Information about Beth Cyr Art and Jewelry, Policies and FAQ
Ordering
You can shop directly through BethCyr.com - I am not currently selling anywhere else.
READY TO SHIP ITEMS: Most ready to ship items will ship within 1 - 3 business days. Prints may take an extra day or two if they have metallic embellishment. If something is marked as Print to Order, please note the description for additional info. Framed items with glass generally take an extra day or two to source good and safe packing material if I don't have any on hand.
MADE TO ORDER RINGS: For made to order ring info, please read through the new changes here. Please make sure of your ring size before ordering. This can be done either by a jewelry store or by ordering one of my ring sizers. Printing out something from a website tends to not be correct. It is better to err on the side of slightly too small than too large. Many of my rings have to be remade if you need a smaller size. You can get all the details about sizing for your ring on my sizing page.
MADE TO ORDER RINGS: For made to order ring info, please read through the new changes here. Please make sure of your ring size before ordering. This can be done either by a jewelry store or by ordering one of my ring sizers. Printing out something from a website tends to not be correct. It is better to err on the side of slightly too small than too large. Many of my rings have to be remade if you need a smaller size. You can get all the details about sizing for your ring on my sizing page.
CUSTOM ORDERS: I'm currently not taking any custom orders.
RUSH ORDERS: Rush orders are sometimes an option. My standard timelines are around 4 - 6 weeks, sometimes a bit longer depending on the time of the year or how many orders I have on my calendar. There is a $25 - $200 rush order fee per item depending on how quickly you need it to be rushed and how busy I happen to be at that time.
Payment
Payment is made through my website. If an alternate method is needed, just ask.
Payment in full is required before shipping any item. Payment in full when the item is ordered is standard, though a deposit can be made.
DEPOSITS: A deposit or payment plan may be an option if discussed. If a deposit is being made, 50% of the order total is required before production begins. Deposits are non-refundable. For payment plans, any number of payments can be made, but 50% required for production to begin - production timeline starts when 50% has been received. (Standard timeline is 5 - 6 weeks)
TAX: Washington residents will be charged sales tax.
TAX: Washington residents will be charged sales tax.
Shipping
DOMESTIC SHIPPING: 2D art is usually in a rigid flat mailer. Jewelry items are shipped in a jewelry box ready to giving. Most rings come in ring boxes unless they are too big and will be in a standard jewelry box. Items are shipped in a bubble mailer, flat rate envelope, small priority box or other shipping box.
I insure everything and normally ship USPS. Orders over $300 can also be shipped UPS or FedEx. Ready to ship items will ship within 3 business days, though usually faster (unless I am out of of the studio). An email with tracking info will be sent as long as a valid email address was provided. Shipping times vary, but as an average Priority is 2 - 3 days. First class is 2 - 10 days. These are not guaranteed timelines, simply the estimate given by USPS. EXPRESS shipping in the U.S. can be an option. It is usually a 2 day guaranteed service (from where I live, not much is 1 day). FedEx or UPS can be requested for any order.
I insure everything and normally ship USPS. Orders over $300 can also be shipped UPS or FedEx. Ready to ship items will ship within 3 business days, though usually faster (unless I am out of of the studio). An email with tracking info will be sent as long as a valid email address was provided. Shipping times vary, but as an average Priority is 2 - 3 days. First class is 2 - 10 days. These are not guaranteed timelines, simply the estimate given by USPS. EXPRESS shipping in the U.S. can be an option. It is usually a 2 day guaranteed service (from where I live, not much is 1 day). FedEx or UPS can be requested for any order.
Orders over $1000 will include signature confirmation unless otherwise requested.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: Many countries have customs fees or VAT taxes. These are paid for by the customer if they are charged. Jewelry cannot be shipped to all countries, please check first. I reserve the right to not ship to you if there are restrictions for your country. Please plan on 4 weeks for shipping. Though it is generally quite a bit faster, but I prefer "better safe than sorry", particularly when wedding rings are concerned. So please think about this as far as timing and placing your order. If you have questions or concerns about timing, please contact me. Standard shipping is USPS Priority Int'l. I prefer to ship with tracking, though Priority with just delivery confirmation is also an option for some items
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: Many countries have customs fees or VAT taxes. These are paid for by the customer if they are charged. Jewelry cannot be shipped to all countries, please check first. I reserve the right to not ship to you if there are restrictions for your country. Please plan on 4 weeks for shipping. Though it is generally quite a bit faster, but I prefer "better safe than sorry", particularly when wedding rings are concerned. So please think about this as far as timing and placing your order. If you have questions or concerns about timing, please contact me. Standard shipping is USPS Priority Int'l. I prefer to ship with tracking, though Priority with just delivery confirmation is also an option for some items
Rings are packaged in ring boxes and other jewelry in boxes as well, ready for giving as a gift to someone else or yourself. You can read more about my sustainable/recycled packaging here.
LOST ITEMS: I will do everything I can to work with you on locating the package. An item must be missing for 30 days before a replacement will be sent. A new item can be ordered before then, but must be paid for. The amount will be refunded if the original item never shows up. In the case of the lost item showing up after a replacement has been sent, the customer will return one of the items or will be invoiced.
LOST ITEMS: I will do everything I can to work with you on locating the package. An item must be missing for 30 days before a replacement will be sent. A new item can be ordered before then, but must be paid for. The amount will be refunded if the original item never shows up. In the case of the lost item showing up after a replacement has been sent, the customer will return one of the items or will be invoiced.
Returns, Exchanges & Resizing
Ready to ship items may be eligible to be returned for a refund - email to confirm. If yes, it must be returned within 7 days. Item must be shipped out by the 7th day after tracking shows as delivered. A tracking number must be provided with proof of intake by the 7th day. Item must be packaged safely and insured if being returned. A refund will be given minus shipping and 15% restocking fee.
If there is an issue, let me know and I'm sure we can work something out.
If the wrong size was ordered, if it can be easily resized, the labor will be free. If a new ring needs to be made, or the labor is more extensive, there is a $10 - $250 charge depending on material, style, etc. This does not factor in additional material cost. The buyer will pay shipping for both the return and the resending of the package. Payment can be included in the package or through paypal.
Ring Information
As of July 1, 2024, I am taking limited orders for made to order rings. I am not currently taking any custom orders. Please see here for all the current info.
If you have purchased from me before and have a question about an adjustment to a piece, please email me - beth@bethcyr.com
Here is everything you need to know about rings, or at least, most of the things I can think to include on my website. If you don't find the answers you need on this page, please ask.
METHOD: Most of my rings are cast using the lost wax casting method. You can see my full process here or as an Instructable.
I make each individual wax by hand, from scratch. Instead of using a mold that would each ring a copy, I prefer to give unique attention to each ring to fit the customer and can easily adjust for size, width and thickness by working this way. This also means that the ring you receive will not look exactly like the photo (unless it is a ready to ship ring).
SIZE AND WIDTH: Most designs can be made in any size, width or metal. Not every option that is available is listed on my website. Sizes can range from 1-16, and include 1/2, 1/4, 1/8th or even 1/16th of a size. Widths usually range from 2mm-10mm, though it may depend on the design. Most of my rings are between 1.7 - 1.9mm thick. Larger and wider rings tend to be a little thicker, smaller and narrower rings tend to be a little thinner. The inside edges of all my rings are softly rounded. Though not a true comfort fit, I do find them to be incredibly comfortable. Find more information about sizing and fit here.
METALS: All of my metal is 100% recycled. In my studio I cast with Sterling Silver, Palladium Sterling Silver, 14k or 18k yellow, rose or palladium white golds.
You can read all about the different precious metals I use here.
WEAR: All metal wears over time. Little scratches and tiny dents will begin to show as you wear your ring lovingly every day. Softer metals like sterling silver will show wear faster than harder metals like gold. Wear is also very personal - if you work outside all day, with your hands, your ring will show more wear faster than if you sit in an office all day. The finish on a ring will change as well, a dark patina will wear and become lighter, a shiny finish will become less shiny and a matte finish will get... more shiny! I like my satin finish because it's somewhere in the middle and pretty close to how your ring will want to look after wearing it for years.
ENGRAVING: If you'd like a special message, initials or dates engraved on the inside of your rings you can read all about engraving, fonts and pricing here.
Other FAQ
For rings that get worn everyday, the natural oils from your skin and constant wear should keep it an even color and shine. Certain chemicals like chlorine can cause a reaction and dull or even darken the metal. I find that it will come off as you wear it, though a polishing cloth can be used to clean it up. It is best if you are frequently around chlorine to take the ring off as it can corrode the metal with prolonged exposure. For jewelry that gets taken off, with proper storage, your piece should remain lovely for a long time. Air and moisture cause tarnish and letting a piece sit on the bathroom counter will dull it rather quickly (yes I know this by experience!). Keeping it in a bag or box will help to keep this from happening. Some of the patinas will wear down over time - in addition textures of a ring may develop their own patina naturally. This will depend on the wearer. Most bands that are worn every day will show signs of age, little nicks or dings or scrapes. I try to design most of my rings to fit lovingly with this natural progression of your wedding band. I also tend to make my rings a bit thicker than a lot of traditional bands to give a longer life and sturdier product for every day wear.
Everyone has a different body chemistry and will react (or not react) to different metals or chemicals. Usually an allergic reaction occurs when another chemical is introduced and gets trapped between the ring and the skin. Certain lotions, perfumes or soaps can cause a reaction. While one person may be able to wear a particular metal and use lotion with no reaction, their spouse may have a completely different reaction due to their own personal body chemistry. People are different and not everyone can wear the same metals. The most common metal allergies are copper and nickel. I have a completely nickel free studio, though there are small amounts of copper in all of the alloys I use.
I have had some great feedback for the palladium sterling and palladium white gold. Some customers w/ a slight intolerance to regular sterling have worn the palladium sterling with no problem. Since there is no nickel in the palladium white gold, it is an excellent alternative to customers who have had problems with standard white gold. Rhodium plating often tricks people in to thinking they are not allergic to certain metals - though as the plating wears off, they may find that they are in fact allergic to the metal underneath. None of my rings are plated with rhodium or any other metal.
Beth is pretty self explanatory - Cyr is pronounced like "Sear"
I take most of my products shots and behind the scenes photos. A few photos were taken by Jen Lee Light Photography. There might be a few other random photos that were taken by someone else, but I don't think so anymore.
Giving Back
I switched up the way I give to charities - previously it was based on sales of certain styles, now all organizations will receive an equal amount and donations are made throughout the year instead of just at the end based on my sales numbers. Here are a few of the organizations I support - see a full list on my about page.