1. What is granulation?

Granulation is an ancient art which can be traced back as far as the third millennium B.C. Used by the Egyptians and mastered by the Etruscans, it is the process of ornately decorating jewelry with patterns of tiny gold or silver balls called granules. In the finest examples, the granules, although permanently attached to the piece through the process of fusing, will appear to be merely resting on the surface. Because each granule needs to be individually placed and positioned on the surface, jewelry created using this technique can be very time intensive; taking tens to hundreds of hours to create a single piece depending on its complexity.

2.  I am interested in carrying your work in our store, do you sell wholesale?

Yes.  If you are interested in carrying my work please contact me via phone or email and we can discuss opening a wholesale account for your store or gallery.

3. What is the difference between your two collections of jewelry, the Classical and Signature Collections?

The two collections of jewelry were designed to give both uniqueness and a greater level of affordability.

The Classical Collection offers clients the beauty and ancient elegance of granulation within a more affordable price range.  Each piece in the Classical Collection is granulated by hand and is set with only high quality hand-selected gemstones from around the world.  For those contemplating owning their first piece of art jewelry, the Classical Collection provides a gentle, yet grand step into the world of hand-crafted splendor

The Signature Collection is the finest jewelry Erich Christopher Designs has to offer.  Each piece is one-of-a-kind, designed and fabricated exclusively by the artist, Erich C. Shoemaker.  Diligent attention to detail and craftsmanship are given to each piece throughout its construction and great care is taken to select only the finest quality of gemstones for use in a Signature piece.  The end result is the most exquisite and luxurious hand-made art jewelry produced by Erich Christopher Designs, LLC.

4.  How do I order or receive more information on one of your pieces?

If you are interested in ordering or would like more information regarding a piece of jewelry from one of the collections, please call or email me with the product number and I can take your order or answer any questions you may have.  Please note that some pieces may no longer be in stock and may require 2-3 weeks to be created.

5. What is your return policy?

We want you to be happy with your piece. If you are unsatisfied, customers may return any item for store credit, exchange, or a refund less a $10 restocking fee within 30 days of receipt. The item must be returned in its original packaging and original condition and must also be accompanied by the receipt. Please note that rings that have been sized cannot be returned. If you would like to purchase a ring, but are unsure if you would like to keep it, we recommend ordering it as is and having it sized by a local jeweler in your area. This will also help ensure a more accurate sizing.  If you do wish to return your piece, please remember to insure it for the full purchase price.

6. Can I special order one of your designs with a different gemstone(s) in it?

Yes, I am happy to create any of my Classical Collection designs as a special order with any gemstone or gemstones you may want in them.  Please note that it will may 2-3 weeks to complete your special order and will require a 50% non-refundable deposit for the creation of your piece.  Prices for special order pieces may vary from the original product's price depending on the gemstones requested.

 7. What types of gemstones do you usually use?

I enjoy using only the finest gemstones I can find. Typically, I try to stick to gems like sapphires, garnets, and diamonds in rings since they wear better than softer stones such as emeralds and opals. That does not mean that I will not use softer stones, only that I try to avoid them in high wear pieces of jewelry. However, in necklaces, pendants and earrings, anything is fair game. I especially like tourmalines due to the variety and depth of colors they are found in. Above all, I select only the higest quality of gemstones when creating jewelry. Stones that are rich in color with good cuts and little or no inclusions are staples of an Erich Christopher Designs piece. I take a particular pride in offering some of the finest quality stones available in my price range. When you purchase a piece of my jewelry, you can rest assured that you have also purchased a truly exceptional gem. 

8. Does your jewelry have a warranty?

I take great pride in the quality of my work and want you to be happy with your piece. Consequently, each piece is guaranteed against any problems due to workmanship or defects in materials that are not due to wear and tear for one full year from the date of original purchase. This warrenty does not apply to pieces that have been subjected to abuse or neglect.  

• Remove any jewelry before showering, applying any lotions, or before doing any rough work.
• Never wear jewelry in a pool or a hot tub as the chlorine in these can adversely affect the gold and the heat could potentially damage the stones. (This also applies while using any household cleaning products).
• If your jewelry becomes dirty, wash it gently under warm-water with mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush. Dry the jewelry using only a clean 100% cotton cloth. Other fabrics and materials can scratch your jewelry.
• Do not use ultrasonic cleaners as these can severely damage your jewelry by fracturing stones or loosening the settings. Ultrasonic cleaning should only be done by a jeweler.