I ordered feels a little tight.  Did I order the wrong size?

Your finger size will change slightly throughout the day, depending on temperature, weather, activity, etc.  Your fingers tend to be a little puffy in the morning and will shrink a little when cold and expand slightly when hot, but typically settle into a normal size during the day.  Your finger will often seem more swollen after exercising, drinking alcohol or eating spicy food.  We suggest you wear it for a few days to get used to it before exchanging it for a different size.  If your ring fits at the ideal time of day and is easy to put on and a little hard to take off, then it is the correct fit.  Your ring will never fit perfectly in all conditions, but you will get used to the way it feels during all conditions.  Your fingers change size about 3 or 4 times in the course of a normal day, so it is highly recommended that you give your ring a test drive to determine if an exchange is really necessary.  Of course if it is really too big, we advise to not wear it out of the house, because it could slip off and you could lose it.

-JEWELRY CARE-

What it the best way to clean and care of the blackened silver?

The blackened patina that we add to Sterling Silver is done through the method of introducing an acid, which causes the Silver to darken to colors from dark brown to black.  This is not completely permanent and will lighten and change with wear creating an even more “worn in” effect.  The patinas actually look beautiful as they age over time, but if you want to keep it preserved for as long as possible follow the instructions below.

To preserve the patina:

1. Do not dip your jewelry in any anti-tarnish liquids or use a anti-tarnish cloth of any kind.
2. Take off the jewelry when having constant contact with water (bathing, swimming, etc.)
3. If you want to clean the surface, use a soft clean cloth to lightly buff

What is the best way to clean and care for Sterling Silver?

To prevent oxidation (which occurs when Silver meets air), store your pieces in their own little zip lock bags. It will preserve the beauty of each piece of silver jewelry.