FAQ
This page provides help with the most common questions about our shop.
This page provides help with the most common questions about our shop.
WHAT KIND OF GOLD DO WE USE?
We only use 18k ethic gold for our jewelry, the best possible gold quality for this type of jewelry. Our 3 variations of gold are hypoallergenic, nickel and cadmium free.
WHAT IS 18K GOLD?
18k gold means that jewelry contains 18 parts pure gold and six parts alloys. Jewelry made with 14k gold means that there are 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts allows. Finally, 9k gold means that jewelry contains 9 parts pure gold and 15 parts alloys. 24k gold is the purest form of gold, which contains no additional alloys. We don’t use 24K gold in jewelry because it is too soft for everyday wear, that is why 18k gold is the best possible gold quality for body jewelry.
WHAT IS “ETHIC” GOLD?
Gold mining is dramatic for the environment. It is a subject that touches us a lot, especially as a young generation whose actions will determine our future. That is why, the gold we buy is RJC COC certified, which means that the our gold is recycled, or comes from certified mines that ensure: no violation of human rights, no harm to the environment, that doesn’t support criminal activities, etc.
CAN I BE ALLERGIC TO GOLD?
Allergy to gold is extremely rare, allergies are often due to alloys, that is why 18k is the best possible solution to avoid any risk of allergy. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
WHERE DO OUR STONES COME FROM?
We only use natural stones for our jewelry. Our stones and diamonds are certified from the Kimberley Process (Amnesty International). We work with a french lapidary who sources and cuts our stones: he finds small structures (family or commercial) or small villages, in order to be as close as possible to the mine and the miners. They get a better and fair pay for the hard labor they do. He doesn’t work with countries or structures where child labor is common, or who support criminal activities.
CAN I HAVE A MODEL WITH ANOTHER STONE?
Of course! It will be a pleasure to find the stone of your dreams, or to advise you according to the color you want. Contact us at contact@sebastiennejewelry.com.
DO WE WORK WITH SYNTHETIC STONES?
No, all the stones of our jewelry are genuine. We can do this exceptionally for a bespoke order. In this case contact us at contact@sebastiennejewelry.com.
WILL MY STONE BE THE SAME AS THE ONE IN PICTURE?
Not necessarily. We work with natural stones which may vary slightly in colour from the stone shown in picture. Please let us know with your order what characteristics do you want for your stone and we will do our best to meet your request!
WILL MY STONE CHANGE OVER TIME?
As our stones are completely natural, this can happen with some stones. For example, copper is one of the natural components of turquoise. With time and the substances that come into contact with it (water, soaps, sebum, etc.) the copper can oxidise and the stone will take on a greener colour than it had originally.
WHAT IS THE THREADLESS SYSTEM?
Press-fit jewelry, a “snap-together” threadless system, is a new standard in piercing, and a popular alternative to threaded jewelry. You can find our guide on how to use it on our page Piercing & Guide.
IS OUR THREADLESS SYSTEM STANDARD?
Yes, our pins are in 25ga (0.45mm) and it is a standard used by a lot of brand. Our threadless ends are compatible with standard threadless backings, which means you can use our studs with backings from other brands.
IS OUR THREADED SYSTEM STANDARD?
Unfortunately the thread size depends on the brand! Ours is compatible with most professional brands of piercing jewellery.
I DON'T KNOW WHICH SIZE TO CHOOSE
We have a guide to help you to choose the size of your jewelry. But if you are unsure, please consult your piercer first.
I DON’T SEE MY SIZE IN YOUR SHOP
Our jewelry is handmade to order, we can easily make half sizes or bigger sizes and gauges. Send us an email contact@sebastiennejewelry.com.
DO WE HAVE A PHYSICAL STORE?
We do not yet have a physical store, only an e-shop, but we have several stockists where you can see our jewelry, and the list is on our page Stockists.
Yes! We can make a totally custom jewelry according to your wishes. Contact us via our Contact page and let us know: what you want, your budget, your piercing size.
DO WE SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes! We are happy to provide international shipping.
WHAT ARE OUR SHIPPING COSTS?
All jewelry pieces are shipped via French Post with Colissimo, and come with tracking and signature. Packages are shipped out the day they are completed. Shipping costs depend on your country of residence, all prices are available on the page Shipping Policy. If you want to be delivered by another transporter, contact us before your order contact@sebastiennejewelry.com.
WHAT IS THE PRODUCTION TIME?
All jewelry pieces are handmade to order, so please allow a minimum of 10-15 business days for jewelry to be made before shipping. During periods of higher volume, production time may increase to 3-4 weeks. If you need an estimated shipping date or a rush order, please e-mail us and we will do our best to meet your request!
DO WE GIFT WRAP?
Our pieces come elegantly packaged in a box stamped with our logo, made from FSC®-certified cardboard (sustainable sources). We also give a certificate of authenticity for gold and stones. Everything is presented in a pretty magnetic box that you can reuse, and a thank you card. If you prefer a personalized card included, please let us know with your order.
DO WE OFFER A GUARANTEE?
Yes. Our setting is lifetime guarantee. For the rest, if there is any problem under "normal" conditions of use, we replace them for free.
DO WE GIVE GOLD CERTIFICATIONS?
Yes, each of our jewelry comes with a certificate of authenticity.
DO WE HALLMARK OUR JEWELRY?
There are two mandatory hallmarks in France for gold jewelry: the warranty mark and the maker’s mark. The first one is affixed by the warranty service of the customs office, but only concerns gold jewelry weighing more than 3 grams, so we are normally not subject to it. The second is unique for each brand / craftsman, and must be affixed to each creation. However, we do not have the place to affix this mark on our body jewelry without distorting them or creating roughness. This is why we have requested an exemption. However, we deliver with each of our body jewelry a certificate of authenticity attesting that our jewelry is in 18k gold.
WHAT IS OUR RETURN/EXCHANGE POLICY?
For obvious hygiene and safety issues, we will cannot accept returns, but we recognise that the system of standards and sizes in piercing is complicated and easy to get wrong. That's why we decided to accept returns for that case, and will credit you in the form of a credit note to order the correct size. See our Refund Policy.
DO WE OFFER REPAIRS?
If your jewelry is defective, we offer free repairs of pieces within 14 days of receipt. Please see our Refund Policy for details. We reserve the right to decline unreasonable repairs.
HOW I TAKE CARE OF MY JEWELERY?
To clean your jewelry in order to remove dust and residue, simply wipe with a microfiber cloth that has been dampened with mild soap, or use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then shine your piercing using chamois leather. You can also have your piercing professionally cleaned by a jeweler. Warning: Most of the stones we use in our jewelry do not support ultrasonic cleaning.
CAN MY PIERCER STERILIZE MY JEWELRY?
For jewelry without stones, there is no problem. For those with stones, some stones may be sensitive, contact us before.