FAQS
About the Jewelry
Upcycled Uglies is completely hand-crafted by designer, Robin Lee Simmons, from recycled sterling silver and other precious metals, ethically sourced and found genuine shells, stones, fossils and vintage jewelry remnants. All stones, shell fragments, fossils, including shark's teeth and bones, are used "as found" in nature unless otherwise stated in the item listing.
- How do I know what ring size to order?
Accurate ring sizing is really important as its not always possible to resize designs in my studio, so here are a few pointers on how to take a ring size:
1. Try to avoid sizing your finger when hot or chilly as your finger size will alter.
2. If attempting to buy a ring for someone else without their knowledge be sure to measure an existing ring from the correct hand as the fingers on a dominant hand are usually larger than those on the other hand (I am right-handed, and my left-hand fingers are all a half-size smaller than those on the right).
3. Many of my rings have a wide band. A wide band ring may require a larger size than a narrow band in order to allow the ring to slide over the knuckles so be sure to use an appropriate width of ring sizer.
- If you have prominent knuckles, you may find that rings that are large enough to pass over the knuckle may then swing around on the finger. Do not be tempted to buy rings that are tight as this will only make your finger swell, especially when you are hot.
4. If you wear rings on multiple fingers, and are unsure of what sizes, you can order a ring sizer on Amazon.
Here is a good one - https://www.amazon.com/MUDDER-Stainless-Ring-Gauges-Measuring/dp/B01CCG6IQY/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=ring+sizer&qid=1616631241&sr=8-11
5. Here is a great ring sizing chart that might also be helpful!
- When will my order ship?
All One-of-a-kind pieces will ship with 2-3 days of order placement. All other items that can be duplicated or ordered in a specific size are made to order, most orders ship within 7-14 days from the order date unless otherwise noted in the product description.
- Can I exchange an item?
We accept ready-made merchandise in its original, unused condition, purchased online, or at a show, for exchange within 10 days of the shipping date, or purchasing date if bought at an UpCycled Uglies show event. Contact upcycleduglies@gmail.com and let us know what item you would like instead.
- How should I care for my jewelry?
To keep your jewelry from tarnishing, store it in a dark place (drawer or jewelry box) while you are not wearing it. You may use a jewelry cloth to polish. To get to those tricky, hard to reach places, create a cleaning solution with baking soda, soapy water and dash of lemon juice. Apply with an old toothbrush and lightly brush. Jewelry will sparkle and shine!
Please DO NOT use this mixture to shine any of the "Blackened Sterling Silver" jewelry as it may remove so of the "blackened" nature.
Please DO NOT use solvents and harsh chemicals. Put on your jewelry last to avoid exposure to hair-styling products and the alcohol in perfume which will often damage not only the metal, but the shells, stones and beads as well.
- What if my jewelry piece breaks?
If the item arrives damaged or breaks during the first 30 days, we will repair it free of charge (you pay only for shipping the item to us). Please contact us at upcycleduglies@gmail.com to inform us of the issue. We will reply with the return address you will need to mail your item to and any other information you may need. Be sure your item is well-packed and insured as we are not responsible for returns which are lost or damaged in transit.
If you want to return an item for repair after 30 days, a nominal fee will be charged for return shipping and materials (to be determined by the designer upon inspection of problem).
- Do you sell wholesale?
I create each piece of jewelry by hand. Small groups of individual pieces can be provided to select boutiques, fine art and/or craft galleries to be purchased or sell on a commission basis. Should you be interested in having my pieces in your boutique or gallery please email me at upcycleduglies@gmail.com or call Robin Lee at 843-259-0095.
- What are Upcycled Uglies sustainability and eco-conscious practices?
UpCycled Uglies was created by Robin Lee Simmons in 2016. What began as revamping broken and discarded vintage jewelry pieces into new wearable art, has merged into adding Robin Lee's passion and love of nature. The Nature's Elements collection is a combination of found shells and rocks on her many beach & mountain combing adventures, along with ethically sourced and recycled materials. As a metalsmith, all precious metals are from reputable sources and many pieces incorporate reclaimed silver that is repurposed by the designer. I use non-toxic chemicals and recycled packaging in every way possible.
- UpCycled Uglies is also partnered with One Tree Planted (onetreeplanted.org) where $1 from every online or show order is donated and plants a tree -1 Dollar = 1 Tree.
Climate change is real, and Mother Nature is precious. It is past time to create a healthier environment, protect biodiversity and help global reforestation!