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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What materials do you use to make your beaded jewellery?

2. Is there lead in glass beads?

3. Will the glass beads break?

4. What does lampwork mean?

5. How do I determine the correct size for a bracelet?

6. Are some bracelets better than others for younger children?

7. Why are some of your bracelets not available in all sizes?

8. What if a bracelet does break?

9. Do you use Swarovski crystal?

10. How should I care for my beaded jewellery?

11. How should I store my beaded jewellery?

12. Can I design my own bracelet?

13. How long will it take for me to receive my beaded jewellery?

14. What is your return policy?

15. Is it safe to provide my credit card information?

16. Do you accept money orders, cashier's check or cash?

FAQ#1 - What materials do you use to make your beaded jewellery?

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ShandagGlass.com uses only the highest quality materials throughout our designs.

There are three main components to creating any jewellery; stringing material, beads and 'finding and components'. 

Stringing Material:  ShandaGlass.com uses only premium AccuFlex Wire designed specifically for bracelets.  Made from 21 micro strands of stainless steel coated in nylon.  This stringing material ensures durability,  excellent and adequate flexibility, that it will not stretch over time, and long-life.  Other designers and manufacturers use anything from plastic to fishing line to rubber to picture hanging wire.  These are all inferior products because they break easily, stretch or become brittle over time.

Beads:  ShandaGlass.com uses only quality glass beads, sterling silver beads from reputable suppliers, lead safe pewter beads and pendants, and other lead free beads.  Beads come in many different shapes, sizes, textures and production techniques.  ShandaGlass.com strives to ensure all  beads used are of premium quality.

Findings and Components:  These are the items used in jewellery making to hold your piece together and to finish the piece.  ShandaGlass.com uses only the highest quality lead safe crimp beads, crimp covers, round beads, clasps, charms etc.

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FAQ#2 - Is there lead in glass beads?

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No.  Glass beads contain no lead.  However, 'crystal' glass contains high amounts of lead.  It is the addition of lead to glass that makes crystal sparkle.  ShandaGlass.com uses no 'crystal' in our designs to ensure that our beads are 'lead safe'.

Swarovski Crystal contains 21% - 32% lead.  Lead is the key component that gives these crystals their sparkle.  It is recommended that crystals not be used in jewellery for infants, toddlers or other young children that may be more likely to place these items in their mouths.

For more information on the hazards of lead please visit our lead safety page.

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FAQ#3 - Will the glass beads break? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question Glass beads are deceptively strong.   The strength, or hardness, of a bead increases the smaller the bead.   Smaller beads such as seedbeads and druks tend to be quite stable. For larger beads, such as lampwork, the process of annealing, or slowly cooling, substantially increases the durability of the beads.  While glass beads are very durable, they can be broken if struck hard enough. At ShandaGlass.com we design our bracelets with all of this in mind, therefore as a safety precaution some designs that incorporate lampwork glass beads or larger glass beads are not available in the smaller children's sizes.

FAQ#4 - What does 'lampwork' mean? Previous Question || Return to FAQ ||Next Question Lampwork beads refer to artisan beads that are handcrafted one at a time.  A stationary gas-oxygen burner with flame, similar to lighting a torch and placing it standing on a table, is used to heat the tip of a colour glass rod to the point where the glass becomes the consistency of liquid honey or molasses.  With the glass rod in one hand and a stainless steel rod called a mandrel in the other, the molten glass is wound around the steel rod by holding the glass rod still and twirling the mandrel, while also maintaining a specific temperature in the flame.   This is very delicate and specific work.  Imagine trying to pour molasses onto a stick and not letting any drip by continually turning the stick until the molasses is a ball on the stick.   When the bead is removed from the mandrel the hole that is left by the mandrel is the hole that is used for threading.  The glass then cools from the outside in, and glass shrinks as it cools.  Allowing the bead to cool in open air caused the outside of the bead to cool rapidly compared to the molten center.  A stress point develops between the cooler outer layer and the still hot inner layer.  This stress point can cause the bead to crack either immediately or at a later time.  To prevent these stress points lampwork beads must be cooled in a kiln.  The bead is immediately placed in a kiln that maintains an even temperature so that the bead is molten throughout, but not so hot that the bead losses it's shape.  This is known as annealing the bead.  Then the temperature is gradually reduced, over hours and hours, until the bead is at room temperature. These beads can be exceptionally beautiful and also extremely costly.  Simple lampwork beads can take minutes to make, more intricate and detailed lampwork beads can take hours to make.

FAQ#5 - How do I determine the correct size for a bracelet? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question Here are the steps to ensure the correct size of bracelet to order; Always use a soft measuring tape to ensure accurate measurements. Measure around the wrist bone of both wrists, not too tight. Use the larger of the two measurements. Add 1/2” for children’s bracelets. Add 1” for adult’s bracelets. The size to age range that we provide are estimates.  It is always best if you can measure the wrist beforehand.  If the bracelet is to be a gift you can try measuring the wrist while the individual is sleeping.

FAQ#6 - Are some bracelets better than others for younger kids? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question Yes.  A simple rule of thumb is the smaller the wrist, the smaller the bead.  At ShandaGlass.com we design our bracelets with both children and adults in mind, therefore, some bracelets are not available in some sizes.  Some of our designs incorporating larger, artisan, lampwork, or fancy beads are not available for smaller wrist sizes.

FAQ#7 - Why are some of your bracelets not available in all sizes? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question At ShandaGlass.com we design our bracelets with both children and adults in mind.  A general rule of thumb is; the smaller the wrist the smaller the bead.  Some of our designs incorporate larger, artisan, lampwork, or fancy beads.  These designs are not available for smaller wrist sizes. FAQ#8 - What if a bracelet does break? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question At ShandaGlass.com we pride ourselves on craftsmanship and quality.  Our bracelets are guaranteed not to break.  Should a bracelet ever break we would gladly repair or restring the item, just contact us at info@shandaglass.ca for detailed instructions.   FAQ#9 - Do you use Swarovski crystals? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question No, we do not use any Swarovski crystal, or any other crystal glass beads in our designs due to their high lead content.  Swarovski Crystal contains 21% - 32% lead.  Lead is added to glass to make it sparkle.  It is recommended that crystals not be used in jewellery for infants, toddlers or other young children that may be more likely to place these items in their mouths. We also do not use crystal in our jewellery designed specifically for adults because we recognize that babies often suck on a mothers jewellery while being worn and younger children play with a mothers jewellery while playing 'dress up'.  We at ShandaGlass.com would prefer not to expose children to lead at all.  Please see our page on lead safety for more information. FAQ#10 - How should I care for my beaded jewellery? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question Often fine jewellery looses it's lustre.  It goes from beautiful, elegant, Wow!, to dull and lifeless.  To avoid this, proper care is the key.  Glass Beads:  Simply wipe glass beaded bracelets with a damp cloth, or a damp cloth with some mild detergent, like dish detergent or laundry detergent.  Glass is not a porous material so this should remove all surface debris, such as lotions, oils and grim.  Do not use harsh chemicals on glass beads particularly ones with an aurora borealis coating.  Harsh chemicals will strip this coating over time.  If there is dirt in hard to reach places, like between the beads, soak the item in warm water with a little mild detergent then use a soft bristled tooth brush to gently remove the dirt. Sterling Silver:  Sterling silver is a natural material that oxidizes/tarnishes when in contact with air.  This oxidization causes the silver to loose it's shine and become dull and 'lifeless', sometimes turning it grey-brown, or if left for a very long time black.   To avoid oxidization polish the sterling silver pieces occasionally with a non-abrasive jewellery cleaning cloth.  If there is dirt or grim on sterling silver simply wipe away with a warm damp cloth, let dry, then polish with a non-abrasive jewellery cleaning cloth.  Avoid immersing any jewellery with sterling silver in water with chlorine, salt or minerals. Glass and Sterling Silver Bracelets:  Wipe any obvious dirt away with a damp cloth or a damp cloth with mild detergent.  Use a non-abrasive jewellery cleaning cloth to wipe the entire bracelet on a regular basis.  This will keep the sterling silver from oxidizing and will not harm the glass beads. Other Components:  All other components used in our jewellery can be cleaned with a damp cloth, a damp cloth with mild detergent, or a mild non-abrasive jewellery cleaning cloth. General care should include: removing your jewellery to apply moisturising lotions, removing your jewellery to apply sun screen lotions, removing your jewellery for sleeping, removing your jewellery for sports, removing your jewellery for cleaning the house, many household cleaners have harsh chemicals that can harm your jewellery, removing your jewellery when going into a swimming pool or hot tub, store your jewellery in a organized manner, see FAQ#11 for information on how to store your jewellery. If you have any specific questions please do not hesitate to contact us at info@shandaglass.com. FAQ#11 - How should I store my beaded jewellery? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question Here are a few tips on storing your jewellery to help maintain their beauty.  These tips are not specific to beaded glass jewellery, they apply to all of your jewellery. Story your jewellery in a cool dry place.  Preferably a good jewellery box or case. Avoid storing your jewellery in direct sunlight. Store any jewellery with sterling silver in a tarnish-proof jewellery box or case or tarnish-proof cloth.  Store your jewellery in an organized way so that pieces do not scuff each other. Do not store sterling silver in paper, cardboard or cotton.  These material contain sulphur which will speed the oxidization process. Properly care for and clean your jewellery on a regular basis. Following these tips will ensure that each piece remains as beautiful as the day of purchase. FAQ#12 - Can I design my own bracelets? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question Yes.  Simply contact our head designer at designer@shandaglass.com to discuss a consultation.  Designing a unique bracelet for your charity, school or organization is a great way to raise funds. FAQ#13 - How long will it take to receive my jewellery? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question All jewellery is handmade when ordered.  ShandaGlass.com will ship your order within three to five business days of the date purchase. To Canadian Destinations:  All orders are shipped via Canada Post Regular Parcel mail from our location in Ottawa, Ontario.   Regular Parcel delivers within 3 business days locally.  4 to 6 business day regionally and 5 to 10 business days nationally between major Canadian centres.  To USA Destinations:  All orders are shipped via Canada Post Light Packet U.S.A.  Delivery times for Light Packet service are equivalent to USA Letter-Post.  Customers can expect their packets to be delivered in 4 to 6 business days to the USA. To International Destinations:  All orders are shipped via Canada Post Light Packet International.  Delivery times for Light Packet service are equivalent to International Letter Post.  Customers can expect their packets to be delivered in 4 to 7 business days to International destinations. If you are in a hurry to receive your items please contact us at info@shandaglass.com to arrange priority shipping. FAQ#14 - What is your return policy? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question ShandaGlass.com offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase just return it within seven days of receipt for a full refund of the purchase price. Please use the original padded package for returns.  Return charges are non-refundable. Please contact us at info@shandaglass.com prior to returning any item, and we will send you detailed instructions. FAQ#15 - Is it safe to provide my credit card informtion? Previous Question || Return to FAQ || Next Question Yes.  Your private financial data is never stored or accessed by ShandaGlass.com.  All online ordering transactions are completed through PayPal's secure order processing system.  PayPal uses SSL technology to ensure that your financial data is safe. For more information on PayPal order processing and their privacy policy please visit PayPal directly at www.paypal.com. FAQ#16 - Do you accept money orders, cashier's cheques or cash? Previous Question || Return to FAQ Money orders and cashier's cheques:  Yes, we will accept money orders and cashier's cheques by mail.  Please contact us by email at info@shandaglass.com with details of what you would like to purchase.  We will give you a price along with our mailing address.  Once the money order or cashier's cheques has arrived we will ship your items. Cash:  Yes, if you live in the Ottawa area and your purchase total exceeds $100.00 an arrangement can be made for purchasing items with cash.  Please email us at info@shandaglass.com to arrange details.