What forms of payment do you accept?

You can pay for your orders through our SSL secure shopping cart using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. We do not take PayPal at this time.

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Is checkout secure?

Yes. Gemkitty uses SSL encryption to protect your information during checkout and does not store your credit card information. To view our SSL certificate you can click here. For more information on how we protect your personal information, you can view our privacy & security policy.

In addition, McAfee Site Advisor has tested our site and deemed it safe.

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Do you charge sales tax?

Nope. Gemkitty is based in Oregon, which has no sales tax.

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Do take orders outside of the United States?

Sorry, we only currently bill and ship within the continental U.S. (including Hawaii and Alaska).

We hope to offer international shipping in time for the 2010 holiday shopping season.

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How do I check my order’s status?

If you have an account with Gemkitty, you can check your order status by clicking on the “My Orders” tab in the My Account section of the site.

If you don’t have an account with us, no worries! We’ll email right after you place your order and again at the time we ship. That shipping confirmation email will contain a UPS or USPS tracking number.

Alternatively, if you really, really need to inquire about the status of your order, you can contact us with your order number and we’ll let you know!

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Will I receive order and shipping confirmation emails?

Gemkitty will send you an email confirmation shortly after you place an order. Please check your bulk/spam folder if it does not appear in your inbox.

We will also send you another email at the time your order ships. This shipping confirmation email will contain a UPS or USPS tracking number.

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How will my jewelry be packaged?

All Gemkitty orders arrive gift ready. Below is a peek!

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I still have a question!

Contact us or email us directly at orders@Gemkitty.com.

We promise a speedy response!

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I’m a bride interested in designing jewelry for my bridal party. Do you do anything special for brides?

Yes! And congratulations! We’re thrilled you would like us to be part of your special day.
Glamour Magazine thinks you’ve made a smart choice!:)

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Free Shipping and No-Hassle Returns?

Yes, we offer both on all orders!

Standard Shipping via UPS ground (Limited Edition and custom necklace orders) and USPS First-Class (custom earring orders) from our Portland, OR studio is free. Transit times typically takes between 1 to 5 business days.
2-Day and Overnight shipping via UPS is also available. Prices vary depending on the distance traveled and start at $20.

And the No-Hassle Returns?

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Can I ship to an APO / FPO or P.O. Box address?

No. Unfortunately, we do not as UPS does not deliver to these types of addresses. If you do not have an alternate address and would like to make a purchase, please contact us and we can arrange something for you.

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My tracking number isn’t working! Why?

Tracking numbers can take a few hours to show up on the UPS and USPS website. We recommend you wait a bit and try again. If you are still having problems with your tracking number, no worries! Drop us a line at order@gemkitty.com and we’ll figure it out within 24 hours.

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What is your return policy?

Our Satisfaction Guarantee

We’re confident you’ll love your GemKitty jewelry. Why? Because it’s your design, because our gemstones are hand-selected and because our artisans craft your design with love.
However, if for any reason, you don’t love it, we’ll take it back, no questions asked! You can return your jewelry within 30 days of receipt for a full refund. You only pay for return shipping. Return instructions

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How do I return my order?

To make a return:

1. Securely pack your itemsin a sturdy box with padding to prevent damage during transit.
2. Circle the item(s) being returned on the packing slip or order confirmation email and indicate the reason for return.
3. Send your packages prepaid — we do NOT accept C.O.D. deliveries — to:
Returns
Gemkitty Jewelry
1550 SE 20th Ave. #101
Portland, OR 97214

We will send you an email as soon as we receive your return package.

Please insure package against the full value with your shipping carrier as Gemkitty is not responsible for packages lost or damaged in transit,

We will only refund shipping charges if there was an error on our end. We will process your return promptly, although it might take one to two billing cycles for the refund to appear on your credit card statement.

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What if I want to make an exchange?

We try our best to provide exchanges and replacements when contacted within 30 days of purchase whenever possible, but due to the limited nature of many of our products and our constantly changing stock, it is not always possible to replace certain items.

To make an exchange, we ask that you email us first, including both your order number and whether you are looking to exchange for an identical piece or something different. We try to respond to exchange or replacement requests within 48 hours.

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How long will it be before my order ships?

Limited Edition orders ship within two days of the order’s being placed.
Design Your Own orders normally take up to 5 days to ship.
Please note that UPS/USPS are not open on the weekends.

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What if I need my jewelry faster? Are there ways to speed things up?

You can speed up your orders in two ways:

First, you can shorten the shipping time by selecting the expedited overnight or 2-day shipping option during checkout.

Second, and exclusively in the case of Design-Your-Own orders, you can add Rush Service (for an additional $20) from within your shopping cart. Choosing this service guarantees your order will ship within 2 days.

NoteUPS/USPS are not open during the weekends, so a rush order placed on Thursday will not be picked up by UPS/USPS until the following Monday.

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Oops, I ordered the wrong length by accident. Can you fix this?

As long as we have the beads needed in stock, we’re happy to restring your necklace to your desired size.
Please email us with details and we’ll see what we can do!

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How much does UPS 2-Day or Overnight shipping cost?

Please use the below table:

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Can I send someone a gift from Gemkitty?

Of course! During checkout, we give you the option to include a free personalized gift card with your gift order. And, of course, all gift orders include gift receipts that do not contain pricing information.

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How will the order be packaged?

Your order will arrive gift ready:

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Do you offer Gift Certificates?

Yes, we do! You can purchase from our Gift Certificates page.

We offer both e-gift certificates (emailed to recipient the same day of purchase) and snail mail certificates (mailed the same/ next business day).

View a sample certificate.

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I have a gift certificate, how do I redeem it?

Gemkitty gift certificates are redeemed during step 2 of the checkout process. Please see the certificate itself for terms and conditions. Conditions may vary from certificate to certificate.

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What is the Limited Edition?

Gemkitty’s Limited Edition offers a twist on the typical jewelry-store experience. We:
– Sell only one exclusive handcrafted design at a time. When a particular design sells out,
we put up a new one.
– Love to commission pieces from up-and-coming designers worthy of more attention.
– Base many designs on hard-to-find semiprecious gemstone shapes and cuts.
– Strictly limit our production run (no more seeing the same thing on someone else at a party).
– Promise never ever to bring back a design: Once a Limited Edition sells out, it stays that way.

So if our current design is especially you, don’t wait. What’s available right now won’t be for long. And it definitely won’t come ’round again.

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How long will each current Limited Edition will be on sale?

How long a Limited Edition stays available depends on the number produced (sometimes only 1!) and, of course, how quickly the design sells. We’ll post a new item shortly after the current item sells out, so we suggest you check back often for new pieces. Alternatively, if you prefer to receive updates about new items as they come out, you can keep up with new Limited Editions via Twitter, or via our RSS feed.

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Is there a way of being alerted each time a new Limited Edition goes on sale?

Yes, two ways actually. If you use twitter, you can follow our Limited Edition twitter page, which sends out real-time alerts every time a new Limited Edition goes live. Alternatively, you can subscribe to our RSS feed, which has the same information.

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I missed an item that is now sold out, can I still get one?

No. Each piece is available for a limited run and time. Sorry.

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I’m a jewelry designer or jewelry design student, can I design a Limited Edition?

We are always interested in working with new designers and artisans. Please contact us and we’ll chat!

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Will my Limited Edition jewelry look exactly like what I see on screen?

We strive to accurately depict the look of our pieces online, but, that said, there may not be a 100% correspondence between what you see online and what you receive.

First, every computer is different, so the colors you see on your screen may differ slightly from the colors of the actual stones.

Second, and more important to keep in mind, our gemstones are naturally occurring (not treated), so there are always variations from one stone to another. Plus, because our gemstones are often cut and polished by hand, there can be slight variations in the finish and shape. No pair of gemstone beads are ever exactly alike. This is what makes your jewelry so unique!

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I see what look like internal flecks or blemishes on my gemstone beads. Is that a problem?

No, this is normal, and it’s a sign that your gemstones are truly natural. Naturally occurring gemstones have inclusions and blemishes, which can consist of any of the following: inclusions, clouds, feathers, included crystals or minerals, knots, cavities, cleavage, bearding, internal graining, polish lines, grain boundaries, and naturals. This is because the stones formed in the earth via natural processes, and then were later mined, cut, and polished to make your jewelry.

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I put something in my cart, but now it’s gone. What happened?

Due to the scarcity of each Limited Edition design, items that you add to your cart are reserved for only 30 minutes before being released back into the wild.

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What is the deal with Design Your Own Necklace/Earrings?

Design Your Own is the easiest way for anyone to design their own colorful, semiprecious gemstone jewelry. Your design is handcrafted to order in our Portland, OR studio, then shipped to your door.

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What metals do you use for the clasp, chain etc.?

We use only .925 sterling silver and 14k gold filled components to finish our pieces.

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How do I add matching earrings to my necklace?

A simple, but classic matching pair of earring takes just one click!

Once you complete customizing your necklace style, you can use the dropdown menu on top right to “Add earring” Please note, the Chain Me Up necklace style does not offer this feature.

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How will my Design My Own necklace fit? Which size is right for me?

What sizes of Design Your Own necklaces are available?

We offer two base lengths:

• 16” with an up-to-two inch extender (so anywhere between 16" & 18")
  
• 18" with an up-to-two inch extender (so anywhere between 18" & 20")

How do I know whether the 16-18” necklace or the 18-20” necklace is the right one?

To find your ideal length, wear the measuring tape as a ‘necklace’ and note the right length for you.

You can also the measure a necklace you already own, that falls as you want your Gemkitty necklace to fall.

I don’t have a measuring tape!

I don’t have a printer to print the pdf!

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I want to design a necklace for my girlfriend, mom, etc., but I don’t know where to begin.

We suggest you do a wee bit of detective work and pay attention to the jewelry your loved one currently wears. What colors does she like? Does she prefer bigger elements or more delicate ones? Does she wear beaded necklaces or chains? Does she wear her necklaces long or short?

If you would like suggestions , drop us a line! and our personal shopper Rebecca will respond on a jiffy!

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Will my necklace look exactly like what I see on screen?

We strive to accurately depict the look of our pieces online, but, that said, there may not be a 100% correspondence between what you see online and what you receive.

First, every computer is different, so the colors you see on your screen may differ slightly from the colors of the actual stones.

Second, and more important to keep in mind, our gemstones are naturally occurring (not treated), so there are always variations from one stone to another. Plus, because our gemstones are often cut and polished by hand, there can be slight variations in the finish and shape. No pair of gemstone beads are ever exactly alike. This is what makes your jewelry so unique!

Lastly, if it fits better with the style or size of the necklace, we may substitute some findings (including clasp style) for equivalent parts of equal value.

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Ok, so then tell me more about the gemstones you use.

Gemstones have an incredible history of uses and meaning through different cultures. We seek out superior-quality gemstones from around the globe to share with you. More information on the many types of stones we work with can be found here.

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I see what look like internal flecks or blemishes on my gemstone beads. Is that a problem?

No, this is normal, and it’s a sign that your gemstones are truly natural. Naturally occurring gemstones have inclusions and blemishes, which can consist of any of the following: inclusions, clouds, feathers, included crystals or minerals, knots, cavities, cleavage, bearding, internal graining, polish lines, grain boundaries, and naturals. This is because the stones formed in the earth via natural processes, and then were later mined, cut, and polished to make your jewelry.

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I put something in my cart, but now it’s gone. What happened?

Items added to your cart are reserved for 30 minutes before being released back into stock.

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How will my Design My Own necklace fit on me?

What sizes of Design Your Own necklaces are available?

We offer two base lengths:

• 16” with an up-to-two inch extender (so anywhere between 16" & 18")
  
• 18" with an up-to-two inch extender (so anywhere between 18" & 20")

How do I know whether the 16-18” necklace or the 18-20” necklace is the right one?

A 16-inch necklace that hits the collarbone on one person, might be a choker on another. So to find your ideal length, wear the measuring tape as a ‘necklace’ and note the right length for you.

You can also the measure a necklace you already own, that falls as you want your Gemkitty necklace to fall.

I don’t have a measuring tape!

You can print and assemble a paper one: sizing pdf

I don’t have a printer to print the pdf!

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How do I care for my Gemkitty jewelry?

With proper care, most Gemkitty pieces should last a lifetime. We recommend you protect your jewelry from unnecessary stresses, direct exposure to chemicals such as perfume & lotions, and intense heat. Don’t forget to take off your jewelry before napping and athletic activity! When not in use, please store in a closed container to avoid tarnish.

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Do different beads have different care needs?

Yes! When it comes to gemstone care, one approach does NOT fit all. To give just one example, porous beads such as pearls and mother of pearl should not be submerged in water at any time as that will damage them. Do not scuba dive wearing these guys! On the other hand, non-porous stones can typically be safely submerged in water (not that we recommend it).

It also important to pay attention to the fine print if you are using a commercial jewelry-cleaning product; for example, if you’re trying to clean something porous (like your pearls) you should check that it is specifically marked “safe for pearls.” Since some commercial products use potent chemicals, be sure to consult a physician to ensure that you will not have an adverse reaction to the particular cleaning agents they contain.

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How do I clean my Gemkitty jewelry?

There are many commercial jewelry-cleaning products available, but we like to keep it simple here at Gemkitty.

You can clean your jewelry with a solution made up of a little mild dishwashing detergent mixed with warm water. We don’t recommend submerging your piece, because if it contains any porous stones (like pearls) this can damage them. Instead, wipe the individual stones with a soft microfiber cloth or soft towel dipped in your cleaning solution and then gently and briefly rinse and dry the stones. A toothbrush or stiff-bristled brush is not recommended as it can be too abrasive and scratch the softer silver components of your jewelry.

Because some commercial products use potent chemicals, be sure to consult a physician to ensure that you will not have an adverse reaction to the particular cleaning agents they contain.

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What about cleaning the silver?

Pure sterling silver will tarnish as it reacts with the sulfur compounds that are naturally present in air. That’s just a fact of life, kid. Here are some tips to help prolong the shine:
– Frequently wearing silver will prevent tarnish by coating the piece with the body’s natural oils.
– Avoid exposure to sunlight, foods (especially eggs!) and chemicals such as hairsprays.
– Store your jewelry in an airtight container such as a zip-top bag along with an anti tarnish strip. These are available at bead shops and online retailers. We’d also be happy to send you a strip free of charge. Just email us the request!

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D’oh! I didn’t listen to your care advice and my silver has tarnished!

To bring the shine back, we recommend using a silver cleaning cloth, such as the Sunshine Cloth. You can find something similar in most beading stores and from many online retailers. We’d like to help you bring the shine back; email us and we’ll send you a cloth free of charge.

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What if my jewelry needs to be repaired?

We hope you’ll never need a repair. However, in the unlikely event you do, we are happy to repair your item free of charge for up to 90 days after purchase. Contact us to get the process started. Since our stock changes often, some gemstones may not be available for repair, in which case we will make every attempt to find something similar.

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What’s the deal with the newsletter?

Our newsletter, sent once a month, will highlight our newest designs and fashions, and may include special subscriber-only offers or sale announcements. if you provide your birthday (optional) on the sign up form, you’ll receive a special treat from us on your special day!

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How do I unsubscribe from the newsletter?

You can unsubscribe through the unsubscribe link provided at the bottom of each newsletter. You can also unsubscribe here.

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Are you on Twitter?

Yes! You can follow us here

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Are you on Facebook?

Yes, you can fan us here.

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I’m a member of the press/a blogger and would like to write/interview the kitties at Gemkitty.

We’d love to hear from you! Please email us with what you’re looking for. Just let us know if you’re working under a tight deadline. We promise to get back to you in a timely fashion.

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How do I create a Gemkitty account?

You can create an account here.

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What are the benefits of creating an account?

By creating an account, you will be able to:
– Check out faster by saving frequently used addresses
– Review current and past order details online

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Help, I forgot my password!

You can request your password to be emailed to the email address you provided upon signup.
Request your password here.

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I need more help with my account, what’s the best way to contact you?

We highly recommend that you email us instead, because it’s the fastest way to get a response. We’re a very small company, busy crafting and filling orders. But we work very hard to respond to each and every email we receive within 24 hours, usually even sooner.

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Is your checkout secure?

Yes. Gemkitty uses SSL encryption to protect your information during checkout and does not store your credit card information. To view our SSL certificate you can click here. For more information on how we protect your personal information, you can view our privacy & security policy.

In addition, McAfee Site Advisor has tested our site and deemed it safe.

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I want to learn more about your privacy & security policies.

You can view them here.

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