Frequently Asked Questions

Vanessa is happy to discuss custom pieces, please contact her at vanessa@vanessajewels.com to discuss the possibilities, and time frame. If you are interested in a current piece in the collection, but want it in a different color, please contact Vanessa for more information. There is a 50% deposit required before any custom work production starts, additional fees may apply. Custom orders are a final sale, there are no returns or exchanges on custom work, no exceptions. 

We recommend that you store your pieces in the box provided with your order. Proper storage helps to prevent scratching of stones, enamel and metal. It is best to keep products away from extreme heat or moisture, and to apply perfume or other sprayed substances before putting on your jewelry. Jewelry should be removed prior to showering, sterling silver will tarnish through time and wear. To polish, use soft polishing cloth and gently rub cloth to jewelry. Alternatively, jewelry can be cleaned using toothpaste applied with the finger tips or with a soft cloth.

We use a wide variety of stones that have varying levels of hardness. The hardness of a stone impacts the manner in which it should be cleaned. Hard stones, such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires, can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleanser or with jewelry cleansers available for sale. Many of our pieces combine stones that have unique surface qualities and hardness levels. Therefore we do not recommend using cleaning substances on our multi-stone products. These products should be cleaned with water and a toothbrush or a polishing cloth. 

At this time we do not have a catalog featuring our collection. We encourage you to explore our list of stockists or if you have an item you are searching for, please email or call us at 510.817.4191

Stones vary in color, and inclusions and flaws occur naturally in many of our stones. We believe these natural elements add to the beauty of the products. If you want more information on the stones, please go to our stones section. We stand behind all of our products. Should you be unhappy with the jewelry you have received, please feel free to return the item Return Policy

Our stones are sourced through vendors based in the United States. The majority of our stones are cut in India or Hong Kong. Vanessa personally selects the stones we use to ensure a superior level of quality. She discovers new and unique stones by attending multiple trade shows per year and through international travel. To see a glossary of stones go to our stones section. 

Vanessa spends a month out of every year in Brazil creating new work. She works in a remote mountain nature reserve, fabricating new pieces which she then sends to a casting company. There, molds are made, and multiple pieces are cast. These pieces are then worked on by Vanessa and her assistants in her Oakland, California studio.  Bezels are added to the pieces, some are enameled, they are polished, stones are set, and only then are they ready to be embellished with stones beads, pearls, coral and other materials. All ear wires with stones set in them and most clasps are also made in Vanessa's Oakland studio. 

Our jewelry uses 100% genuine sterling silver, 18 karat yellow gold and 14 karat pink (rose) gold. The metal is specified in the product description.  Whenever possible we use Harmony Metals, which means it is recycled silver and gold. 

Yes, we can alter necklace length on most necklaces. Pleaseemailor call us at 510.817.4191 to discuss having an item altered. Alterations typically incur additional charges. Please allow up to 2 additional weeks for delivery.

Our rings are cast in certain sizes which are specified during the ordering process. If you purchase a ring and it does not fit you can exchange it for another of our available sizes. Please see our returns policyfor more information.

Unfortunately this is not something we can do. Due to production schedule, the intricacy of the work, and the materials availability, we no longer can make mates to lost earrings. Sorry!