+ PAYMENTS
+ What form of payment do you take?
We use PayPal to process payments for orders. You do not need a PayPal account to purchase from the Shimoda Accessories web site-you may use your credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) to process your payment through PayPal without having to set up a PayPal account.
PayPal handles the encryption of your financial information to help protect your identity, safeguard against hacking and prevent fraudulent activity. As a verified PayPal vendor. Shimoda Accessories does not receive your confidential information/credit card number from PayPal.
+ Do I have to pay sales tax?
By law, we must charge sales tax on all orders shipped to New York. 8.875%
+ Is my information/privacy protected?
Yes, Shimoda Accessories uses your information only for the intent in which it was given Shimoda Accessories does not share information with any outside side organization what so ever.
+ Can I pay by check or money order?
If for some reason you do not wish to use the Shimoda-Accessories.com integrated Paypal shopping cart, you can send an e-mail to wearshimoda@yahoo.com or call 212-491-6726 listing the item(s) & item numbers you wish to purchase. I can then reply back to you with the total amount plus shipping & handling. If you are having the package sent within New York, a sales tax of 8.875% applies to the cost of the jewelry.
Money orders, cashiers checks, and personal checks are accepted. Make check out to Shimoda Accessories. Please wait 10 business days for personal checks to clear before items are shipped.
Checks are accepted for all jewelry except one of a kind items.
Send check to:
Shimoda Accessories
2572C 8th Ave
NY, NY 10030
+
+ SHIPPING
+ How long does it take to ship?
I ship all items First Class US Mail. Generally it takes 3-5 days for items to arrive after they've been shipped. (Maybe longer during the holiday season) Insurance and tracking is also included in the shipping & handling fees.
It is sometimes possible to rush items. Please contact me
wearshimoda@yahoo.com or (212) 491-6726 if this is the case.
+ How long will it take to make item(s)?
Some I have stock and some of my items are made to order. In other words, as soon as payment is received has been collected, your order is then placed in my "things to make" queue. It generally take 3-7 days from the day payment is received that your item(s) are hand-crafted, packaged and shipped. Large orders can add additional days to this process.
If you need an item sooner than what is described above (example: need item for some engagement...etc.). It is sometimes possible to rush items. Please contact me wearshimoda@yahoo.com or (212) 491-6726 if this is the case.
+ Do you ship to PO Boxes?
We do not deliver to PO Boxes. Please provide an actual physical address under SHIPPING INFORMATION for fastest delivery.
+ What is the return policy?
I take great pride in my work, and create each piece with attention to detail because I want my customers happy and I want them to come back as return customers. If for any reason you are not happy with your purchase you can return any unused, unworn jewelry 7 days of receipt. Original shipping costs are non-refundable.
You will need to first contact me for a return authorization before returning an item so that my shipping instructions can be provided. *If you send me merchandise without prior approval, your items will promptly be returned to sender.
Returns must be shipped to Shimoda Accessories with postage, insurance and certified mail already paid. I strongly recommend insuring any returned shipments for your protection. Return shipping costs and insurance fees are not reimbursable.
If by any chance you receive a faulty item or not as described please contact us via e-mail immediately and I will gladly arrange to have the correct item sent to you. Please contact me (212) 491-6726 or wearshimoda@yahoo.com
Send Returns and Repairs to:
Shimoda Accessories
2572C 8th Ave
NY, NY 10030
+
+ JEWELRY DESIGN AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS
+ What is the metal of the ear wires and clasps?
I use either gold-filled or sterling silver earwires for pierced earrings and clasps.
+ What is gold-filled?
Gold-filled jewelry is comparable in price and quality to sterling silver, but with the look of 14K gold.
Federal law defines gold-filled jewelry as 14/20 gold-filled, or gold overlay, a thin layer of 14karat gold that is heat and pressure bonded to a brass core. The ratio refers to the amount of 14 karat gold to the brass core, which is 1/20 or 5%.
The layer of 14karat gold makes it tarnish-resistant. Storing it in a zipper plastic bag when not used retards tarnish for years.
+ What are freshwater pearls?
Freshwater pearls are cultivated (cultured) in mussels and oysters that live in freshwater pearl farms in China. Their chemical makeup is the same as saltwater pearls. They look less uniform than saltwater pearls because of the methods used in cultivating them.
Freshwater pearl shapes are not perfectly round-they come in many shapes. Expect slight variations. The pearl's luster is a natural product of the mollusk it grew in. Almost the entire pearl is made of lustrous nacre, giving it good luster and color.
+ How can I keep my jewelry from tarnishing?
The best method we've found is simply storing jewelry in airtight bags. Zipper plastic bags work best. Silver bags, available from fine jewelry stores, also work well.
+ What is the best way to clean my jewelry?
After wearing, wipe lightly with a soft cloth and store in an airtight plastic bag.
Any tarnish can easily be removed by buffing lightly with a polishing cloth or with fingers.
NEVER clean your stone or pearl jewelry with Tarn-X
+ Do you design special request orders or customize jewelry?
I am always happy to hear your ideas and inspirations, but I do not make customized jewelry. I offer a wide variety of designs to choose from. The combinations are designed uniquely so that the healing energy of the metals, stones and symbols compliment each other and the person wearing the jewelry.
+ I noticed that the item I saw before is not there now, how come?
I do not make pieces in bulk. A majority of my items are one of a kind or limited editions. I prefer to make my jewelry in limited quantities knowing that my customers can enjoy unique pieces of jewelry that are not mass produced. After all, if someone wants mass produced, they can buy from their local mall and wear what everyone else is wearing. ;-)
I always suggest that you purchase it when you see it the first time.
+
+ MISC.
+ Will my jewelry come in a gift box?
Each piece of jewelry is beautifully packaged in a complimentary gift box, ready to give as a gift or enjoy yourself.
+ When is your next show?
Check the ‘Events’ section on this web site. Also make sure you leave your information to keep you informed of upcoming events.
+ What are repair costs?
I do repairs for Shimoda Accessories pieces only. Each repair is assessed by me to determine the reason for damage and then the corresponding costs are given to you. Do not send anything without first contacting me at wearshimoda@yahoo.com or call (212) 491-6726.
+ Do you have a catalog?
My website is the most up-to-date catalog we have to offer. I do not have a print catalog. My collection is ever evolving as I design new and beautiful pieces of jewelry regularly.
If you are in the New York City area and would like to make an appointment to come by, call or email me at wearshimoda@yahoo.com or (212) 491-6726.
Also make sure you put your information in my mailing list so I can keep you updated with shows that I’m doing or updates of new designs.