Raquel Cole Jewellery - Frequently Asked Questions

Tiger tail wire is an incredibly strong, miniature, multithread stainless steel cable that is nylon coated, and made specifically for bead stringing.

All of the components including clasps, extension chain and crimps (used to hold crystals/pearls in place) on the tiger tail wire necklaces are sterling silver or 14ct gold filled. Prices are listed accordingly against each item in the Gallery.

All fittings, clasps and chain are genuine .925 sterling silver, 9ct gold or 14ct gold filled.

Unless stated otherwise in the item description, all tiger tail necklaces are made to measure 45cm and chokers are made to 38cm

Custom lengths (shorter or longer) on any necklace can be requested when ordering, please specify in cm or mm.

Depending on the length chosen this may require additional materials to be fitted. You will be advised of the extra costs (if any) when your order/quote has been confirmed.

Flower Girls: Necklaces are designed shorter to fit young girls from the age of 5yrs - 10yrs. If you are wanting to order a necklace please check with the parents if you are unsure of the length to order. Standard flower girl necklace lengths are 35cm. Custom lengths available.

If you are ordering a chain necklace from the Bridal range please specify your necklace length if you require more than the standard 45cm.

Some of the chain necklaces are 40cm plus the drop hanging down. These are noted in the item description.

The Bridal chain necklaces do not come with an extension chain, you must request this as an extra item when ordering.

Extension Chains: The tiger tail necklaces with Sterling Silver fittings come with an extension chain allowing you to adjust the length.

If an items states 'extension chain on request only' you can still request one in the order form.

So that I can keep prices competitive tiger tail necklaces with 14ct gold filled fittings do not have an extension chain.

If you would like to have a bracelet made to your exact wrist size, please follow the measuring instructions below.

Measure your wrist snuggly with a flexible or soft tape, measure just below the wrist bone. This is on the elbow side of your wrist bone, where you would wear your watch. This is your actual wrist size. The tape should touch the skin but not tight. Please do not add to this measurement for clasps or any extra room. I allow for this in the completed product. *Extender chains are only available in sterling silver only*

Once you have finished measuring your wrist, lay the ribbon or tape against a ruler and include the measurements (cm/mm) in the 'Additional Information' section of the ordering form. Another good idea is to measure a bracelet that you already have to get your bracelet size (please let me know if you are including the clasp in the length of the bracelet when measuring).

Gold filled or gold overlay is a process of pressure bonding a thin layer of gold to a base metal core (usually brass).

The gold content must be 1/20th (20 layers) or more, and unlike gold plating has an actual layer of gold, giving it more value and making it tarnish-resistant.

Gold-plated items, while cheaper, will not last as long. Eventually the thin gold layer will rub off. Gold-filled items, however, will remain gold for a lifetime if cared for properly.

Unless you are using harsh chemicals or abrasives, the gold layer will stay gold for years to come!

I use 14ct GF headpins to thread the crystals and pearls on. All gold earring hooks and studs are available in either genuine 9ct gold, or 14ct gold filled.

Note: If selecting the sterling silver option, all the components (headpins, hooks and studs) are genuine .925 sterling silver.

The word "Sterling" is the best known and most respected marking in use today. Pure silver (100%) alone is too soft for everyday use.

Copper (7.5%) is the metal commonly used to give "Sterling" its added stiffness and wearing qualities. Sterling (92.5%) is often referred to as solid silver. It is composed of 925 parts pure silver in every 1000 -- this proportion never varies -- it is fixed by law.

Can I stop sterling silver from tarnishing?

It can not be eliminated altogether, but you can help slow it down.

There is a golden rule for wearing jewellery and it holds true for both silver and gold jewellery.

The rule says that.....

"Your jewellery should be the last thing that you put on before going out, and it should be the first thing taken off when you get home."

Cardboard, paper and certain dyes leach fumes that damage silver. Moisture is also a factor. Silver should be stored in a zip-seal bag in a wooden, stone or plastic box somewhere other than your bathroom. To protect it from perfumes and lotions, make it the last thing you put on in the morning, and the first thing you take off at night. If it is a piece you don't wear daily, wipe it down with a soft dry cloth before storing it to remove any body oils. Also be aware that things like rubber and latex will actually burn your silver, even through several layers of plastic, so keep them as far apart from each other as possible.

Ingredients in cosmetics like powder packs, hair sprays etc can cause your silver jewellery to tarnish easily. Wash your silver jewellery with a phosphate free detergent before storing the jewellery. This practice will protect your silver jewellery from tarnishing and rarely require you to perform any tarnish cleaning processes. You can also help stop tarnishing by storing your jewellery in an air tight plastic bag. A silver cloth can be used to clean your jewellery and doesn't require any harsh chemicals. Just rub and your jewellery will shine again.

Bali beads are silver beads produced in Bali, Indonesia. These beads are handmade (not cast) with unique design and intricate detail. Because of its popularity, more countries are now producing this type of bead. Therefore, the term “Bali beads” is now generally referring to “Bali-style beads”. Bali silver usually has less than 92.5% silver content hence cannot be designated as Sterling.

Swarovski crystals are fired using a combination of natural minerals and quartz sand, and then cooled slowly to avoid stress and inclusions.

These Crystals are sometimes referred to as Austrian Crystals. Swarovski Crystal is not a natural crystal but is man made.

Swarovski crystals are manufactured by the Daniel Swarovski Company and are world renowned for their brilliance and precision. Swarovski, a family owned business, produces their own line of products as well as providing loose stones and components to designers in the art and fashion world.

Below is a list of the colours I have in stock. I do carry sample colours of the Swarovski range which can be used to match fabric samples.

Some crystal colours have an (*AB) Aurora Borealis coating applied to 1/2 the crystal, and gives a multi-coloured rainbow effect.

Note: The following chart shows the shapes and colours that I hold in stock. Other colours can be available with Custom orders.

Swarovski pearls are not genuine natural pearls, but rather, simulated pearls. Crystal pearls by Swarovski are pearls based on a crystal core.

Their unparalleled harmonious and lustrous shimmer is achieved by using a unique coating technology developed by Swarovski.

This is the first production method in the world, which combines the qualities of a perfect crystal core with the exquisite beauty of a pearl coating.

Note: The following chart shows the shapes and colours that I hold in stock. Other colours can be available with Custom orders.

Freshwater pearls are a cultured pearl, having been produced by a freshwater mollusc rather than saltwater. The rice grain shape is its most distinguishing feature however it can in in fact have a number of different shapes, sizes and colours with a perfect or near perfect round the most desirable. The unique shapes, array of colours and affordable prices have made freshwater pearls popular today. Of all the millions of oysters nucleated each year only a small proportion manage to bear quality pearls, with a perfect pearl being a truly rare event.

Note: As freshwater pearls are formed naturally this makes them unique in colour and shape.

There is a golden rule for wearing jewellery and it holds true for both silver and gold jewellery.

......."Your jewellery should be the last thing that you put on before going out, and it should be the first thing taken off when you get home."

This wire is an incredibly strong, miniature, multithread stainless steel cable that is nylon coated, and made specifically for bead stringing.

Tiger tail wire is fine if cared for the right way. It is recommended that you don't wear it in the shower or to bed. Follow the golden rule "last on and first off". You can easily curl it into a circle to store. It can bend if not handled correctly.

Note: Jewellery can not be returned/exchanged for a credit due to bent tiger tail wire.

I will gladly repair a piece of Jewellery if the wire has become bent. Please contact me for a quote.

Your pearls will stay cleaner if you put them on after you've applied your makeup, perfume or hairspray.
Wipe your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as you take them off. The cloth can be dampened with water or it can be dry.

If damp, allow the pearls to air dry before putting them away. DO NOT use heat to dry your pearls as this can dry them out and cause cracking.

Your body oil can make pearls loose their shine and become dull. Dirty pearls can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution.
Never clean your pearls with solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents. Don't use abrasive cleaners or rub pearls with abrasive cloth. This can wear away the pearls natural nacre coating. *** NEVER put pearl Jewellery in an ultrasonic cleaner ***

Storing Pearls
Don't store your pearls with other Jewellery, because they can be scratched easily when metal or crystals rub against them.

Find a special slot in your Jewellery box for the pearls, or keep them in a soft bag like the organza gift bag that comes with your purchase from Raquel Cole Jewellery.

Crystals will stay cleaner if you put them on after you've applied your makeup, perfume or hairspray.

They can be safely cleaned regularly using warm soapy water or occasionally using an ultrasonic Jewellery cleaner.

Crystals with an AB finish are best cleaned in warm soapy water without any harsh cloths as this can scratch the AB coating.

If you are not completely satisfied, you can return your necklace or bracelet order for a credit or exchange to the same value - excludes shipping costs. Sorry no cash refunds.

EXCLUSIONS: Not accepted are Custom designs, and for health reasons we do not exchange earrings

The returned items must be received by us within 14 days from the date of shipment.

All items must be returned in the original condition as it was sent. Any returns showing signs of wear or alterations, cannot be accepted. Exchanged items will not be sent to the customer until the original purchased item has been received and quality checked.

If there is a genuine fault with any product I will gladly repair or replace it free of charge.

This does NOT include bent tiger tail wire. Read 'Jewellery Care' for guidelines about looking after tiger tail products.

Replacement earrings are available. e.g: If a pair cost you $20, then to replace one earring will cost $10, plus shipping.

We can also repair necklaces and bracelets provided we have the materials in stock to match your item.

I am no longer available to provide Jewellery consultations at my studio. Please view the Gallery if you wish to order online.

Any customer (yes that's you too) can purchase from my website and you will receive the wholesale prices as listed in the Gallery.

As I offer wholesale pricing all website orders do require a minimum purchase of $150.00 (excludes shipping).

You'll notice that the majority of products listed are very competitively priced compared to Wedding jewellery in retail outlets.

Raquel Cole Jewellery offers affordable wholesale prices while maintaining a high standard of materials and quality designs.

All designs shown on the website have been handmade by myself (Owner and Designer) Raquel Cole.

This ensures attention to detail of every piece and that only the highest standard of product is delivered to you, the customer.

Feel free to request custom made jewellery. Most of my designs can be customised or altered so please don't hesitate to ask if unsure. You may decide to change a design from pearls to crystals or a mix of both. You can view some of these designs by clicking on Custom Made at the top of any page. If you do have a custom made request you can ask for a quote.