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.

Is broken china jewelry considered sustainable or eco-friendly?

Yes. Much of the china used would otherwise sit unused in storage, since patterned china has fallen out of everyday style in favor of plain, modern pieces. Turning it into jewelry gives it real purpose again. For china inherited from a loved one, it's also a way to keep something of theirs close without storing sets that rarely get used.

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 does eclectiQuas differ from other brands of broken china jewelry and vintage china jewelry?

We use only high-quality 925 sterling silver and gold-plated 925 sterling silver, never zinc alloy or stainless steel, so our pieces are made to last as heirloom jewelry. We also use quality embellishments, including real freshwater pearls, gemstones, vintage beads, and Swarovski crystal elements. While many other makers use ornate silver settings, our settings are simple on purpose, letting the elegance, detail, and composition of each china piece take center stage. We also work with china and porcelain from around the world, including romantic florals, rich Imari and Asian motifs, bold geometric designs, and whimsical patterns. Our collection is broad and eclectic, with something to suit a wide range of tastes and personal styles.

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.

How does the jewelry differ between eclectiQuas.com, your Etsy store, and Handmade.com?

Every piece is created in our Northern California studio regardless of which platform you order from, so the quality, look, and craftsmanship are all the same. We do carry more items on eclectiquas.com than on Etsy or Handmade.com, so you'll find our largest selection here..

CHINA PATTERNS & MAKERS

How do you choose the china patterns you use?

For the eclectiQuas collections, Erika chooses patterns from china makers she loves, including Blue Willow, Royal Albert, Royal Doulton, 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.

What is the difference between blue and white china, and blue and white porcelain?

Porcelain is fired at a higher temperature than fine or bone china, making it denser and harder. "China" is often used more broadly and includes lower-fired ceramics, so while the two terms overlap, they aren't exactly the same material.

PORCELAIN PATTERNS & MAKERS

How do you choose the porcelain patterns you use?

The same eye for intricate designs, rich colors, and whimsical motifs carries over to the porcelain makers Erika chooses from, including Lomonosov, French Limoges, Japanese Imari, Irish porcelain, Royal Crown Derby Imari, and English bone china. Porcelain is fired at a higher heat than china, occasionally faintly translucent when held up to the light, and these patterns often feature dense allover designs rich in color and gold accents.

OUR STORY

Who is the founder of eclectiQuas?

eclectiQuas was founded by Erika Garell, who brings a background in fashion design and apparel manufacturing, set and costume design, and fine art, including her own biomorphic wall sculptures, to the brand. eclectiQuas jewelry reflects that artistic range: one-of-a-kind, limited-production pieces made from antique porcelain and vintage bone china from around the world, set in gold-plated and sterling silver with embellishments like pearls and tassels.

What does "eclectiQuas" mean, or where does the name come from?

The name is inspired by the word "eclectic," and more specifically the French word "éclectique," both of which describe someone or something that draws from a wide variety of styles, influences, or sources rather than following one particular style. On a personal note, Erika's maiden name was Quale, so she took "Qua" from her maiden name and added an "s" at the end. The name is pronounced ih-KLEK-tih-KWAZ. eclectiQuas is a playful nod to "éclectique" and "eclectic," suggesting a mix of different china patterns, eras, colors, and styles, a fitting name for a brand that brings together many different vintage and antique porcelain traditions in one collection, for a diverse audience with differing tastes and personal sensibilities.

What inspires the eclectiQuas aesthetic?

The eclectiQuas aesthetic is inspired by founder Erika Garell's bicultural background as half Japanese and half British-American. She's long been drawn to the way Japanese and English sensibilities meet in chinaware, especially through Imari china, where rich colors, intricate patterns, and the use of gold and silver come together in a single piece. That same sensibility shapes the design and uniqueness of every eclectiQuas piece.

How long has eclectiQuas been in business?

eclectiQuas was founded in 2020 by Erika Garell, launching on Etsy with just 20 jewelry pieces. The rapid growth of the eclectiQuas Etsy shop brought about the launch of our own website, eclectiQuas.com in 2023. This new website allowed us to grow beyond jewelry, incorporating Erika's love of writing and research through blog content, as well as a focus on custom broken china jewelry made from customer-provided china and porcelain. Today, alongside our own website, we maintain a presence on both Etsy and Handmade.com. Our product line has also expanded to include handmade notecard sets, vintage teacups and saucers paired with matching broken china jewelry, and vintage tea gift boxes. Our jewelry collection alone has grown from 20 pieces to more than 350 pieces available on the website today.

CUSTOM CHINA JEWELRY

What is bespoke jewelry?

Bespoke jewelry is jewelry made specifically to an individual customer's own specifications, rather than chosen from an existing, ready-made collection. The term originated in tailoring, where a bespoke suit was cut and fitted to one person rather than mass-produced in standard sizes, and it's since come to describe custom-made goods more broadly, including jewelry designed around a specific customer's request rather than offered as a fixed design.

Is custom china jewelry considered bespoke jewelry?

Yes. Bespoke jewelry means a piece made specifically to an individual customer's own specifications, rather than selected from an existing collection, and that's exactly what eclectiQuas' custom china jewelry is. Whether it's made from china that you provide or designed around your specific request using china from our collection, each custom piece is created individually for you, which makes it genuinely bespoke.

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.

GIFT GIVING

Can you gift wrap my order?

Every eclectiQuas order includes special packaging: a white organza jewelry bag with a decorative fabric or paper strip that corresponds to the design and color of your item, along with a photo card of the china plate from which your piece originates. For special gifts, we also offer a personalized handwritten gift card. Just email us at eclectiQuas.info@gmail.com with the recipient's name and your message after placing your order, and we will write the recipient's name in calligraphy, along with your message and closing.

What is my birth flower? Do you have birth flower jewelry?

Each birth month is traditionally associated with one or more flowers, and many of our china and porcelain jewelry pieces feature these exact botanical motifs, making it easy to find birth flower jewelry for yourself or as a gift:

What is a meaningful gift for someone who loves blue and white china patterns?

For a blue-and-white china collector, jewelry made from vintage porcelain in that same color palette tends to be more meaningful than a typical gift, since it reflects a style they've already shown a clear love for — worn every day rather than kept behind glass.

This approach also works well for collectors who are genuinely hard to shop for. Many already have a full set of china, and more dinnerware isn't always a welcome gift, but jewelry made from a blue-and-white pattern rarely overlaps with what they already own. It gives them something they wouldn't think to look for themselves, while still connecting to what they love — making it a thoughtful, low-risk choice for a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gift.

SHOPPING with eclectiQuas

Do you sell chinaware or individual china settings?

We don't sell full chinaware sets or place settings. Instead, we offer vintage china tea cups and saucers — all in excellent vintage condition, with no chips or cracks — paired with matching jewelry made from the same pattern, sold separately. See our Tea Cup, Saucer, and Broken China Jewelry Sets. We also offer Vintage Tea Gift Boxes with a tea cup and saucer, plus the option to add a matching necklace.

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.

Can I cancel or change my order?

Orders can typically be cancelled within 24 hours of purchase. After that, production may have already begun, so cancellation may not be possible. If you reach out after the 24-hour window, email us at eclectiQuas.info@gmail.com and we'll do our best to accommodate a cancellation or change if work hasn't started yet.

How does the customer service differ between eclectiQuas.com, your Etsy store, and Handmade.com?

Customer service doesn't differ; you'll get the same great support no matter which platform you order from. We only process international orders through our Etsy store, so if your order is being delivered outside the US, please visit eclectiQuas.etsy.com to place your order.

SHIPPING and DELIVERY

What is the processing time for my order?

Since every piece is handmade and made to order, processing time falls between 3 and 6 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