FAQ
Classes
Can I come to a class if I am a complete beginner?
Yes indeed, our Start Making Classes are designed to start at the very beginning.
I'm not at all artistic/creative, will you help me?
Of course! We have very talented staff at all our shops with various backgrounds in jewellery, design, fashion etc and years of jewellery making experience.
We will help you choose and design your jewellery - remember the more you do the better you get.
Do you do children's parties?
Our classes are designed for adults we will accommodate children (over 11yrs) to the 'Starter' class only when accompanied by a paying parent/adult, ie 2 paid places.
How much are your classes?
Classes start at £24 for a half day class
Prices are based on tuition and basic findings are included - Beads you choose on the day are not included in the price above.
Jewellery Making
What do I need to get started?
We have Starter Kits available starting from only £1.50.
What would you suggest for re-threading or to start making a necklace?
Tigertail is the best thing to use, it can be used with all our beads and is cost effective and strong. It has seven strands of stainless steel covered in a plastic coating. You dont need a needle for it.
You cannot knot tigertail - you need to use crimp beads.
What tools do I need to make earrings?
You need three different types of pliers a chain-nose pair (flat), a round-nose pair (circular)
and cutters.
What do I need to make a pendant necklace on ribbon?
2 x Folding Crimps or Jaw Ends
2 x Jumprings
Clasp - either Trigger Clasp or Toggle or similar
A pair of Chain Nose Pliers
Pendant and your chosen ribbon
What are all the different tools used for?
Chain nose - for bending headpins and eyepins at right angles and squashing crimp beads.
Round Nose - for creating loops on earrings and to create loops to link together beads in a chain.
Cutters - for cutting tigertail and headpins and eyepins
Products
What are "findings"?
"Findings" are all the metal components that enable you to create, fix and finish your own jewellery.
Where do you get the beads from?
All over the place from Greece, Czech Republic, China
What are Bijoux Beads findings made of?
Our findings are made from Brass with a nickel free plating,
with the exception of our trigger clasps, which are made from Zinc -Alloy with a nickel free plating.
Nickel tends to be the culprit for allergies so 99% of the time our findings are very suitable to everyone.
What are Crimp Beads ?
They are small beads used for finishing off jewellery that is strung on tigertail. Crimps are squashed using pliers and bite into the plastic coating on tigertail holding clasps and beads in place. They are also essential for creating 'Floating' style necklaces (holding the beads in place on the wire)
What is the difference between a split ring and a jump ring?
Split rings look like mini keyrings, the circle loops around a couple of times (the sort of thing you get your nail stuck in when your adding to your keys). Split ring pliers are invaluable to save your nails!
Jump rings are a single loop with a tiny join that can be opened easily by using a pushing and pulling action, and a couple of pairs of pliers.
How often do you have new products?
We get new products in all the time! The website and shops are constantly updated. We normally launch two catalogue a year with brand new collections.
Give us your address and we will send you a free catalogue.
Our Shops
Do you make jewellery up to order?
Yes we take on commissions in all our three shops, as all jewellery is handmade by our talented staff, between us we have lots of varied styles and designs.
Just come in an have a chat, show us what you like and give us a little time and we can create something unique just for you.
Do you do repairs?
Usually this is not possible but we do have all the things you need and we can show you how to fix things and re-design things yourself!
Where do you get your ideas from?
Everywhere! New beads arrive in and you can't help but create something. We closely follow new trends and fashions.
Most of us have a design background which helps but generally the more you do the better you get.
Do I get discounts on bulk buying?
We offer discounts to all our shop and online customers as follows:
Discounts on Quantities Purchased
Pack of 25 Beads/Findings - 2.5% Discount on Retail Prices
Pack of 50 Beads/Findings - 5% Discount on Retail Prices
Pack of 100 Beads/Findings - 7.5% Discount on Retail Prices
Discounts on Total Shopping Spend
£110 - £150.00 spent - will receive an extra 10% off
£150.01 - £250.00 spent - will receive an extra 12% off
£250.01 - £500.00 spent - will receive an extra 15% off
£500.01 - £1000.00 plus spent - will receive an extra 20% off!!
These are inclusive of VAT (discount added at the checkout stage for online customers)
Mail Order
How long will it take to dispatch my order?
Usually orders are dispatched within 1-2 days of receipt, using first class royal mail service.
How much is postage and packaging?
Postage and packaging within the UK is charged at the following rates before VAT:
Catalogue £0.00
Orders up to £25 - £1.95
Orders up to £50 - £2.95
Orders over £50 Now Free! except for Overseas orders
Order up to £99.99 - Free except for Overseas orders
Orders up to £149.99 - Free except for Overseas orders
Orders over £150: Free except for Overseas orders
Do I get discounts on bulk buying?
We offer discounts to all our shop and online customers as follows:
Discounts on Quantities Purchased
Pack of 25 Beads/Findings - 2.5% Discount on Retail Prices
Pack of 50 Beads/Findings - 5% Discount on Retail Prices
Pack of 100 Beads/Findings - 7.5% Discount on Retail Prices
Discounts on Total Shopping Spend
£110 - £150.00 spent - will receive an extra 10% off
£150.01 - £250.00 spent - will receive an extra 12% off
£250.01 - £500.00 spent - will receive an extra 15% off
£500.01 - £1000.00 plus spent - will receive an extra 20% off!!
These are inclusive of VAT (discount added at the checkout stage for online customers) |
