Most Frequently Asked Questions

 No one really knows when or where the ancient art of wire wrap originated. It is known that Egyptian and Phoenician artists practiced the art over 5,000 years ago as pieces have been found in the pyramids as well as ancient Pharaoh’s tombs.

 It is the only known metal jewelry that is created completely without soldering or casting. The wire used may be from many different alloys such as copper, brass, sterling silver, or gold. Although this art was lost for a while in history, it reappeared during the Victorian Era, when its popularity surpassed traditional cast jewelry. Since the late 1990's, wire-wrapped jewelry has continued to increase in its popularity due to the uniqueness, flexibility, and the “create ability” of its artisans. 

 Wire wrap jewelry, as with all fine jewelry, requires reasonable and sensible care. You can safely use the same cleaner that you use on your other fine jewelry. You can either take it to your jeweler, or if you prefer it is recommended you use a household soapy detergent, like Lemon scented Joy or Dawn, and a soft (old) toothbrush. First dip both the jewelry and the toothbrush in water. Now dip the toothbrush into the soapy detergent and gently scrub the jewelry. Rinse well. This process may be used on all fine jewelry and works especially well on blackened sterling. All fine jewelry should be cleaned often to maintain its beauty and prevent oxidation, as hand creams and soaps build up.

 Wash with warm soapy water, avoid harsh detergents, never clean ultrasonically, and never steam clean. Each piece of jewelry that you buy from Sand N Stones has an anti-tarnish strip tab that helps prolong the protection against tarnishing for up to 6 months. The tabs will not leave a deposit on the jewelry and are non-toxic and not abrasive. When the strip changes color it is time to replace. 

 You can also save all those little silica gel desiccant packets that are packaged with new handbags and shoes.  They are like little moisture absorbs and if you slip them in a plastic bag or in your jewelry box with your sterling jewelry they will help keep it from tarnishing. Just be sure to keep the packets away from children and pets as the contents are poisonous.
 

 The MJB’s Gemwrap at Sand N Stones uses only 14Kt. gold-filled and Anti-Tarnish Argentium® Sterling Silver wire.

 Argentium® Sterling Silver is real sterling silver — it is 935 parts out of 1000 silver, or .935. The difference is what the other 075 parts are. Traditional sterling silver uses copper as the balance of the sterling. Argentium® Sterling Silver is a trademarked and patented alloy that uses a combination of  copper and Germanium to make up the 075 parts of the sterling silver.

 Argentium® Sterling Silver is highly tarnish resistant. One jewelry designer who has used it for years in testing claims that she has never seen tarnish on any of her Argentium® pieces! In fact, Argentium® increases its tarnish resistance over time.  Argentium® wire is just a bit harder to work with than standard sterling. At only about $1.00 to $2.00 more per ounce, its tarnish resistance makes it well worth the money. Personally, I have found it depends on the acidity level of the person. If you are highly acidicthen all silver even the Argentium Silver will tarnish over time. We are positive that our jewelry will bring many generation great joy and appreciation.
 

 Pure gold is 24Kt. and is so soft that is it impossible to utilize it in wire wrap. Gold-filled (GF) refers to the process in which a layer of 10Kt. or better gold is mechanically bonded under heat and pressure to one or more surfaces of supporting base metal (usually jeweler's brass), then rolled or drawn to a given thickness (since it is a surface layer of gold, you cannot cast with it).
 

The finished product thus has a surface layer of gold of the appropriate karat weight, which is very thick compared to gold plate, gold electroplated or rolled gold plate. The quantity of gold must be at least 1/20th by weight of the total product. This is commonly marked as 14/20, 12/20 or 10/20, which means receptively 1/20th by weight 14Kt. gold-filled, 12Kt. gold-filled, etc. 

Beware of the difference! A 14Kt. Gold-filled material carries over a 10% cost increase over 12Kt. material. Most jewelry designers who wire wrap use 12Kt. gold-filled wire. The MJB’s Gemwrap uses only 14Kt. gold-filled and anti-Tarnish Argentium® Sterling Silver wire.

 14k Gold-filled wire is made by layering 14k gold over a base material, usually jeweler’s brass. The coating in 14/20 gold-filled wire is about 100 times thicker than gold plate. Most of what we use is 14/20 gold-filled wire. Gold-filled items are considered life-time products for most people, and the gold layer will not wear off, as it will in electroplated products. We can now do special orders in Red in some cases.

 Yes, You can choose a gem out of our cases or Michele will custom wire-wrap  a special gem, sea glass shard, dabloon, coin, fine bone china chaney, Delaware Bay Diamond, beach stone, seashell, arrowhead, toy marble, button, or give a handcrafted look to something you already own. It needs to be the size of a dime or larger. Sorry, I will not do any animal parts except for shark teeth. 

You can drop it off at Sand N Stones in person, or ship the item to my shop 112B Front Street, Lewes, Delaware 19958.  Please also include your name, phone number, address, e-mail address, and how you would like to be contacted.  When I receive the item, I will contact you, so that we can discuss details. How you want it wrapped in 14 K gold-filled, Anti-Tarnish Sterling Silver, or two-tone.  Pendant, pin, or earrings. If you want a swish or a rosette at the top.  How much it will cost to wire-wrap it? Prices start at $95.00 and go up from there.  You tell me to go ahead or not, and I get your credit card information at that time.  

If you don't have the stone, but know what you are looking for we can face-time chat with each other while I am in the Sand N Stones. I can show you some of the loose stones out of the cases over the phone that I have and will be happy to custom wire wrap one of my stones for you.    

 Shipping Terms: The standard shipping and handling for orders shipped USPS is 7-10 days.  However, handcrafted items may take a little longer depending on the season and how many orders I have to do prior to receiving yours. I do try to complete my orders promptly. 

 My wire wrapped jewelry starts at $95.00. The price really depends on…

•  If I am wrapping one of my pieces or if you are bring in or sending me something that you already own. 
•  If you want it wrapped in 14 k gold-filled, anti-tarnish Sterling Silver, or a combination of both,
•   If you want a pendant, pin, or earrings (which is like wrapping two pendants with a bit of a discount). 
•   It also depends on how big and how thick the piece is, because that determine how much wire I use.
•  Chains do not come with my pendants.  There are so many different styles, lengths, and thicknesses, so I sell the chains separately.  

•  We use Square Up and Paypal at Sand N Stones and when doing festivals. Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express· 
• We also take Money Orders, Travelers Checks, Sand N Stones Gift Certificates and Checks.
   

   -Sand N Stones, reserves the right to record identification numbers (such as driver's license, Military ID, or State Identification Card.) on the check.

 -The check must have a complete Street Address not just a PO Box and phone number. 

 -The figure and the written amount must match.

 -Check must not be postmarked. 

-Checks that I receive in the mail,  I try to put in the bank within 24 hours of receiving them. The check must be cleared before I send the merchandise. 

-There will be a $35.00 return check fee along with any other accrued charges that may apply. It is my policy to attempt to contact the customer regarding this matter.

 Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. 

 Yes, you can, as long as the item has not been shipped if it is a stone from Sand N Stones. If it is a piece you own, Your order can be canceled as long as I have not wrapped it already.  Please call or text Michele Buckler at 302-270-7027 or send me an e-mail gemwrap@comcast.net  

 We submit all requests for credit within 72 hours of receipt; however, it may take 7-10 business days for you to receive your credit. You should see this on your next credit card statement or the following one, depending on where you are in your billing cycle.

 If, within 20 days from the date purchased, you are not satisfied with your purchase, yes, it can be exchanged.  The merchandise must be in re-sellable condition. We will replace the item or provide a store credit for the full merchandise amount less any shipping charges. Merchandise returned without authorization will be refused, and the carrier can be charged freight in both directions. 

If a piece of jewelry was commissioned to have a made-to-order, I am sorry we can not return or exchange it. 

Due to health restrictions, opened bottles of essential oils or emu oil can not be returned or exchanged.   

 Yes, place an order online, and choose "In-Person Pickup" We will send you an email or text letting you know when your items will be available to pick up. When you get to the store, come on in or call us at 302-270-7027. You can park in one of the spaces in front of the store, on Front Street, and we will be happy to put your purchase in the trunk or backseat of your car.   

   Yes, at Sand N Stones.com.  We update the website and social media channels on a frequent basis.  If you don't see what you want on our websites, contact us and tell us what you would like, or request a photo of an item or shelf. You can email us, use IM Messenger, call or text. We are happy to Face-time chat shop with you too.  We are happy to help if we can in any way.   

 Yes, When you place your order and come to the Check Out screen, just replace your address with the address you want to ship your merchandise to, then continue. Remember to use a street address, not a Post Office Box, for any shipping address. Or you can add a note in the checkout section.  
 

 
Shipping charges vary according to shipping method and destination. Therefore, we are not able to reduce shipping charges for any reason.    
We usually ship USPS.  I like using Priority Mail or First Class with Insurance whenever possible. Most of the time we use Flat Rate Priority envelopes and boxes. The expected delivery is 1 to 4 days and they offer USPS Tracking service and Free Insurance up to $50.00. 

Boxes and padded envelopes are also used since they offer the best protection.

• Flat Rate Envelope is $8.75
• Flat Rate Small Box is $9.20
• Flat Rate Medium Box  is $16.25
• Shipping any box or envelope priority mail starts at $8.75
• Rapid delivery requires an additional fee. 
• Flat Rate Large Box is $22.95 

These prices may change to reflect the current prices at the USPS rates.

 No, It depends on how you would like your order shipped and if it is insured or not. It also depends on how big the package is being sent and how much it weighs. Your credit card may be billed twice for shipping charges.  Unless it has already been deemed that it ships for FREE! 

 No. Our merchandise is shipped via UPS, and a valid street address is needed to ensure proper delivery. If a P.O. Box is used as a shipping address, an error message will appear when submitting the order. We also cannot deliver to A.P.O., F.P.O., or out of the continental United States.  
 

We remain dedicated to the well-being of our customers and our community continues to be our top priority. Due to CDC recommendations and the current status of the pandemic in counties surrounding Sand N Stones, masks will no longer be required in our store, but they will remain recommended, especially for those individuals at high risk, or for those who have been exposed.

However, if you would like to make an appointment, please call 302-270-7027.  You can also place orders through our websites from the comfort of your home. You can select "In-Person Pickup" and we will email or text you when your order is ready or we are happy to ship USPS. 

• We recommend all customers wear a face mask if they have been in contact with someone who has a cold, flu, or COVID. 
•  We offer hand sanitizer at the cash register 
• We are disinfecting surfaces especially counters and doorknobs frequently. 
•  We are diffusing doTERRA Essential Oils (On Guard or a citrus oil) to cleanse and purify the air. If weather permits we leave the door open instead of diffusing for fresh air flow. 
• We may also run our ionic air purifier. 
• Be respectful of others, If you are not feeling well or think you have been exposed to the virus Please Stay Home and seek a medical professional.  Please place your order online or call us if we can help with your purchase.
• We are updating our social media and websites frequently with new products and any new updates.

During the COVID and Flu Season, we are glad to work with those whose disabilities limit their ability to wear a face-covering while still protecting our employees and other guests from the direct threat of the virus. Contact Michele Buckler to arrange a time to shop by emailing gemwrap@comcast.net  IM Message, call, or text message at (302) 270-7027. We will also be happy to schedule a Face-Time call with you and you can also check out our online store for safe distancing curbside pick up or we will ship.