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FAQ's
What materials are used in the finished jewelry items? TOP
All of our jewelry selections are composed of either sterling silver, vermeil, or gold-filled wire, beads and findings. In addition, the artisan-made glass lampwork beads are of own designs or from other reputable artisans. Additional components might include good quality freshwater pearls, Swarovski® crystals, Czech glass beads and crystals. We strive for exceptional quality in all of the jewelry components and continually look for the different and unique.
You can be 100% certain that we are never going to include mass-market, imported glass beads. Generally speaking the working conditions are poor and often dangerous for workers’ health, and we could never be certain that those beads were properly annealed in kilns and cleaned and finished to ensure integrity of the glass.
What do you mean by “lampwork”? TOP
Lampwork is the name of the process used to make the glass beads that you see on this site and the corresponding artist sites. Rods of colored glass are melted with a torch, around a stainless steel mandrel that, when removed, leaves the hole in the beads. In reality, it is much more complicated than that, but that's the general idea. Whole books have been written on the specifics! Smaller rods (stringers) or particles (frit) of colored glass are applied in a variety of techniques resulting in the decorative surface effects you see. The beads are ALL glass. What is annealing? TOP
Annealing is the controlled process of cooling beads after all fire/heat related processes are complete. If you take a hot glass out of your dishwasher and fill it with cool water, the glass will crack. It is the same effect with glass beads if they are cooled too quickly. One difference with cooling beads is that if they are not cooled or annealed properly, they could break at a later date. Proper annealing prevents this and ensures that your beads have a long, strong life! Always make sure that the lampwork beads (whether as loose beads or in jewelry) you are buying are annealed! How do we purchase items shown on the Bonded! By Fire website? TOP
Most pictures should have a link directly back to the artist who created the item. From there you can use the shopping carts on the site and complete your sale. If you have any specific questions, please contact the artist directly or leave an contact us here at the Bonded. By Fire site. What forms of payment do you accept? TOP
This will vary slightly from artist to artist but generally speaking: PayPal, MasterCard, and Visa are readily accepted. Discover and American Express may be offered by some artists. Specific details can be found on their sites. How much is shipping? TOP
Check the specifics at each artist’s site. Some offer free First Class shipping with upgrades available for Priority Mail. Insurance is usually optional. Shipping internationally is handled at the individual artist’s discretion. We are eager to work with you to meet your needs. Will you ship Internationally? TOP
It is best to email the artist about an item and availability for shipping internationally. We try to accommodate all requests. Do you take Custom Orders? TOP
The short answer is “YES.” The longer answer is “It depends.” Availability of glass colors and jewelry components play a part. Contact the artist for more information.
Will you remake something that has sold on the site? TOP
The short answer is “YES.” The longer answer is “It depends.” Availability of glass colors and jewelry components again play a part. In addition, some beads and art pieces are “one of a kind” and cannot be recreated. Others can be modified to remain somewhat unique. Still others are considered “stock” items and can be reordered. Contact the artist for more information. Do you accept returns? TOP
We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase! So if your purchase isn't what you expected, send an email and we will work together to come up with a resolution. Keep in mind that computer monitors vary in calibration and color display. All pictures are as close to the colors as possible, but variations will occur. Be sure to contact an artist with specific questions about beads or other items before you purchase. We love to hear from you. How is my personal information handled at Bonded! By Fire? TOP
Your privacy as a buyer is very important. Since purchasing is handled by individual artists, your email address is probably the only information collected by Bonded! By Fire. Rest assured that we will never share that information with other. The artists in the Bonded! By Fire circle are professionals who take care to ensure that your personal information is protected as well. No personally identifiable information will be shared with anyone at anytime, this includes name, address, phone numbers, email addresses or purchasing information. All credit card transactions go through secure channels to ensure that your information is safe. |
Chase Designs - Contagious Laughter Glass Marble 1 13/16 in -
$65.00 
