PHD Accessories Handmade Original Designs

What is (14ct GF) gold filled?
Gold filled or gold overlay is a process of pressure bonding a thin layer of gold to a base metal core (usually brass).
The gold content must be 1/20th (20 layers) or more, and unlike gold plating has an actual layer of gold, giving it more value and making it tarnish-resistant.

Gold-plated items, while cheaper, will not last as long. Eventually the thin gold layer will rub off. Gold-filled items, however, will remain gold for a lifetime if cared for properly.
Unless you are using harsh chemicals or abrasives, the gold layer will stay gold for years to come!

What is sterling silver?
The word "Sterling" is the best known and most respected marking in use today. Pure silver (100%) alone is too soft for everyday use.
Copper (7.5%) is the metal commonly used to give "Sterling" its added stiffness and wearing qualities. Sterling (92.5%) is often referred to as solid silver. It is composed of 925 parts pure silver in every 1000 -- this proportion never varies -- it is fixed by law.

Can I stop sterling silver from tarnishing?
It can not be eliminated altogether, but you can help slow it down. There is a golden rule for wearing Jewellery and it holds true for both silver and gold Jewellery.

The rule says that..... "Your Jewellery should be the last thing that you put on before going out, and it should be the first thing taken off when you get home."

Ingredients in cosmetics and hair sprays etc can cause your silver Jewellery to tarnish easily. Wash your silver Jewellery with a phosphate free detergent before storing. This practice will protect your silver Jewellery from tarnishing and rarely require you to perform any tarnish cleaning processes. You can also help stop tarnishing by storing your Jewellery in an air tight plastic bag. A silver cloth can be used to clean your Jewellery and doesn't require any harsh chemicals. Just rub and your Jewellery will shine again.

What is Bali silver?
Bali beads are silver beads produced in Bali, Indonesia. These beads are handmade (not cast) with unique design and intricate detail. Because of its popularity, more countries are now producing this type of bead. Therefore, the term “Bali beads” is now generally referring to “Bali-style beads”.
Bali silver usually has less than 92.5% silver content hence cannot be designated as Sterling.

What are Swarovski crystals?
Swarovski crystals are fired using a combination of natural minerals and quartz sand, and then cooled slowly to avoid stress and inclusions. These Crystals are sometimes referred to as Austrian Crystals. Swarovski Crystal is not a natural crystal but is man made.

Swarovski crystals are manufactured by the Daniel Swarovski Company and are world renowned for their brilliance and precision. Swarovski, a family owned business, produces their own line of products as well as providing loose stones and components to designers in the art and fashion world.

What are Swarovski pearls?
Swarovski pearls are not genuine natural pearls, but rather, simulated pearls. Crystal pearls by Swarovski are pearls based on a crystal core. Their unparalleled harmonious and lustrous shimmer is achieved by using a unique coating technology developed by Swarovski.
This is the first production method in the world, which combines the qualities of a perfect crystal core with the exquisite beauty of a pearl coating. The surface finish of crystal pearls is absolutely flawless.

What are Freshwater pearls?
Freshwater pearls are a cultured pearl, having been produced by a freshwater mollusc rather than saltwater. The rice grain shape is its most distinguishing feature however it can in fact have a number of different shapes, sizes and colours with a perfect or near perfect round the most desirable. The unique shapes, array of colours and affordable prices have made freshwater pearls popular today. Of all the millions of oysters seeded each year only a small proportion manage to bear quality pearls, with a perfect pearl being a truly rare event.

Note: As freshwater pearls are formed naturally this makes them unique in colour and shape.

Care for your Jewellery
PHD Accessories' necklaces, sets, earrings and bracelets are made from natural and semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, Czech and Venetian glass, Sterling silver and pearls, as well as a number of beautiful beads and stones from a number of sources.
These stones and beads vary greatly in composition and strength and can be soft and absorbent and can be chipped or shattered only too easily.
Care for your lovely Jewellery by avoiding knocks and abrasions. Avoid detergents, soaps and chemicals, avoid gardening, painting and showering in your Jewellery and it will reward you with many years of beautiful charm.
Pearls are particularly soft and should be kept away from perfume, makeup and hairspray.
Most of your Jewellery can be cleaned periodically with a soft, clean, damp cloth.

Can you repair Jewellery NOT purchased from PHD Accessories?
I am available to repair Jewellery depending on the nature of the fault. All repairs of this type do need to be discussed by phone, or by making an appointment to see me
Note: If courier delivery is required to return your item then a shipping cost applies.
Include a delivery address if you choose this option.

Can You Redesign Jewellery?
I can redesign beaded Jewellery, this needs to be discussed in detail so that your input ensures the new piece is to your liking.

Can you teach me how to make Jewellery?
I am teaching Beaded Jewellery workshops at the Kumeu Arts Centre. Also I can come to your home or workplace (in the Auckland area) to give Jewellery making parties. These are for adults only with a maximum of eight people. Contact me to discuss your requirements.

Do you hold Jewellery Parties?
I am available for Jewellery parties and can come to your home or office (in the Auckland area)
Most of my range is on display and all items are available to purchase at the party.
All custom made enquiries are also welcome.

The hostess will receive a 25% discount off their total purchases OR 50% off any one item of Jewellery.

The following conditions apply.

- A minimum of eight people are required, excluding the hostess.
- The hostess discount is available provided that the total party purchases are $250 or more.
- Preferred method of payment is cash or EFTPOS (I have a mobile EFTPOS machine)

To book a party with PHD Accessories please contact me.

What Precious and semi precious stones are associated with my birthday?
ARIES (March 21 – April 19) – Diamond, Aventurine, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Citrine, Jade and Jasper
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) - Sapphire: Kyanite, Kunzite, Lapis Lazuli,Tiger's Eye, Rose Quartz and Rhodonite
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) - Tourmaline, Agate, Citrine, Chrysoprase, Green Obsidian, Tiger’s Eye and Zoisite
CANCER (June 21 – July 22) - Emerald: Amber, Chalcedony, Carnelian, Moonstone, Pearl, Opal and Moss Agate
LEO (July 23 – Aug. 22) - Amber, Petalite, Carnelian, Citrine, Rhodochrosite and Quartz
VIRGO (Aug. 23 – Sep22), Blue Topaz, Amazonite, Chrysocolla, Carnelian, Moonstone and Sodalite
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 22) - Peridot: Aventurine, Lepidolite, Moonstone, Jade and Sodalite and Sunstone
SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21) - Topaz, Aquamarine, Malachite, Charoite, Apache Tear, Obsidian and Green Tourmaline
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21) - Lapis Lazuli, Blue Lace Agate, Labradorite, Smoky Quartz,Turquoise, and Sodalite
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) - Ruby: Carnelian, Fluorite, Jet, Onyx, Labradorite, Quartz, and Azurite
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) - Aquamarine: Blue Obsidian, Angelite, Labradorite, Moonstone, Fluorite
PISCES (Feb19 – March 20) - Amethyst: Blue Lace Agate, Labradorite,Turquoise, Moonstone and Aquamarine

To say that there is a lot of controversy surrounding the gemstones associated with various Sun Signs is an understatement! This is because each Sign spans over two months (and each month has a couple of birthstones!) and the ruling planets are also associated with certain gemstones.

Shipping Terms and Conditions
Standard delivery times are 7-10 days from payment of goods.
Custom requests may take up to 3 weeks depending on your requirements and stock availability - you will be advised of this
Courier deliveries are on weekdays only and overnight in most areas, however this is no guarantee

- NO SATURDAY DELIVERY
All items sent by courier are traceable using a Track n Trace number. Please contact us for this number if your item is not received.
Standard envelope post may take 1-2 days - only allowed when ordering 1 pair of earrings
All orders are sent wrapped in a gift bag

IMPORTANT:
New Zealand Post & Courier Post will NOT pay compensation for loss of, or damage to any high risk items. Jewellery items are classified as high risk items within New Zealand.

PHD Accessories is NOT responsible or liable for lost/damaged items once accepted

for delivery by NZ Post.

** Visit the NZ Post website for further details **

What am I allowed to send through New Zealand Post?