F.A.Q.



This page is still being worked on. If you have suggestions, or a question that should belong on a FAQ page, please e-mail me at vanessa@gypsybutterflies.com



Do You Take Returns?

    Absolutely. Contact me, and we'll work out all the details.


I See Something I Like, But It's Not In Your Store, How Can I Purchase One?

    Chances are, I'm just out of stock. It takes a bit of time to make each item, so things won't always be in stock. If you contact me and request a particular item, I'll get cracking on that very one, and notify you immediately when it's ready.


Do Your Prices Include Shipping And Taxes?

    No. During the check out process, examine the final cost before finalizing your purchase so there won't be any unexpected surprises later.


Do You Ship Outside Of The US?

    Not at this time, sorry.


What About Hawaii Or Alaska?

    Not just yet, sorry. Soon, though.


Is Your Jewellery Made With Plated Or Copper Coloured Material?

    Generally, no. Each item is made with solid copper wire, as pure as available (99%+). Some beads or other embellishments used may be coated or coloured. I try to avoid them whenever possible, but finding solid copper beads isn't always easy, so some copper beads that may be used are ceramic with a copper colour coating. If that is the case, the item description will make note of it.


Why Do You Not Use A Lacquer/Varnish On The Copper?

    Every attempt at using lacquers and varnishes has ended up with something that peels off, and/or allows the piece to slowly tarnish under it anyway, but refuses to let the tarnish be removed. In essence, it seems to allow the oxidizing air in, but keeps cleaning methods from working, trapping the tarnish below it. I'm sure there's something out there that probably works, I just haven't found it.


How Then Do I Keep The Tarnish Off?

    You can refer to my "How To Care For..." page. There's many ways to keep copper clean, I just have a few of my own techniques I like to use.


Will My Skin Turn Green?

    Most likely. Copper does do that to skin. It's easy to wash off, as it's temporary and really only an oxidative reaction to your personal body chemistry. It's superficial, and not a true stain.


What Are The Health Benefits To Wearing Copper?

    Honestly, none that I'm aware of. I hear all kinds of things, and read all manner of "touting" on websites, but I have yet to find one true piece of evidence, one scientifically well done study, that shows it does anything. There are plenty of people who will happily tell you their first hand experiences of what wearing something made of copper has done for them, but for me, I've noticed nothing.

    Copper is a nutrient, and does have a purpose in our lives as such. Copper.org has some articles on copper and health, both as a nutrient and as a medicine. This said, I do not think that wearing copper, as an item of jewellery, will produce any noticeable health effect.