1. Do you take custom orders?

2. I just placed an order, how long until it ships?

3. Why should I buy only kiln annealed beads?

4. What size hole do your beads have?

5. Can I combine my eBay purchase with my web order?

6. Why do I have to login to make a purchase?

7. How much do you charge for shipping?

8. Do you accept credit cards?

9. What is tumbling?

Do you take custom orders?

Yes, I do.  I can create orders to match your favorite outfit, colors, beads or whatever you might need.  Custom orders can take longer to complete that others, but I always enjoy seeing where it can lead me.  Making custom sets can generally take around 2-3 weeks to complete, so please be patient.  Whatever you can send to me for color or design ideas is welcomed.  I do have to admit, though, I have turned down orders in the past. This could be either because I didn't feel I could accomplish the request at that time or was just way too busy.  Don't hesitate to ask, I would love to word with you.

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I just placed an order, how long until I can expect it to arrive?

I normally get orders shipped within one week from when the payment is made.  It is usually closer to 3-4 days, but not always.  Although, It is best to check my home page to find out the bead delivery time table.  At times, I have held back from shipping an order because of a bad bead.  Right before packaging everything gets a final inspection and rather than ship something I would not feel right selling, I will remake the bead.  This can delay everything 1-2 days depending on my schedule.  If you are in a rush, please don't hesitate to let me know.

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Why should I buy only kiln annealed beads?

Annealing glass beads in a kiln relieves the stresses that are stored up inside the bead.  Beads that have been annealed properly are durable and should last forever.  Beads that have not been annealed will eventually crack.  No one wants to put energy into making jewelry only to have a bead break later on. But do remember that these beads are made of glass and do still need to be treated as such.

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What size hole do your beads have?

Unless otherwise stated, I make my beads on a 3/32" mandrel which makes the hole about 2.5 mm.  A bead made on a 1/16" mandrel will have a hole about 1.5 mm.  I can also make them larger.  The next size up is 1/8".

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Can I combine my eBay purchase with my web order?

Yes, you can.  If I send you two different invoices, just let me know and I will combine everything for one payment. 

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Why do I have to login to make a purchase ?

The advantage of logging in to make purchases is that you can save your items in the cart and come back later to finish.  You will always be able to look back and see any previous orders too.  You can also log on to your account and see the status of any pending orders.

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How much do you charge for shipping?

Here is a table that shows the shipping fees for website purchases (insurance is extra):

First Class

Priority Mail

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Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, I do.  I currently accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and Diner's Club.   When completing your order, you will be taken to a secure site to enter your credit card information.  I do NOT store your cc information anywhere on my site.  You can also pay with a credit card through PayPal.

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What is tumbling?

Tumbling is done in a rock tumbler with a very fine grit and a bit of water and soap. The beads are tumbled to create a matte finish. This is similar to acid etching, but the final result is a much softer etching. In my opinion, beads that are tumbled do not catch as much fuzz and dirt from whatever they rub up against. They would have more of a 'beach glass' look.  When beads are tumbled to get a matte finish rather than in an acid bath, any crevices or spots next to raised glass will stay glossy.  You can see examples in my amber woven beads and wavy disc beads (see the difference in the 2 beads in the front).

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Copyright © 2004-2006 Serena's Beadery. All rights reserved.
Revised: 09/24/06.