FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About Modern Whimsy Jewelry
What makes Modern Whimsy Jewelry different?
Modern Whimsy Jewelry is rooted in a lifelong love of modern art — celebrating expressive color, geometric and organic forms, and the quiet power of a well-chosen gemstone. It's a two-way conversation between gemstone jewelry and modern art — and that's where almost every piece begins.
Many jewelry makers are inspired by art. My design process is a little different. Modern art informs the stones I select. And just as often, a gemstone evokes a particular painter, painting, or art movement. Franz Kline's mark-making in tourmalinated quartz. Helen Frankenthaler's washes of luminous, blended colors in iolite-sunstone.
What else? I work primarily with natural, untreated semi-precious gemstones — in a market dominated by treated alternatives. I'm especially drawn to hand-cut, unusual, and irregular stones, which bring an undeniable uniqueness and nuance to a piece, qualities deeply aligned with modern art — and simply more beautiful. The use of sterling silver and 14K gold fill naturally follows — gorgeous stones deserve lifetime metals.
Every piece is one-of-a-kind or limited-edition, designed with a modernist sensibility and meticulous attention to detail.
The result is jewelry with a point of view — unapologetically eclectic, and entirely its own.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Everywhere modern art lives — and moves me.
Sometimes it's a painting held in memory, sending me straight to a particular gemstone strand. Other times, a gemstone immediately evokes a painter, a movement, or a specific canvas. It goes both ways, like an unspoken conversation.
And then there are the gemstones themselves — a genuine obsession. The range of what a single stone can do, the way color shifts in different light, the character of an unexpected cut — I find it all endlessly compelling. That obsession isn't confined to explicitly art-inspired pieces. It drives the Birthstone Beauties collections too, though the inspiration there is simpler yet just as true. A particular stone for a particular month, delight in its possibilities, coming up with a new, playful design just for that stone. And of course, the pleasure of making something just plain pretty. Sometimes that's exactly enough.
Collections expressly rooted in modern art come from somewhere deeper. The Matisse Blues Collection, for example, where a single stunning tablescape serves as the collection inspiration. But I hope all the collections arrive at the same place — something different. Something beautiful.
And here's the thing. You don't have to know a Rothko from a Frankenthaler. You just have to love the jewelry.
Materials & Product Details
What materials do you use?
I use freshwater cultured pearls and primarily natural, untreated gemstones — most are semi-precious, some are precious. Learn why understanding gemstone treatments is important.
Sterling silver and 14K gold fill are my metals of choice: beautiful, hypoallergenic, and durable.
What is gold fill and how is it different from gold plate?
Gold fill (or gold-filled) refers to a thick layer of gold that has been mechanically bonded to a base metal (brass), and comprises at least 1/20th — or 5% — of the item's total weight. That's approximately 100 times more gold by weight than what is required to meet the minimum standard for gold plate.
In the U.S., gold fill is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which also requires the gold fill layer be at least 10-karat purity.
Read more about the beauty and benefits of gold fill.
Why do you insist on untreated gemstones — and is it worth it?
Generally speaking, natural, untreated gemstones are more color-stable over time and less vulnerable to damage from cleaning — because their color is inherent, not chemically or artificially induced. They're also more authentic: other than cutting and polishing, what you see is exactly what Mother Nature made.
Read how untreated gemstones make care and cleaning easier.
Are your gemstones natural?
All Modern Whimsy Jewelry gemstones are natural — meaning mined from the earth, not lab-created or otherwise simulated.
How do I care for my jewelry?
Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and even indirect sunlight. Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, or applying lotions and perfumes. Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing. For more detail, visit the Jewelry Care page.
What comes with my purchase? Do you gift wrap?
Every order arrives with a branded microfiber jewelry pouch, and sterling silver pieces include a sterling silver polishing cloth. Everything is nestled in a white gift box finished with a beautiful ribbon — ready to give.
How do I use a discount code?
To use a discount code, at checkout you will see a field (an empty slot) where you can enter it. Be sure to enter your discount code before completing your order.
What if I see something that I really want but it is sold out?
Please contact me — I may have inventory that hasn't been updated online, or I may be able to make another with a short lead time.
What if I want to gift one of your pieces to a man?
Modern Whimsy Jewelry is designed with women in mind — but good design has a way of going beyond that. The same attention to scale, proportion, and quality that makes a piece work on a petite frame or a taller one, and on a fuller frame at any height, can make it equally compelling on a man who loves jewelry.
Several necklaces in the collection — particularly the beaded pieces with sterling silver or 14K gold-filled multi-position extenders — have the kind of presence that works beautifully regardless of who's wearing them.
And earrings? Pendants? Well, we know they work on everyone.
If you're shopping for a man who appreciates jewelry, trust your eye. The right piece will tell you. And if you have any question at all, contact me. I would be happy to look at the piece and let you know if I think it will work.
Why are some pieces one-of-a-kind? Does that mean you can never make anything like it again?
In a sense, every piece is one-of-a-kind — pearls are inherently organic and unique, and no two natural gemstones are identical.
Beyond that, there are a few reasons a design may be truly limited. Natural gemstones are finite resources, and I may only be able to source a small number of a particular stone. My sterling silver and 14K gold-filled chain comes from Italy, and global supply and cost fluctuations can affect availability. And occasionally a design is an experiment — one I love, but where the labor involved makes it impractical to reproduce.
Can a one-of-a-kind piece be recreated? Sometimes — if I still have the materials, or it may be possible in a different gemstone. Contact me and ask.
Modifications & Personalization
Can I request modifications to a piece?
Wearability, comfort, and versatility are built into my designs from the start:
- Necklaces include design-integrated extenders with multiple clasp positions, reducing the need for length modifications.
- Ear wires are most often shepherd's hooks — graceful and lobe-friendly. Designs that call for posts always use premium earring backs.
- Bracelet lengths and adjustment options are specified in each product description.
Ear wire swaps can sometimes be accommodated — if I have your preferred style and gauge available, it may be possible for a small additional fee.
For any other specific request, please reach out through the contact page before ordering. I'm not currently offering full custom design, but I'd love to hear what you're envisioning.
Shipping
Where do you ship?
Shipping is currently within the United States.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are typically processed within 1–3 business days. Shipping times vary by method selected at checkout. You'll receive a tracking number as soon as your order ships.
Do you offer free shipping?
Free shipping is not currently offered. However, check the announcement bar on the website, and follow Modern Whimsy Jewelry on social media for special promotions. And stay tuned — free shipping is on the horizon for qualifying orders.
Can I expedite my order?
Expedited shipping options are available at checkout. If you need something by a specific date, feel free to reach out and I'll do my best to help.
Returns & Exchanges
What is your return policy?
I want you to love your jewelry. If something isn't right, please contact me within 7 days of receiving your order and I'll make it right — whether that's an exchange, store credit, or a refund. Items must be unworn and in original condition.
What if my item arrives damaged?
If your purchase arrives damaged, please reach out right away with a photo of the damage and I'll resolve it as quickly as possible.
How do I start a return or exchange?
Just contact me at modernwhimsyjewelry@gmail.com with your order number and I'll guide you through the process.
Orders & Account
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Orders are processed quickly, so please contact me as soon as possible if you need to make a change. I'll do my best to accommodate requests before the order ships.
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, you'll receive a confirmation email with a tracking link.
Do I need an account to place an order?
Nope! You can check out as a guest. That said, creating an account makes it easy to track orders and save your details for next time.
Still Have Questions?
I'd love to hear from you. Reach out on the Contact page or via email and I'll at get back to you as soon as possible.