Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

BROKEN CHINA JEWELRY

What is broken china jewelry?

Broken china jewelry is handcrafted jewelry made from carefully selected pieces of vintage china and antique porcelain. Small sections are cut, shaped, and set into a bezel setting — at eclectiQuas, always sterling silver or gold-plated sterling silver, never base metals — sometimes combined with quality embellishments like freshwater pearls and vintage beads. Each piece preserves a small part of the original china pattern while becoming something entirely new, individually handmade into pendants, rings, earrings, and more.

What should I expect from a handmade jewelry piece?

Each piece is cut and shaped by hand from a real plate, cup, or saucer, so the exact section of the pattern depends on which part the artisan chooses to work with. Because every piece is handmade, you'll see slight variations from one piece to the next in the cut, shaping, and framing. That's not a flaw. It's proof a real artisan handcrafted your jewelry, and it's exactly what makes each eclectiQuas piece unique rather than identical jewelry, mass-produced in the thousands.

What is the difference between porcelain jewelry and broken china jewelry?

The terms overlap, but "broken china jewelry" (or "china jewelry," "broken plate jewelry," or "broken dish jewelry") specifically means jewelry cut from an existing piece of china or porcelain, like a plate, cup, or saucer, carrying part of the original pattern. "Porcelain jewelry" is broader; it can mean the same thing, or it can mean pendants hand-shaped and painted from raw porcelain clay, with no prior history or pattern.

At eclectiQuas, every piece is considered genuine broken china jewelry and porcelain jewelry, cut from real vintage or antique china, never shaped from raw clay.

Is broken china jewelry considered upcycled jewelry?

Yes. Upcycled jewelry is made by transforming existing materials into something of higher value, beauty, or purpose, rather than using newly manufactured materials, and broken china jewelry does exactly that with vintage and antique china and porcelain.

eclectiQuas Jewelry

Is eclectiQuas jewelry all handmade? Who makes it?

Yes. Every piece is handmade in the USA, in our Northern California studio by Erika Garell, owner and founder of eclectiQuas.

How do you choose the china patterns you use?

For the eclectiQuas collections, Erika chooses patterns from china and porcelain makers she loves, including Blue Willow, Royal Albert, Lomonosov, Royal Crown Derby, French Limoges, Japanese Imari, and Christmas china such as Spode Christmas Tree, Lenox Holiday, and Red & White China. She favors intricate designs, rich colors, and eye-catching as well as whimsical motifs. Part of the art is seeing how a small section of a plate that is several inches across can become a beautiful composition in a piece of jewelry that is often less than an inch to an inch in size.

Why is sterling silver better for broken china jewelry than other metals?

Sterling silver (925) is 92.5% pure silver, a real precious metal that holds its value, unlike base metals like zinc alloy or stainless steel. It's durable enough to be polished back to brilliance for years, which is why it's the standard for jewelry meant to last. Some pieces are gold plated to coordinate with gold accents in the china, but the sterling silver underneath is what gives it lasting value. At eclectiQuas, every piece incorporates sterling silver, from the setting to the chains, charms, and findings.

Will the china or porcelain in my jewelry break or chip?

The china or porcelain is set securely in a sterling silver bezel, which protects it from everyday bumps, drops, and pressure. In eclectiQuas' experience, no piece has ever been returned due to breakage. A hard, direct impact against a hard surface, like tile or concrete, could still cause damage, the same as it could to any ceramic piece.

How do I find sizing information?

Sizing information is stated on all listings, and items are displayed on models to show relative size.

CUSTOM CHINA JEWELRY

Can you make custom jewelry from my china?

Yes! Please see our custom listings under "Custom Made from Your China." After you place an order for the jewelry of your choice, you will receive a form to complete, along with instructions about sending your china, the design process, and delivery information. Custom jewelry is made and shipped 10-12 business days after the final approval of your custom design.

Can I request a custom design?

Yes. If you love a china pattern already in our collection but prefer a different jewelry style than what is currently available, we can often use existing china in our collection to create a custom piece for you. Please note that sometimes the china you want for a custom design is not available.

Can I return my custom jewelry?

No. Custom jewelry, whether created from customer provided china, or designed from china in our collection, is handcrafted specifically for you, so we are unable to accept returns or exchanges on custom pieces.

CARING FOR YOUR JEWELRY

How do I clean my sterling silver jewelry?

Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth — a silver polishing cloth or flannel works well — and polish in long strokes rather than circles, which can highlight scratches. Do not use paper towels and tissues, since they can scratch the metal. If your jewelry piece has pearls or other embellishments, do not immerse it in water or cleaner, and wipe those pieces gently with a dry cloth.

What if my sterling silver jewelry tarnishes?

Tarnishing is a natural chemical reaction that happens when sterling silver is exposed to air, moisture, or everyday substances, causing the metal to dull or darken over time. A gentle wash with warm water and a mild, ammonia- and phosphate-free dish soap usually does the trick, or you can make a paste with baking soda and water. Dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth afterward. Do not use commercial silver cleaners and polishes, though, since they can wear down the gold plating.

What if my sterling silver jewelry turns black?

Black spots or a dark film on sterling silver jewelry is just advanced tarnish, not a sign of poor quality or damage. The same gentle cleaning method works: warm water with a mild, ammonia and phosphate-free dish soap, or a baking soda paste for more stubborn areas. Avoid scrubbing harder even if tarnish is stubborn, since silver scratches easily; a second gentle pass usually finishes the job. As always, skip soaking in water entirely on pieces with pearls or other embellishments, and clean those with a dry cloth only.

Can I wear my jewelry in the shower, pool, or hot tub?

It's best to remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, or soaking in a hot tub. Chlorinated water, perspiration, and household chemicals all speed up tarnishing the sterling silver settings and chains. Lotion, perfume, and hairspray have the same effect, so put your jewelry on last, after you're finished getting ready.

How should I store my jewelry?

Your jewelry should be stored in a place that is dry and low-humidity. An airtight bag with an anti-tarnish strip, a packet of silica gel, or even a piece of chalk will help slow tarnish.

Can I wear my china jewelry every day?

You can, and it actually helps. The natural oils from your skin keep the sterling silver looking polished, so regular wear works in your favor.

PAYMENT

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, as well as Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.

SHIPPING and DELIVERY

What is the processing time for my order?

Since every piece is handmade and made to order, processing time falls between 4 and 7 business days outside the holiday season. If you're shopping for a gift with a deadline, we'd recommend planning your purchase with this timing in mind. Need something sooner? Email us at eclectiQuas.info@gmail.com and we'll do everything we can to get it out the door quickly.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, but not directly from our website. For international orders outside the United States, please purchase from our Etsy shop instead: eclectiquas.etsy.com. Availability varies by country, so please check that shipping is supported to your location before completing your order.

What shipping methods do you use?

Packages ship via USPS. Ground Advantage is a flat rate of $4.95 for one item, with free shipping on orders over $200. Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express are available for additional fees at checkout.

Are shipping times guaranteed?

No. Shipping speed depends on the postage method selected at checkout, and delivery estimates come from USPS, not eclectiQuas. Postal delays can happen and are outside our control. For the most current status of your package, check your tracking number at USPS.com or with your local post office.

RETURNS and EXCHANGES

Can I return my order?

All eclectiQuas items are eligible for return or exchange within 14 days of receipt, as long as the merchandise is in unused, salable condition, or if it arrived damaged. All returns and exchanges must be approved prior to sending merchandise back. Please contact us within 48 hours of package delivery with any problems with your order. Custom china jewelry pieces are considered final sale and are not eligible for return or exchange.

Can I exchange my jewelry?

Yes. Exchange items ship only once the original merchandise is received back in unused, salable condition. If the original order shipped with free shipping, the exchanged item will ship with standard shipping costs instead. Any price difference between the original and exchanged item, including shipping, will result in either a refund or a request for additional payment.

Can I receive a return shipping label?

Customers are responsible for return postage on all approved returns and exchanges.

I did not receive my package. Can I get a refund?

eclectiQuas is not responsible for refunding or replacing orders marked "Delivered" by USPS. If your tracking shows delivered but you didn't receive it, contact your local post office first, since USPS can confirm exactly when and where a package was delivered. If USPS made an error, they can help you retrieve it. If the package was delivered to your address but is missing, this may be a case of mail theft, and filing a report with USPS and your local police is worth considering. If tracking does not show your package as delivered at all, contact us at eclectiQuas.info@gmail.com to resolve it.

CONTACT

How do I contact eclectiQuas?

You can reach us anytime at eclectiQuas.info@gmail.com