GO WEST Gems, LLC is based in Loudoun County, Virginia. I create handcrafted jewelry with unusual beads, especially those of semi-precious gemstones, shell and bone.

I've been a "rock hound" since childhood, learning quickly how to identify the type and origins of many minerals. I also enjoy close work, such as embroidery, that requires attention to minute details, and it seemed a natural match to bring these talents together.

I strive to further my own knowledge, as well as that of my clients, regarding the science and lore surrounding gemstones. Information detailing the gemstones in a particular design, as well as the proper care of its components, is included with every purchase.

I find much of my inspiration in the designs and contrasting colors of Nature, such as salmon-colored clouds against a turquoise sky at sunset, or in fascinating patterns found in plant or sea life.

I like to explore the full spectrum of color, as well as to create unexpected combination of hues, which results in distinctive jewelry which will be stylish for years to come. I take care to sort through my various beads to match up patterns and colors, and treat the entire piece as a "composition". I have a large variety of beads, which means the beads and other elements are as a palette of color, texture and form.

Once completed, each piece is tested for its comfort and durability before being offered for sale. I study how the necklace drapes; if the bracelet bangs into too many things, and so forth. I know that many women cannot wear heavy or long earrings, so I'm mindful of that in my designs as well.

Classical music is a source of strength and inspiration as well. Not only am I a violinist, but I listen to great music as I design and create your jewelry!

I am dedicated to the advancement of my techniques and skills, enabling me to offer an expanding variety of quality handcrafted jewelry.

My promise to you is excellence in craftsmanship and superb customer service. Allow me to assist you in choosing items that will help complete the look that you desire.


For personalized service, you may reach me on my cell phone which is 443-742-7320. Since I do have a "day job", please leave a message. I check my phone for messages frequently and will attempt to return your call within 24 hours.

I do not have a "brick and mortar" store; right now I am only on the web.
admin@go-west-gems.com

SHIPPING INFORMATION

Items will be shipped within five business days {but usually within 24 hours} after funds have cleared. Generally, credit and debit cards post within a 24 hours; checks may take up to 14 days to clear. You may choose to ship via your choice of carrier - the options available at checkout are UPS, FedEx or the U.S. Postal Service. Please be aware that the cost is variable dependent on the zip code to which the merchandise is sent. For standard delivery, most orders will arrive within 3 to 7 days from the date of shipping. We will inform you via e-mail and/or telephone of any delays in shipping greater than 30 days.

Jewelry items are packed in standard cotton-filled cardboard boxes, which are then securely packed into a corrugated cardboard box. Merchandise sent via USPS is shipped in standard USPS boxes, Insured with Delivery Confirmation for no extra charge. If you choose to ship by UPS or FedEx, please be aware that these carriers do not ship to P.O. Boxes.

For international destinations, I reserve the right to choose whatever service is most economical to deliver the package to you in a timely fashion. I will notify you by e-mail as to the shipping date, and tracking number/website. Since I must declare the value of the shipment for U.S. Customs, the recipient is responsible for all duties and fees levied by their own country for imported items. Please do not ask me to declare a "zero", "gift" or "nominal" value.

Gift wrap is available free of charge, for a variety of occasions, and is suitable for anyone. Please just choose an option as you order an item.

EXCEPTIONS to SHIPPING & RETURNS

HOLIDAY - For orders placed between November 1 and December 21, returns may be made for a full refund up to midnight January 10, Eastern Standard Time. Please follow the directions listed below for RETURNS.

REFUND, RETURNS and CANCELLATION POLICIES:

For REFUNDS / RETURNS:

I know that it can be difficult to size up a piece of jewelry on a website, which is why I try to include the weight of the necklaces in particular, so that you may have a bit of a clue as to how it might feel. I make every attempt to render accurate photographs of the jewelry, but due to differences in monitors and settings, the colors of the stones may be different than anticipated. In the event that you are not happy with your purchase - for whatever reason - we will refund the amount of your purchase {less S&H} under the following conditions:

1] contact Customer Service at admin@go-west-gems.com for a Return Authorization Number, and briefly identify in your e-mail why you wish to return the merchandise;

2] item must be returned within fifteen {15} business days from the date of order;

3] item must be in new, unused and undamaged condition in its original package {scratched, nicked, chemically altered or otherwise damaged items will not be refunded};

4] item must have the original packing slip included with it, and the Return Authorization Number must be clearly printed at the top of the packing slip. Please ship the merchandise to be returned via an insured courier service, and retain the tracking number for your records. Please pack it securely in a corrugated cardboard box; items shipped via any type of envelope will not be processed for refunds. We are not responsible for items damaged during shipment; should that occur, we will notify you via e-mail and/or telephone, as we cannot guarantee a full refund in this case.

For CANCELLATIONS: If you wish to cancel an order, and the item has not shipped, your method of purchase will be credited within 60 days. If it has shipped, your purchase will be credited within 60 days of the receipt of the item by GO WEST Gems, following the conditions for RETURNS.

Custom Orders may not be refunded, returned or canceled, due to their personalized nature.

OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU

I make every effort to buy from qualified dealers, and in turn, to create jewelry with sound craftsmanship. I take pride in my work, and have been known to dismantle a finished piece if I discover a flaw before offering it for sale. I want you to enjoy your jewelry for many decades to come. I include an information sheet with every item, detailing some of the lore, origins, uses and care of your gemstones. If the jewelry item fails due to craftsmanship, I will replace or repair the item, free of charge {less shipping and handling}. This guarantee is in effect for one year after the date of order of your item.

However, common sense is also in effect. Wearing this jewelry while skydiving, skateboarding or other similar vigorous activities is not recommended. I am not responsible for damages that may occur if the jewelry is dropped on the sidewalk, subjected to undue stresses, or eaten by a dog. Please keep out of reach of small children. If your merchandise is accidentally damaged, it is possible that it might be repaired for a nominal fee {minus shipping and handling}. Please contact Customer Service at admin@go-west-gems.com, as particular beads may or may not be available. Many of my designs are comprised of elements that are truly unique, or, may be of limited quantity, so I cannot guarantee their availability.

CUSTOM ORDERS

You will be charged an small hourly fee for the time spent on design work. Once you and I agree upon a design for a custom order, I will give you an estimate of the total cost {including special order of unique items}, and will require 50% deposit before beginning the design, and the balance will be due at time of shipping. Custom orders are not refundable or returnable once the deposit is paid.

If I do design work for you, and you choose not to purchase a final product, you will still be charged for the time spent on the design.

LEAD NOTIFICATION

The components used in GO WEST Gems jewelry originate in a number of nations around the world. Every effort is made to exclude items containing lead in my jewelry; any design that might be an exception will be labeled on the website with "May Contain Lead".

MEASURING TIPS FOR BRACELETS AND ANKLETS

Take a flexible measuring tape, and measure around the wrist where it most comfortable for you to wear a bracelet. Usually, this is right behind the wrist bone, where one would normally wear a wrist-watch. Add 1/2 - 3/4 inch, depending on your level of comfort, and how much slack you want in the bracelet. Order the size closest to that number. If you require minor adjustment in the size, I will do so free of charge {minus shipping and handling}. This is limited to a single adjustment for each item. Any further adjustments may require a nominal fee. For the ankle, measure at the area where the leg meets the foot, above the ankle bone. Again, allow for room for comfort; you may want to add 1/2 to 3/4 inch, depending on your level of comfort. I use secure fish-hook or lobster-claw clasps on anklets, as they are more subject to jarring forces than a bracelet.

USE OF A PROMOTIONAL CODE:

Promotional codes will give you a discount on your purchases. If you have such a code, simply enter it in the "Promotion Code" box at Checkout. The discount will be reflected in the total cost before shipping.

SALES TAX

Merchandise that is shipped to residents of Virginia will be charged sales tax. Residents of other states are responsible for all taxes, according to the laws of their state.

HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

Please contact me via admin@go-west-gems.com if you have any questions about the jewelry, or would like some assistance in selecting a gift. I can also assist you in designing custom jewelry that you may wish for a particular outfit or event.
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