Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you would like to exchange the size of an item, please fill out this return & exchange form and we’ll email you a return shipping label and get started on making you a different size.

    Exchanges may take a week or two depending on stock. We understand the difficulty of getting the right size and we are always happy to adjust/exchange a piece for you.

  • We have made many different pieces since 2015 and only some remain as active items in our collection. The quickest way to get a certain item/size is to fill out this form. We will let you know if and when it will be available.

    Thanks in advance for your patience!

  • We find many customers prefer longer chains for larger/heavier pendants and shorter chains for lighter/smaller pendants.

    Necklaces that sit on the collarbone range between 16 and 20 inches. Petite women with smaller necks sometimes choose a 16 inch chain, many women will find that 18 inches works best, and ladies with slightly larger necks may go for a 20 inch chain.

    We tend to put larger, heavier pieces on a 24 inch chain but if you would like a 22 or 30 inch chain please request it in the notes sections at checkout.

    The photo below shows where certain chain lengths might hang on some women.

  • If you receive your necklace and it’s not quite the right length, we would be happy to exchange the chain. Fill out our returns & exchanges form and add your chain request in the notes section. Or you can send an email info@shademetals.com

  • Unfortunately special requests are considered on a case by case basis. Most of our designs can be made in a different metal but it depends on a few different factors. Surprisingly the most important factor is the time of year. During our busy season we are less likely to fulfill custom requests.

    If you are curious you can fill out our special request form and we’ll get back to you with feasibility and timing. If it’s a ring be sure to include your size.

  • We guarantee our work regardless of how it breaks. Perhaps one of our solder joints fails, or maybe your ring falls off and rolls down a gravel hill. However it happens, just send us an email and we will repair it free of charge- info@shademetals.com. Or fill out our returns & exchanges form and let us know what is wrong in the notes setion.

  • No. We cast with sterling silver, 14k gold, and bronze. None of these alloys use nickel.

    Nickel is a bright white metal and is mainly used to make white gold whiter. Gold is naturally yellow, so to brighten it up some alloys use nickel while others rely on a rhodium plating to whiten the piece.

  • Generally a month or so should be long enough to know if you would like to wear and keep a piece of jewelry.

    However, some pieces are purchased as gifts several months, or even a year, in advance. For this reason we accept returns almost without limitation.

    What is important for us is that people who purchase, or receive, our jewelry wear and appreciate it. If you don’t want to keep the jewelry, please return it and we will be happy to refund you. You can process your return here: Returns & Exchanges.

How Do I Clean My Jewelry?

  • These cloths are infused with a compound that helps remove tarnish from a piece of jewelry. This method works best with less textured pieces, it’s just easier to rub across wider flat surfaces.

    Remember to wash with soap, water, and an old toothbrush afterwards. Bits of cloth may break off in the rubbing and get stuck in the nooks and crannies of your piece. Washing also helps remove the compound from the cloth that was deposited on your piece.

    Customers often ask us; what is the best polishing cloth to use with jewelry? Our favorite is the Sunshine Polishing Cloths that we buy from our supplier in New Mexico. They are durable and hardworking tools. Different varieties may be available at your local craft store as well.

  • We recommend Dawn dish soap, but use whatever is handy. Brushing your jewelry like you brush your teeth helps remove any dirt or dust that has gotten on your piece. A soft bristle brush works best.

    Many people are intimidated by the idea of water on their silver. It’s not the getting wet that darkens silver, it’s staying wet, so make sure you dry it! Shake it, towel dry it, or use a hairdryer for maximum dryness. Jewelry that is wet for a prolonged time, or stored in a humid room, tarnishes much more quickly.

  • This DIY method removes tarnish by actually removing the thinnest layer of surface metal. It is a mildly corrosive chemical reaction that strips away the tarnish. This method works great on chains and textured pieces.

    The video below shows you the results. Line a bowl with the shiny side of tinfoil facing up. Pour in the baking soda and submerge your piece in it. Pour over the boiling water and watch it bubble. Be careful when removing your piece from the hot water.

    A paste can also be made from hot water and baking soda, the paste can then be rubbed or tooth-brushed into hard to reach areas of your piece.

    Finish the process by cleaning it with soap and water. As always, make sure to dry it afterwards.

  • Humidity and heat are the main things to avoid when storing your jewelry. You can also use tarnish tabs, they are small sheets of paper that absorb compounds that will oxidize your piece. If you keep it in a box with a tarnish tab it will stay brighter, longer. Or you can put a few at the bottom of your jewelry display.

    It’s hard to buy tarnish tabs in quantities under 100, but they are cheap and you can always share them. Here is a link for tarnish tabs on Amazon.

    Your jewelry is also affected by perspiration and the oils in your skin. For most people, their silver stays brighter simply from wearing it. However, body chemistry does change because of hormones, medications, cosmetics and lotions, and this can make your silver tarnish more quickly. If your jewelry gets darker when you wear it, try washing it with soap and water afterwards. This will remove any oils from your skin and will, just be sure you dry it!

  • We are happy to clean any of your Shade Metals jewelry!

    This CLEANING SERVICE link charges you $10 and we will email you a shipping label to send us your jewelry. You can then drop the package at any USPS box without standing in line. Once we get it, we’ll freshen it up and return it to you looking like new. We want you to be able to wear your jewelry, not keep it sitting in a box until you can figure out how to clean it.

It’s hard to know how to tackle tarnish, below are some of our recommendations for a quick and easy brightening of your piece. Keep in mind, that you can always send any Shade Metals piece back to us for cleaning. Access this link or read more below about our Cleaning Service.

Kitchen Jewelry Cleaning Method

Other questions?

Fill out this form or text/call Cesar
(571) 226-7478

info@shademetals.com