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Can a design be reproduced exactly?
Carolyn Tyler Jewelry is individually handmade by Balinese Master Artisans, making each piece virtually one of a kind. Because these designs are not machine made, they may have very slight imperfections, which add to their handcrafted quality.

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Carolyn’s jewelry has an unusual finish—will it wear off?
The velvety, matte finish characteristic of Carolyn Tyler Jewelry is achieved by depletion-gilding and will wear to a rich patina over time on rings and other pieces which experience heavy wear.

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What Karat purity is the gold? Isn’t 22k gold too soft for jewelry?
Most of the designs are rendered in 22k (93% pure gold and 7% mix of copper and silver) gold unless otherwise noted. Gold jewelry that is alloyed to 22k and lower has sufficient hardness and durability for every day use. Most of the jewelry artifacts of ages past is 22k, and it still looks good after hundreds of years! Carolyn’s lightweight designs and very thin band rings are often rendered in 18K (75% pure gold, 25% alloy of copper and silver) for extra strength. Earring clip backs, posts, and necklace and bracelet clips are also hardened 18k gold.

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What sizes do your rings come in?
Ring sizes are American Standard in 6, 7, and 8. Other sizes may be special ordered. In general,, women’s bracelets are 7 1/4” long and men’s are 8”, with special size orders accepted.

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Do you make earrings for people with non-pierced ears?
Many earring designs have fold-down posts, enabling people without pierced ears to wear them comfortably. This feature also enables an earring to be worn on a chain as a pendant.

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I like convertible jewelry—do you make pendants that become pins, etc.?
Many pendant designs have a removable bail, which enables the piece to be worn also as a brooch. Some necklaces can be wrapped around the wrist to be worn as a bracelet, or around the waist as a belt or belly chain. The long “Convertible Lariats” with gold tassels unscrew in several places to be worn as three nesting necklaces, or two necklaces and two bracelets.

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If I want to get a ring sized or a repair done, does it have to go back to Bali?
Not necessarily; many repairs and sizings can be done by jewelers near you. Contact us for advice.

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A:

I have some family heirloom jewelry that I don’t wear—will Carolyn design something for me using my stones?
Yes, Carolyn is happy to make a special design using your treasured family gems. We cannot, however use the gold from your jewelry unless it is 22k or higher.

Q: A:

Does Carolyn make any designs in white gold or platinum?
There is no such thing as truly “white” gold. Gold comes out of the ground yellow—“white gold “ is achieved by using 75% pure yellow gold, and 25% silver, nickel, and some other grey metals. This creates a muddy-colored gold, which is then electroplated with pure white rhodium. It is the rhodium coating that one sees on top of the 18k “muddy” gold that makes it look “white”. Carolyn does not like “white gold for this reason. Platinum is a pure metal, but it is too brittle for the intricate embellishments such as granulation and filigree. Carolyn prefers to design for yellow gold. She will, however, make a polished finish, or “antique” the finish if you prefer a “less yellow” look. We can make some designs in 18k rose gold, which uses only copper to achieve the warmer tone.