FAQs

HOW LONG WILL MY ORDER TAKE TO SHIP?

Most of my items are made to order and will be shipped out 3 - 7 days from the date of purchase.

DO YOU ACCEPT RETURNS?

I accept returns for a full refund on any unworn items within 7 days of delivery. Shipping, however, is non-refundable. At anytime, if the item that you purchased is defective in some way due to craftsmanship, I will be glad to repair it or replace it at no cost to you. Keep in mind: wear and tear naturally occur when wearing jewelry. Please be sure to treat it kindly. It will be good to you if you do.

HOW DO I CARE FOR SILVER?

Sterling silver is beautiful and hardy, but it does tarnish. I like to use cotton flannel polishing cloths for day to day care. If you don't wear your item for a while you'll find it'll get pretty grungy --- so, for a really good cleaning, I love Wright's Silver Cream (find it at the grocery store in the cleaning section--- it's in a little tub and should be near the Brasso). It beats all. Please don't use silver cleaning dips. They erode the metal over time. Oh, and they're carcinogenic to boot. To help keep tarnish at bay, store your jewelry in bags or boxes to limit the exposure to oxygen.

WHAT IS VERMEIL AND HOW DO I CARE FOR IT?

Vermeil is gold plated sterling silver. While the layer of gold on vermeil is durable and long lasting, care should be taken to ensure it's longevity. I recommend that anything that causes a lot of friction against a vermeil piece be avoided (like digging around in the garden with a vermeil ring on!). All you should need to care for your vermeil is a small, soft, cotton cloth.

HOW DO I CARE FOR OXIDIZED PIECES?

The process of oxidizing silver creates a nice, rich, dark finish. I treat all my pieces with a light varnish to deepen the color and to protect the finish. From time to time you may want to treat it with a light wax coating to help ensure a long lasting dark finish. Simply warm up your piece (hair drier or space heater), use a little wax (like beeswax or soy from a candle) between your fingers and rub into the surface. Remove any excess with a soft clean cloth.
You should avoid swimming, sleeping or bathing in these items. Avoid contact with detergent or abrasives.
Despite these measures, your oxidized sterling WILL begin to show silvery highlights. Some people like this, some people don't. I'll be glad to re-oxidize your item for you at any time (for free!).

WHERE DID THE NAME DOTTYSPECK COME FROM?

Dotty was my very dear and beloved grandmother. She was solid, beautiful and full of charm and grit. I think I inherited her lead-foot.
Speck is me.
Dotty and Speck seemed good together.

HOW DO YOU SHIP YOUR ORDERS?

DOMESTIC: Shipments withing the US are free via USPS first class. If you want to expedite shipping, you can choose to pay for USPS Priority. Depending on your location, First Class typically takes 2-7 days and Priority, 1-3 days. Shipment times always vary and can be impacted by weather events. Plan ahead if you need something by a certain date ;)

INTERNATIONAL: To destinations outside the US, shipments are sent with USPS First Class International. Shipment times vary greatly. For swifter delivery you may consider upgrading to Priority Mail International or Express Mail International. Contact dottyspeck before purchasing and a custom listing will be created for you. International items do not include insurance. If you'd like to add insurance, please contact me to add this to your shipping cost. dottyspeck is not responsible for lost or damaged packages that are sent Internationally without insurance. Please also note that some countries collect duties on items purchased and delivered from outside its borders. To find out what you can expect, please visit your country's customs website for duty and taxation info on imported goods.