FAQ

Frequently Asked....

Where can I find me some R&S goodies?

I offer two types of work: Small-Batch and One-of-a-Kind.

My 'Small-Batch Series' is a line of jewelry I design, fabricate and finish in my shop, and these designs run seasonally. I offer them here in-stock and some as made-to-order. The collection is a combination of both brand-new and tried-and-true classic designs each year. This is what you'll find at most stores in MT!

My 'One-of-a-Kind' or OOAK collections are just that: One of a kind! I happily and with joy build you pieces from the heart, a honor and privilege to do so. I usually build jewelry pieces in a theme or body of work that coincides with seasons, adventures, life in Montana, and other inspirations from the natural world. I will not retire my silversmithing journey ANY time soon, so if you are on the hunt for a piece, please check back often to see when the next OOAK collection hits the shelves!

One of a Kind work always hits the online shop first, and if it sits for a bit, I send it to my gallery representation. If you may have missed your one true love, it's possible it has been relocated to Bozeman or downtown Whitefish. Check out a list of my awesome partners HERE.

How can I grab something OOAK online? Everything is 'SOLD OUT'.

I love that you love my work so much THAT IT SELLS OUT! I realize it is frustrating to show up here, just to see that everything OOAK is sold and gone! I'm working on ways this can be an easier process, but currently your best bet is this:

-Make sure you're on the email list. I offer updates, sneak peeks, sales, and sometimes early access to the shop. Make sure you follow me on Instagram and Facebook. These are the places I announce times and dates for releases.

-Make sure you have your payment information on-hand and possibly saved. You can start an account and log-in each time you visit, where you can save your profile, shipping info, and card information for faster check-out.

-Buy that magical OOAK piece you are eyeing during a shop update ONE purchase at a time, instead of filling up a cart with all your wishes. If items sit in a cart, they can be potentially purchased while you are checking out!

-Be in touch! I have started to offer some designs that work well as Made-to-Order, like ring stacks and settings I can recreate in a way that is both helpful AND one of a kind! Sign up for my newsletter HERE or peruse my feed on Instagram for updates, as this kind of offering tends to be spontaneous!

Do you accept reserves? Can’t I just buy that finished piece I saw online today. Like RIGHT now?

No I do not accept reserves, and as much as I would love to just sell my work as it is finished, It would be neither fair nor professional of me to sell pieces behind closed doors, especially if it’s online already. Thank you for your understanding.

I do have a few galleries that represent me. If you are looking for that special piece that slipped out of your orbit, there's a fair chance it may be housed by one of my amazing partners. See a full list HERE.

What are your shipping policies?

DOMESTIC ORDERS ship USPS Priority mail within 5 business days of purchase, unless marked made-to-order with a specific timeline attached. You will be notified via email once your package ships and be provided with tracking info. Domestic packages come with $100 insurance through the post office.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS will be shipped as you see fit when you check out. As an International customer, it is YOUR responsibility for knowing your country's import restrictions and understand that I am not responsible for any customs fees, duty fees, or applicable taxes on international purchases you might incur.

A NOTE ON ALL SHIPPING: PLEASE make sure your shipping information is complete and correct! I cannot be held responsible for delays in orders because your information is either incomplete or incorrect.

How can I expect my jewelry to be packaged? Do you offer gift wrapping?

Everything that is shipped from my studio comes ready for gift-giving! I really enjoy wrapping up all your orders, and take great care and pride in shipping them to you with ribbon, tissue, thank you notes, and surprises. I use 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard boxes, and reuse shipping materials GLADLY. If you receive a reused mailer, don't fret, it's me, being all 'recycle-y'.

If you'd like to ship your package as a gift, just leave me instructions in your checkout process to do so. Please leave the 'to' and 'from' in notes and I'll make it happen!

Do you do custom work?

No I don't anymore. I've found that I work best without custom work hanging over me, and eventually, in a dusty ol' pile at the bench. If you are in that dust, I'm so sorry for my negligence. I'm afraid custom and I just aren't a good fit together.

Do you offer wholesale?

Absolutely, yes! I currently offer a select wholesale series specifically for retailers. Please CONTACT ME and I can get you all set up. Thanks for your interest!

Do you teach any workshops online or in-person?

Not currently. I find my studio to be quite tiny and don't have the space currently to take on students. In the future this might change!

I wrote you a note/DM/email/msg/text and I still haven't heard from you. What's up with that?

I am most certainly and admittedly VERY BAD when it comes to returning calls, notes, emojis, texts, smoke-signals, etc. and I apologize in advance. If I replied to everything everyone wrote, I'd never get to the bench.

I am best at email, at erin@ragandstonestudio.com.

DM's online are NOT a good way to contact me and some are automated replies for your sanity and mine. If it's important, send me an email. If it's an inquiry, send me an email. If it's how awesome you think my dog is, (thanks!) send me an email.

What is Liver of Sulphur?

Liver of Sulphur is a naturally occuring material that gives hot sulphur springs their "rotten-egg" smell, and also is a fabulous way to turn silver jewelry almost black. I use this natural chemical as a patina to change the color of my jewelry, and I finish it with a Brillo brush, much like a pan-scrubber. This leaves my jewelry a very matte gunmetal-gray, and shows the raising and hammering of silver beautifully. This patina is NOT permanent, and will wear to a shiny silver as time passes and you wear your jewelry, wash your jewelry, and enjoy your jewelry! I am happy to re-finish your piece with this darkened patina any time at no charge, just ask! Please take a peek at Jewelry CARE for more info.

What is Gold Fill, or 14/20?

Gold-fill is a material I have learned to love over the years! I use it in a lot of my small-batch designs for its durability and its value. Jewelers often refer to Gold-fill as 14/20, it is a brass core with a thin (but not microscopic!) layer of 14k Gold over the top. It wears very well, doesn't rub off like gold-plating does, and is an excellent choice for folks with metal sensitivities. AND it's a fraction of the cost of solid gold with the same warm glow! I use 14k gold solder to try and match the color of the material as best I can. It's not a perfect match, but it's close!

Gold-plating is a microscopic film of 14k Gold over top of usually very cheap and icky base-metal alloys. The gold color fades, scratches off, or wears super easily and you're left with a very ugly brown base-metal, usually full of nickel. Avoid it if you can!