General FAQ:
- What does “Lapidify” mean?
Lapidify means “to turn into stone.” I have been fairly obsessed with rocks and minerals my entire life, so the name seemed appropriate. - What is a lapidary?
A lapidary is person who cuts, shapes, and polishes gems. When I can, I primarily cut free-form shapes and cabochons. - Can you do a custom order for me?
If my schedule has openings, I’m more than happy to. Head over to the contact page and let me know what you have in mind. Please note, I am no longer accepting lapidary commissions. - What is an animist?
An animist is a person who believes that items typically referred to as objects have their own spirit or soul. This belief (animism) is seen in a variety of religions and cultures throughout the world. TLDR: I talk to rocks.
Jewelry Wear and Care:
- How can I best care for my Lapidify jewelry?
Treat it kindly. I do everything I can to make durable jewelry that will last for years. That being said, I advise caution when wearing any fine jewelry while doing strenuous activities, going to the beach or pool, or working with heavy tools. At best, doing so can wear away to fine metal weaving over long periods of time and will shorten the life of your jewelry. At worst, you could chip a stone or deform your favorite piece of jewelry. - Argh, a wire got snagged on something! What to I do?
If a wire does get caught on something, don’t panic! Take a deep breath, make a calming cup of tea, and come back and look at your piece. Larger wires can often be carefully bent back into place with finger or pliers with smooth jaws, and small wires can either be snipped off with a pair of wire cutters or smoothed down where they belong. If it’s a big snag that has deformed your piece and you don’t feel confident moving the wires back into place yourself, contact me. - Why is my jewelry changing color?
Oxidation! Most of my pieces are not coated with varnish or lacquer. Over time contact to moisture, oxygen, sweat, and other goodies in the environment creates a chemical reaction on the piece. Some people will refer to this as being “antiqued” or having a patina. Wearing your jewelry more often and in harsher conditions will cause this reaction to occur faster (ex: wearing a copper ring while you wash your hands). Silver is slower to oxidize, and I coat my pieces in Renaissance wax to preserve the level of patination it has when I make it. - My skin turns green when I wear copper or brass jewelry. Should I panic?
Probably not. Skin can become tinted green if you wear copper or brass jewelry in the same area over a long period of time, and it’s harmless. That green color is a stain created from the oxidation reaction I mentioned before, and it will fade if you remove the jewelry for a while. Most people are not allergic to copper. However, if you are concerned you are having an allergic reaction or that any jewelry you are wearing is making you ill, please remove it immediately and contact a healthcare professional. - How can I clean my jewelry?
It is important to be careful because of how delicate some of the wire work is in many Lapidify pieces. Heavy scrubbing with steel wool is not recommended. There are, however, a few different things you can do to clean your jewelry. For everyday smudges, use a soft cotton cloth to clean the surface of your piece. Light rubbing with a jewelry polishing cloth will help bring out the highlights. If your piece is particularly dirty, it’s advisable to bring it to a qualified jeweler for cleaning.
Lapidify 