FAQ

For information and tips about how to find your measurement, please see my video tutorial found here. For additional help, you are welcome to contact me. I also have low cost sample sizes available for purchase here. Note: I cannot tell what size your gauges or dreads are based on a picture alone. An object of reference is quite helpful...

For tips and tricks about how to install your new dreadlock beads, view my tutorial found here.

Yes. All of my items come in a customized gift box with a recycled fabric accent and hand drawn art details. If you would like a specific color wrapping or if you have a masculine/feminine preference, you are welcome to leave me a note in the "Special instructions for seller" box upon checkout, or message me via my contact form on my contact page.

I do not make adjustable hair jewelry because I find that it compromises the strength and stability as well as the alignment of the design elements. This is another reason I offer custom sizing for no additional fee, as I want you to be able to enjoy your beads for a very, very long time.

While many of my wire designs will bend if forced, I would highly recommend against it. Wire will weaken severely over time with constant bending. To prevent this and to have, strong, long-lasting beads that you will be able to enjoy for a long time, it is best to measure your locs, dreadlocks, beard sections, or braids prior to purchase so you can order the size that will best work for you.

Many of my metal cuffs and coils are available in either option to allow styling variety. Raw beads are purposely left unsealed so they can receive environmental exposure and develop a natural earthy patina. Beads that are sealed with a clear coat protectant will hold onto their shiny, fresh finish for as long as the beads are properly cared for and the clear coat protectant doesn't become compromised.

Processing time can be located in each listing description and can differ based on the item you purchase. Processing time is the time I have allowed myself to make your item. Based on my workload, there is often a short waiting list. To be fair to all customers, orders are made in the order they were received. Please also keep in mind that the size of your order will also affect the time it will take me to complete your order. Your patience is much appreciated.

Shipping times are estimates that are given by the USPS, and reflect the amount of time your order will take to arrive once I drop it off at the post office. For more in depth info about my shipping and processing, please read my shipping policy page located here.

My time zone is Eastern time USA. I work very hard to answer everyone's inquires in a timely manner. I often answer most messages quickly and at all hours. However, please keep in mind that I will sometimes opt to reply within normal, average business hours in order to accomplish work tasks that keep me away from my office, and to perform normal day to day life tasks.

Please keep in mind that proper measurement is very important. I make everything from scratch exactly as you request it. If you accidentally order the incorrect size, please contact me. I'm happy to speak with you about it.

To preserve the color, shine, qualities and finishes of the various elements of my designs, and to make sure you can enjoy them for years to come, I do not recommend showering with them in unless otherwise stated in the listing.

Just like with any other jewelry, exposure to water, soaps, and aggressive force (i.e. scrubbing your hair) can dull out the elements, break down the connections, and cause tarnish over time. This is especially true in regard to stones or crystals, or organic materials like shells and feathers, as soap can cause a film to develop that can dull the luster and shine of these elements.

For more information about Heatherfish jewelry care, please read the information provided on my jewelry care page.

Ready to Ship - Products tagged with this description are already made and ready to be shipped out. Ready to Ship products ship in 1-2 business days unless otherwise marked.

Made to Order - Product listings tagged with this description are custom made according the choices provided. These products are not pre-made. By purchasing "Made to Order" products from my store, you are asking me to make you an item from scratch. Processing days for Made to Order items are posted in every Made to Order product listing. Your patience during the creation process is much appreciated.

I have removed extra small sizes from the selection menus throughout my store due to an uptick of customers ordering these sizes and requesting refunds due to mismeasurement.

Selling these sizes instead by request gives me the opportunity to start a dialogue that allows me to double check that the customer has taken the proper measurements. It also allows me to explain details regarding what they can expect with extra small sizes prior to ordering. Additionally, it prevents me from spending time making very difficult items that are returned.

Per state laws and regulations, I'm not allowed to resell used hair accessories, and as a result, any returns will go to waste.

Thus, this method will be beneficial to both parties and assure ordering accuracy.

No. This is not possible. My cuffs and coils are not made from a preformed blanks or other manufactured forms. I make them from raw material. Therefore, I measure out the size that is required, and then I texturize, trim, anneal, file, form, and finish each bead separately.

Cutting them in half with a jeweler's saw is not actually possible unless the beads remain unfinished with burrs and snaggy edges. I would not ship an item like this. Thus, I would have to re-anneal the sliced cuff halves and open them back up to file, smooth, and calibrate, then form and finish them all over again. That means that what would have been one full process becomes 3 full processes for the price of one, as well as the time it takes to flatten out an already formed design. As an artist and maker, this is unsustainable. Thank you for your understanding.

No. The smaller the diameter, the higher the difficulty and the more time and effort it takes to make. But, I still charge equal price. Most would think that because smaller cuffs have less material, the prices should be less... but, that just isn't how it works. If the price points were assigned based on labor alone, smaller sizes would be almost twice the price. However, I take the time loss because I want everyone to be able to enjoy my beads for equal prices regardless of the size of their locs or braids. For many of my cuff and coil designs, material cost is the most inconsequential part of my pricing formula.

Honestly... it's totally logical. Especially for creators of minuscule objects. Otherwise, I'd lose my mind. Maybe it's my little rebellion against America's stubborn attachment to the old and reluctance to join the modern world.