Lori designs a small collection for the shop, and the majority of our merchandise comes from other artists. Many of our designers are from the New York area, but we carry jewelry from small studios all over the United States, Canada, and as far away as Japan. We try to indicate the country of origin in the description of each piece, but please feel free to inquire if you would like to know more about a specific artist or item.
How do I clean and care for my jewelry?
Different materials require different methods of care, so we encourage you to ask us for advice regarding your specific purchase. Vintage pieces, lockets and any jewelry containing elements under glass should not be exposed to water or excessive moisture and must always be treated with care. Jewelry with fabric or silk components should also be kept clean and dry at all times. Silver tarnish can usually be prevented by storing jewelry in an airtight plastic zipper bag like the one included with your purchase. A safe way to clean most metal and stone jewelry is to scrub it gently under running water with an old toothbrush and toothpaste, or with a paste made of baking soda and water. Liquid jewelry polish contains chemicals that may damage softer gems like pearls, opal and coral, so please use it only when you are sure it is the best option for your jewelry.
How do I order a ring if I don't see my size available?
If the ring you'd like to purchase is not listed in your size but says "sizing available," just indicate your size in the additional instructions box on the bottom of the checkout page. Certain rings cannot be altered easily, depending on the dimensions of set stones or the style of the band. In this case, a staff person will contact you to let you know about shipping delays or problems related to resizing. (Because our online transactions are not automated, your credit card will not be charged until a staff person verifies that resizing is possible.) The nature of handcrafted jewelry is such that it is not possible for us to stock every ring in every size at all times. We appreciate your understanding.
What if I don't know my ring size?
Ideally, you would come into the shop in person for us to size you. If this isn't possible, you may have to inquire at your local jeweler. Inform the person measuring you if the ring you're interested in is particularly wide, or you're planning on wearing it in a stack with other rings; these factors may effect the overall fit.
Do you do repairs?
When you purchase jewelry from Lori McLean, we want you to enjoy it for as long as possible. Please follow the care instructions provided, and we will do our best to take care of any problems that may arise from normal wear. Metal finishes (such as matte or shiny textures) sometimes require maintenance, as do blackened silver chain and gold-plating. Simple repairs and adjustments can often be handled in the shop (or by your local jeweler), but others may have to be returned to the original artist. Fees are determined on a case-by-case basis and may include the cost of freight to and from the jeweler. Many artists repair their work for free; others charge for materials used as well as labor. Examine your online purchases when they arrive to make sure nothing has been damaged in shipping and that everything appears as expected. In case of defective merchandise, see our return policy for instructions. We do not repair or facilitate repairs for jewelry bought elsewhere.
I lost an earring; can I purchase a replacement?
Because we carry jewelry by a variety of individual artists, this answer will depend on the earring in question. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to replace a lost item. Handcrafted work can be difficult to duplicate, and some items in our collection consist of rare gems that vary greatly in quality, color, and cut. This is why we include rubber guards with all wire and hook earrings and strongly recommend using them. Of course, if you do lose something, contact us as soon as possible so we can make every effort to locate a replacement item for you.
Who can I talk to about carrying my line of jewelry?
Lori is the buyer for the shop and all sales inquiries should be made to . She will contact you only if she is interested in your line. Please note we are not a consignment shop.