Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send ashes to you?
How do I find my ring size?
The best option is to use a ring sizer from us. Simply choose "Ring Sizer" under ring size when ordering your ring, and we'll mail you a ring sizer. Once you've received your ring sizer, follow the instructions to determine your size, and email us the size so we can get started on your ring. Once you put the sizer on to a size you think works you should keep it on for some time to make sure it is comfortable and can be taken on and off with a little resistance. The cost of a sizer from us will be discounted from the price of your ring if you choose to purchase one without picking a ring. Another option is to go to a jeweler. Any jewelry store will size your finger for free. It is recommended to get sized at more than one jeweler until at least 2 agree on a size. It is not recommended to print out a ring sizer from online as the measurements can be skewed between the site and your printer.
What's with the width?
Ring widths are measured in millimeters. If you are having trouble visualizing the widths, grab some nickels. 2 nickels stacked is roughly 4mm, 3 nickels 6mm, 4 nickels 8mm, and so on. So how do you decide which width is right for you? Men with a ring size under 9 typically go with a 6mm width and those over a 9 tend to prefer an 8mm width, and some even like a 10mm width. Most women prefer a 4mm width but some like how the 6mm looks. Ultimately it all comes down to your preference and the look you are going for.
When getting your finger sized for a ring at a jeweler make sure the jeweler uses a set that has a comfort fit interior if they have a set as this is the type of ring insert I create my rings with. It is recommended to get your finger sized by multiple jewelers until at least 2 agree on a ring size (the law of averages) to get the most accurate fit. If using one of our ring sizers we have found that it closely matches the interior of the comfort fit.
When thinking about customizations for your ring, the wider the ring, the more options you will have. An 8mm width can easily accommodate two or even three channels in it for an inlay that would be impossible in a 4mm width. This is where we work together to come up with a design that will fit the style you choose within the limitations of the desired ring width.
What is "comfort fit"?
A traditional wedding ring is flat inside and the same size. Comfort fit is rounded where the center of the ring is your size and then tapers towards the edges to be a little larger. This makes the ring feel more comfortable on your finger and also makes it a little easier to get the ring off.
What ring materials are available?
Currently we create rings with titanium, tungsten, ceramic (titanium carbide), carbon fiber, sterling silver, cobalt chrome, stainless steel, resin, and wood. When making a non-metal ring it is recommended to include a metal liner on the interior of the ring for added durability. From time to time we may also have some more exotic materials in stock such as surfite and fordite.
I want to create a custom ring. Can you give me a quote?
Absolutely! While you can purchase one of the ring designs currently available in the shop, I love creating custom rings for my clients. There are so many materials available to create a custom ring and I am constantly searching for new options to make available for my clients. The easiest way to start the process is to schedule an Initial Custom Ring Consultation. During this first virtual meeting we will start narrowing down the available options and work towards a final ring design. After the first consultation, if necessary, we will schedule another meeting until we finalize your design. Once we come up with a design I will create an invoice for your specific ring and can then get to work creating it.
How do I send ashes to you?
Only a half of a teaspoon is needed for your 1 to 2 pieces of jewelry, I need only one small bag of the ashes. To help gauge how much to ship: 1 item = 1 thimble, 2 items = 2 thimbles.
On the 2 small zip-lock sandwich bags, write both your name and the name of the deceased, as well as the phone number and the order number. Place the required amount of ashes into the first bag and zip shut.
Place the first bag into the second empty bag and make sure both are zipped shut. If extra security is desired, you can place the second filled bag into a third empty bag.
Make sure as much air as possible is removed out of both bags.
Tip: Rolling the bag will remove air, then seal it shut when at the top.
Documentation and What To Ship:
A copy of the transaction receipt is preferred to be supplied with the remains. This is needed for identification purposes. Send only one per transaction. If you do not have a printer that is ok, please make sure to label the baggies with a sharpie or a handwritten note with an order number, name, and cellphone number at minimum. We can match up your order and print it in-house. DO NOT send ashes that cannot be identified.
Recommended: First and last name of the person ordering the item.
Order number.
The name of the loved one.
Cell phone number (landline #'s will not receive texts)
- USPS is the only legal shipping that you can mail ashes in the USA.
- Use a cardboard envelope or cardboard box. (DO NOT use paper envelopes, they can rip and the contents will fall out. It is also non-trackable).
- Tape the seams of the box as poorly taped boxes arrive flat and crushed.
Shipping Cremation Remains As Per USPS
The United States Postal Service offers the only legal method of shipping cremated remains domestically or internationally. When a family member assumes the responsibility of shipping a loved one’s cremated remains, they can trust the USPS Priority Mail Express® Service.
Priority Mail Express pricing starts at $24.70 to ship You may be reading this brochure because:
- A relative, someone you know, or a pet has died and been cremated, and you need to ship the remains to someone at another location within the United States or another country.
- You and your family have opted to distribute the cremated remains of a loved one between family members at other locations within the United States or another country.
- You are sending cremated remains to an artisan or craftsperson to incorporate the remains into blown glass, jewelry, or other works of art.
There are specific requirements for preparing, packaging, and shipping human or animal cremated remains. The Postal Service is here to help you understand how to meet these requirements and take the necessary steps to protect this special mailing. By following these requirements, you can be confident that you have done everything you can so that your loved one’s remains can arrive at the intended destination safely.
Shipping USPS Express is more expensive and starts at a cost of $24.70 and is the legal way to ship cremated remains. The Express parcel is hand-carried to my business and dropped off only with a signature and is insured
Shipping USPS Priority mail is an inexpensive alternative, about $5 to $7. In the past, I have had customers ship with this method most commonly, and the package arrived without any complications. Customers have packed the contents in a sturdy box before bringing it into the post office. If you choose to go this route, be sure the remains are packed per the instructions above, so it does not leak and shut down the facility. If you need to claim what the contents are, state they are “jewelry supplies". Please note this is at your own discretion!! Please get tracking. You are responsible for the packing and shipping you send to us.
Ship to:
Turned Earth Design
125 Middle Holly Lane
Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087
How do I care for my ring?
Treat your ring as you would a piece of art. Some basic care will prolong the life of your ring. While rings inlaid with wood or made of wood are sealed, water can eventually find its way into the sealant through chips and cracks and damage the wood, causing cracks as it expands and contracts with moisture levels. It is recommended to remove your ring before washing your hands, doing dishes, swimming, or any other activity that could expose your ring to water. Make sure your hand is mostly dry before putting the ring back on.
Solvents will also damage the finish, leaving it pockmarked and even exposing pieces of inlay. Hand sanitizer is a solvent and with the current state of COVID-19, a solvent that is frequently used.
The finish on rings can take some impacts but hits on hard surfaces can chip or break parts of your ring. While the ring can be worn daily it is recommended to take it off prior to doing any kind of rough work.
If the finish on your ring starts to show signs of wear in your first year, contact me and I can get it back to its shine. If you let it go too long in a worn state it can damage the ring beyond repair. It is recommended to have it repaired at the first signs of chipping or cracking to prevent further damage. Do not try to repair it yourself with a varnish, lacquer, or wax as that will void the one year warranty.
If your ring becomes dirty you can clean it with a soft damp cloth and mild soap. Wipe away the soap and then dry it with a clean, soft, dry cloth.
Do you have a warranty?
I create pieces you can enjoy for years to come with the proper care. All rings have a one year limited warranty to fix chips and repolish. Within that time frame if you encounter a design flaw or craftsmanship issue, I will fix or replace the piece, you only pay shipping. It is highly recommended to send the ring in at the first sign of chipping/cracking before irreparable damage is done to your ring. Intentional damage to the ring or misuse (ie your dog chews on it), submerged water damage to wood rings, using it in a way it is not intended, damage due to exposure to harsh chemicals, and attempting to fix the ring yourself will void the warranty. Ring loss is not covered. Alterations, size changes, and engravings by an outside party void the warranty.
Some wood rings can be slightly sized up but the rings cannot be sized down so ensure you have the proper ring size before going forward. Due to the personal nature, custom orders cannot be returned.
You also have the option to purchase a protection plan which will extend some of the one year warranty benefits as well as provide a few additional incentives.
What is the protection plan?
The protection plan allows you access to some benefits beyond the one year warranty. The cost of the plan is 8% of the MSRP (the regular price you see in the shop).
--The protection plan is not an insurance policy--
Benefits of the plan:
-One free size exchange, future size exchanges are 30% of the MSRP. Original ring must be returned before a new ring will be sent out.
-Lost/stolen ring protection. Just pay 20% of the MSRP for a replacement ring. If the ring style is no longer available a similar style will be substituted.
-Discounted restocking fee for cancellations or returns.
Cancellations: 15% restocking fee, 30% without plan
Returns (within 30 days of purchase): 25% restocking fee, 50% without plan
-Discounted rate on ring refurbishment (buffing out scratches and repolishing (after the one year warranty expires), replacing damaged inlay): $20, $50 without plan.
How do I cancel my purchase?
You can cancel your order if you request to do so before your order is shipped. With the protection plan a 15% of MSRP restocking fee applies, without it’s 30%. Once the order is fulfilled and on its way, we cannot cancel an order and the regular return process will be required
How do I return my purchase?
Sometimes things don’t work out quite the way you expected, and that’s okay! Here is what to expect if you change your mind about your Turned Earth Design ring. You have 30 days from the time you receive the ring to return it for any reason; however, we make each ring to your exact specs/design, so a restocking fee does apply. With the protection plan it’s just 25% of MSRP, without it’s 50%.
If 30 days have passed since your purchase or your item has been damaged, unfortunately, we cannot offer you a refund or exchange. We reserve the right to deny any items that do not meet our policy requirements. If the item is damaged, we will reject the return/refund and will send the damaged item back to you.
Return Procedure
In the event that your purchase does not exceed your expectations, please email us within 30 days of delivery at evan@turnedearthdesogn.com for a return authorization. Once authorized, we will email you a merchandise return form. The customer will be responsible for paying the return shipping charges.
Processing Your Return
- Indicate on your merchandise return form what items you are returning and give us some feedback if you’d like!
- Pack your item(s) and return slip into the shipping envelope. Affix the return mailing label to outside of the shipping envelope.
- Drop your package at a USPS, UPS, or FedEx location.