FAQ
Here's a list of my most popular asked questions!
Jewelry Design & Metalsmithing
Q: How long does it take you to make this?
A: Great question but I don't have a perfect answer. I work assembly line style so I rarely make a pair or earrings or necklace in one sitting. Instead, I do the same parts of multiple pieces. Cut everything to size, file rough edges, solder on ear posts, etc. If I had to venture a guess, I would say the quickest projects take me about 20 minutes and the longest can take up to a week.
Q: How'd you learn to do this?
A: I taught myself using books and YouTube!
Q: Is this your full time job?
A: Yep!
Q: Where do you get your supplies?
A: The majority of my metal and tools come from Rio Grande. I think every jeweler in America gets a least something they use from Rio.
Q: What's gold fill mean?
A: I wrote and made a handy metal guide you can find right here. There is an industry standard for metal labelling so this can be used across jewelry brands.
Jewelry Questions
Q: Will this jewelry turn my skin green?
A: Short answer, no. Long answer, no but everyone has different skin chemistry and that's what will cause the color green you see from wearing some jewelry. Base metals (brass, copper) produce that reaction and while those metals are in sterling silver and gold fill, they are not present in high enough amounts to affect most people.
Q: Can I swim, work out, sleep, garden, or do whatever I want while wearing Lauren Brook Jewelry?
A: Sure! Sterling silver and gold fill metals are both high quality and will withstand normal wear and tear. I have clients who haven't taken out their earrings in years and they still look good as new. However, skin oils, lotions, sweat, dirt, and all other environmental contaminants can degrade the mechanical and delicate elements of jewelry (clasps, prongs, chain, etc) and cause jewelry to break more easily. This is the same for jewelry from ANY BRAND and ANY METAL TYPE. Exercise caution when wearing sentimental pieces while doing anything strenuous and clean your jewelry regularly to prevent damage.
Q: How to do I clean my jewelry?
Q: Oh no! I broke my favorite LB piece! What should I do?
A: Send me an email. Most likely it's an easy fix and I do complimentary repairs on Lauren Brook Jewelry. Note, I cannot replace lost or stolen jewelry, even if you only misplace one earring. You will have to repurchase.