Frequently Asked Questions

Are the stones in our jewelry all real natural stones?  Yes.  We will never use lab created stones.

Do you make every jewelry item you have?  Yes.  We have made every item we show in one way or another.

Where do the stones we use come from?  They come from all over the world.  Some stones are only found in limited locations and others are found in many places.  Our turquoise, for example, only comes from Tonopah, Nevada USA.  Our opals come from Nevada, Australia, Ethopia, Idaho, Utah and Mexico.  The stones from each of the areas all have different characteristics and we like to take advantage of what each has to offer.

Did we mine all the stones we have?  No, we do not travel to all areas of the world to find our stones.  In some cases, we let others bring to stones to us and we select from what they have brought.  We do not buy stones over the internet.  We personally hand select every stone we have.  

How do you select the stones you use?We look for special colors or designs in each stone we cut.  We look for popular stones and popular colors as well as unique and unusual stones that can only be found in certain areas.  And we also use shells that are very popular.

Do you use a tumbler to polish the stones?No.  We do not even own a tumbler!  We cut and polish each stone by hand to make sure we have brought out the best each one has to offer.

What do you emphasize in your jewelry?We try to emphasize the beauty each stone has to offer and use Sterling Silver to bring out those special features.  We use minimal amounts of silver so it does not distract from the stone.

Do you do custom work?No. We select the stones we will work with and custom work is a different type of work.  It is not always possible to create a special piece of jewelry using someone else’s stone when the stone has already been cut or if someone wants to match something they already have or wants a special shape.

Can you make multiple items?Yes, we can match the types or colors of stones, but not always the shape.  Every stone has different characteristics and colors and we like to follow what the stone has to offer and sometimes a particular shape can only be found in one spot of a stone.  We can do multiple items with the same types of stones and if given enough notice we can make matching sets.

What do you consider a matching set? A pendant and ring can be matched, for example, with the same type of stone and makes a beautiful set.  Another match would be a bolo made in the same stone or color for ushers or Fathers at a wedding to match what colors the bride is planning. Bolos and Belt Buckles are also considered matching items. Special Events also can have matching stones or colors.  We like to be flexible and give people the best each stone has to offer.

Can an item be duplicated?  NoSometimes a shape can be duplicated if the stone has the same colors or personality as another, but since all stones are individual characteristics, they can not be duplicated exactly.

How is the silver used? We only use Sterling Silver and Fine Silver in everything we make.  We never use Silver Plate!  The back of every item, whether it is a pendant, ring or bolo, all have Fine Silver.  We match the silver border to the stone so it has a perfect fit and then solder the two pieces together.  Once the polishing of the silver is completed, we wax it before gluing in the stone.

How do you know what each stone will become?Once a stone has been polished and completed with the silver bezel, it is then decided what it will become.  Larger stones usually become pendants and bolos.  Smaller ones make perfect rings of all sizes and shapes.

Can ring sizes be changed?No. The Sterling Silver ring bands are soldered to the back of the silver around the stone and the stone is glued in.  The size of a ring cannot be altered.

How do you know what sizes or stones should be made? We listen to our customers.  If we are in an area where rings are popular, we make more of them in stones that get the greatest attention in the popular sizes.  If pendants are the popular item of an area or holiday period, for example, then they are the ones made.  When we are in areas where the outdoors is part of the life style and hands are used frequently, larger rings are made, as well as bolos and belt buckles.  

Do you know the meaning of each stone?  No.  We are more concerned about whatever beauty each stone has to offer.  If they do not meet our standards, they never get completed into a finished product.

Do you offer birthstones for each month?  Sometimes.  Some birthstones are in our daily inventory, such as December is Turquoise and October is Opal. We also have other months in our inventory, but not all months have stones that can be cut and polished like we do. 

How long does it take to complete making a piece of jewelry? From the time we first cut the stone to the final completed piece of jewelry, it is approximately 6-8 hours per item – If everything goes smoothly…. Every item gets its’ own personal attention.

Are the stones in Beaded Necklace Sets real?  We do not cut those stones.  We try to make sure every stone in the beaded necklace sets are real when we purchase them.  If we discover an issue with a particular stone, we will let you know before you purchase anything. 

Can the length of a beaded necklace set be changed?  Yes. Different lengths can be created.  Some people like them longer, some want them shorter and we try to help them find the correct length.  If they request much longer, an extra charge will be added.

Can Beaded Necklace Sets be duplicated?  Yes.  If we have the same stones in inventory, we can duplicate the set.  If multiple sets are requested, we might have to order more stones, but it can be done.

Can a Beaded Necklace be combined to match a cut stone item?  Yes.  Sometimes people like to hang a pendant from one of the beaded necklace sets.

What does a Beaded Necklace Set have?It usually has matching earrings and purchased separately a matching bracelet can be available.

What are the silver necklaces we offer? All of our Silver Necklaces and bracelets are Italian Sterling Silver.  We do not have any silver plate necklaces or bracelets.

What are the Decorative Necklaces and Bracelets made of? They come in a variety of colors and designs.  Most are Silver and Gold with the decorative items.  We only use Sterling Silver and Gold Plated over Silver for the earrings and clasps.   The materials in between are a variety of materials, such as turquoise and amethyst stones or enamel.  Each one has its’ own personality.

We accept all of the credit cards listed below

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • PayPal

Refund and Returns Policy

We guarantee all our items for 30 days. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition it was when you received it. If it is in the same condition, we will give you a credit for a future purchase.

If an item requires a repair, you will need to send it back for evaluation. If 30 days have passed since your purchase, we will have to determine the issue and will let you know what we find.

To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.

Sale items

Only regular priced items may be refunded. Sale items cannot be refunded.

We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for a similar item, send us an email at mbaldwin@baldwinusa.com and we will give you an address to send your item to. Please do not send it to our storage unit that is listed on our business card.

If the item was marked as a gift when purchased and shipped directly to you, you’ll receive a gift credit for the value of your return. Once the returned item is received, a gift certificate will be mailed to you.

If the item wasn’t marked as a gift when purchased, or the gift giver had the order shipped to themselves to give to you later, we will send a refund to the gift giver and we will update them about your return.

To return your product, you should mail your product to the address we will provide you. Please do not send it to our storage unit that is listed on our business card.

You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you may vary.

If you are returning more expensive items, you may consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

Contact us at mbaldwin@baldwinusa.com if you have any questions.

Shipping Charge is $10.00 per unit/box shipped within the USA proper.

All items are shipped by USPS standard delivery.  If a different method is requested, we will be glad to do so and will charge accordingly.

A tracking number will be provided at the time of shipment.