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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SOHO ENAMELGeneral information:What is enamel?What is the difference between French and Italian enamel? What kind of enamel does SOHO use? What makes SOHO enamel unique? Is the enamel durable? Does it chip easily? Does SOHO product come with a written warranty? Do the enamel and the diamonds go all the way around or partway? Where is SOHO jewelry made? What quality of diamonds does SOHO use? Which metals does SOHO use? What metal is under the enamel? How do I keep SOHO jewelry clean? Order information:Can I order anything that SOHO makes if it doesn't appear on your website or in your catalog?If my wrist requires a larger or smaller bracelet, can SOHO custom make it for me? If I see something that I need to order in a different size, can I see it first before placing a special order? Do you stock all the SOHO pieces on the Maurice Badler website? How long does it typically take to get my order? Is it possible to get a rush order? Can I get SOHO pieces in any color? Are rings available in any finger size? If I have a ring made to order and I change my mind, can I send it back? What is your discount percentage off the Suggested Retail price? What if I don't know my (her) finger size? Are all the earrings for pierced ears or can I get them non-pierced? Repairs:If I have a problem with the enamel, can it be repaired?How long do repairs take? Can rings or bracelets be sized if my size changes? Can we ask SOHO to repair or re-enamel non-SOHO jewelry? If I have a problem with a piece of SOHO jewelry I purchased elsewhere, can you help? General information:What is enamel?Enamel is a composition of heated glass or glass-like materials fused to a surface- in this case-18k gold. Some enamel is opaque. Others are translucent or transparent, where the texture or engraving in the surface shows through.What is the difference between French and Italian enamel?French enamel is powdered glass that is heated to temperatures of 1200 to 1500 degrees, where it is crystallized and adheres to the surface of the metal. French enamel does not scratch and can be subjected to harsh chemicals (excluding hydrochloric acid.) Because it is glass based, it can chip if it is hit against a sharp surface. Although it can be repaired, some people who wear their jewelry a little hard will chip the enamel repeatedly. Additionally, there are color limitations. You cannot adhere French enamel to white gold or platinum.The Italian enamel process contains particles of quartz. It is baked at a lower temperature than French enamel. The great thing is it will not chip. Household chemicals will not harm the enamel. It is also possible to match almost any color. Italian enamel should not be exposed to a direct flame, but when do you put your hand in a direct flame? Theoretically you could scratch it, but this is unlikely to happen. If it is scratched over a long period of time, you can send it back for re-enameling for a minimal fee, and the piece will look like new. What kind of enamel does SOHO use?Italian enamel is the clear choice. Enamel repairs have been virtually non-existent. But SOHO's enamel process is different than other Italian enamels.What makes SOHO enamel unique?Typically, enamel jewelry is made with one solid color. SOHO uses "multi-dimensional" enamel. There are several layers of translucent color, which blend to form a unique look. SOHO black is a unique layering of eight shades. In many cases, SOHO's artists stir the enamel to create a textured look, so you can see the component media in the finished article. You can clearly see different shades of blue, violet and white in the Violetta color. Cappuccino is a stunning mix of black with other colors. Whoever thought of mixing different media with the enamel? SOHO Cream clearly exhibits flecks of 22kt. gold powder. And of course, SOHO's new Foliage utilizes a unique technique of mixing gold leaf with the enamel.Every piece of SOHO's jewelry is sanded and polished after enameling, giving their pieces a shine that other Italian enamels cannot match. Because SOHO jewelry is enameled by hand, each is different, taking on its own character. SOHO enamel is luminous, with a shine unseen in any other Italian enamel process. Is the enamel durable? Does it chip easily?Italian enamel is extremely durable and cannot chip. Maurice Badler's experience with Italian enamel from SOHO and other companies has shown almost no repairs.Does SOHO product come with a written warranty?SOHO does not provide a warranty in writing. But Maurice Badler warranties everything we sell for one year. Please click here to see our warranty.Do the enamel and the diamonds go all the way around or partway?The enamel in virtually all of SOHO's bracelets and necklaces goes around the entire piece. The diamonds are on the top or front sections only, and occasionally the gold motif continues all around. The enamel in most of SOHO's rings goes half way, but some have it all the way around. If it matters to you, please ask before placing your order.Where is SOHO jewelry made?SOHO jewelry is made in the heart of Tuscany region in Italy.What quality of diamonds does SOHO use?The diamonds are carefully selected for maximum fire and brilliance. SOHO uses stones that are very white (G color,) and very clear to the eye (VS2 clarity.)Which metals does SOHO use?You may order SOHO jewelry in 18k white or yellow gold.What metal is under the enamel?SOHO's jewelry is made entirely of 18kt. gold. Unlike others, there is no silver used. The Foliage and Cream collections have 22kt. gold mixed into the enamel.How do I keep SOHO jewelry clean?Clean SOHO jewelry the same way you would clean other fine gold items. Ultrasonic cleaners and professional steam machines will do a terrific job. At home, you can use any mild jewelry cleaner. Do not use acetone, soap, alcohol, or harsh chemicals.Order information:Can I order anything that SOHO makes if it doesn't appear on your website or in your catalog?Of course, we would be happy to special order anything they make.If my wrist requires a larger or smaller bracelet, can SOHO custom make it for me?Yes. Since each bracelet is created by hand, it is not a problem to have them custom made for you. If there is a price difference, you will be informed before the bracelets are made.If I see something that I need to order in a different size, can I see it first before placing a special order?If you have never seen the item in person, we prefer to send you the stock piece to see before placing a non-returnable special order. The sample we send is returnable for a refund or exchangeable for another one in the size you require.Do you stock all the SOHO pieces on the Maurice Badler website?Normally, yes. Occasionally, we run out, but replacements usually arrive within four weeks.How long does it typically take to get my order?Under normal circumstances, most items are in stock either in our office or in SOHO's office. Special orders normally take three weeks. Allow a little extra for shipping time from them to us and then on to you. When in a pinch for time, we can have them drop ship the jewelry, but we prefer all items to pass our Quality Assurance inspection before sending jewelry to you.Is it possible to get a rush order?SOHO's people are very responsive to our needs. Sometimes they can get an order sooner, but it is never guaranteed. Presume you will need overnight or 2nd day air shipping to expedite your order.Can I get SOHO pieces in any color?All SOHO jewelry may be special ordered in any color SOHO makes.Are rings available in any finger size?You may order SOHO's rings in any finger size. For finger sizes 8 and above, we will quote a price for you when confirming your order.If I have a ring made to order and I change my mind, can I send it back?Unfortunately, no. It has been custom made for you in your color preference and finger size.What is your discount percentage off the Suggested Retail price?We don't have a uniform percentage off the retail. However, we will quote you a price for any piece of jewelry you specify. It will be worth your time to call.What if I don't know my (her) finger size?Give us an idea of what you think you need. We will send you a ring from stock that is as close to that size as possible. After you receive it (or give the gift,) you may exchange it for a new one in the correct size.Are all the earrings for pierced ears or can I get them non-pierced?The hinged hoop earrings come with posts for pierced ears. They can be custom made with a spring at the hinge for those who don't have pierced ears. The posts on clip-and-post earrings can be removed so they can be worn non-pierced. We prefer not to remove the posts until you are sure you are keeping them, as the posts cannot be soldered back on. The hoop earrings are for pierced ears only.Repairs:If I have a problem with the enamel, can it be repaired?Of course. SOHO stands behind their jewelry in a manner we rarely see in the jewelry industry. SOHO jewelry rarely needs repair, but they act very quickly to resolve any problems.How long do repairs take?Repairs for SOHO jewelry generally take 7-10 business days, although sometimes the jewelry will come sooner.Can rings or bracelets be sized if my size changes?Rings will need to go back to Italy for sizing and re-enameling. You will be quoted a price before any work is done. Bracelets cannot be sized; a new one must be made.Can we ask SOHO to repair or re-enamel non-SOHO jewelry?Unfortunately, no. The nature of SOHO's unique enamel process dictates the way the pieces have to be designed. It is rare for another company's jewelry to be able to accept their special enamel process.If I have a problem with a piece of SOHO jewelry I purchased elsewhere, can you help?As authorized dealers of SOHO, we will assist you with any situation that might occur.
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