::: ABOUT :::
What’s the deal with Alchemilla? Like who even ARE you!?
Hi! I love you! First Go check out our About page!
::: MATERIALS & PRODUCTION :::
How is your jewelry made?
Our pieces are created through a mix of techniques that includes hand-cut and forged brass, original designs cast in bronze and silver, as well as vintage findings. Many pieces include special detailing such as hand-woven beads or sequins, crystals, and semi-precious stones. Because of the unique nature of the vintage materials used in many of our designs, small variances of color or marks may be found – each piece is one of a kind just for you!
All pieces are designed by Alchemilla owner Jen Lorang, AND CURRENTLY SHE IS RUNNING THE STUDIO ALL BY HERSELF IN AMHERST, MA! For cast pieces, each shape is based on an original drawing and then hand-sculpted using the lost wax casting process. We work with a family-run casting studio in nearby Grass Valley, California who create molds to hand-cast cast our pieces in bronze or sterling silver.
Once cast pieces are back in the studio, we construct, polish and meticulously add details by hand-weaving Japanese glass seed beads, vintage French sequins, and recycled fair trade African beads. All pieces are finished with Alchemilla’s signature necklace clasp, hand-formed 14K gold filled earwires, or sterling silver earring posts.
Your jewelry will arrive packaged in a kraft gift box. Let us know if you would like special gift wrapping!
What is all your jewelry made out of?
In general most of our chain, cast pieces, and fabricated peices are all made out of brass. Our hooks are handmade with gold-filled wire. This is a hypoallergenic material that has a brass center with 24k gold outside. We use sterling silver for our posts which is also hypoallergenic. We use a combination of glass, wood, shell and stone beads. Please read the specific product descriptions for more details. Some of our materials are vintage and I don’t know exactly what they are!
Can I switch out something so I can wear it?
Yes! Sometimes people have stretched ears and need long hooks with backs so they don’t loose their earrings- yes we can do that for you! Sometimes people want a sterling silver chain because brass irritates their skin. Whatever the issue, please don’t be afraid to ask and see if we can make our designs work for you!
::: SHIPPING QUESTIONS :::
How long will it take to get my jewelry?
ESTIMATED PRODUCTION TIME: Many of our items are made to order, and the time needed to create each piece varies – check the individual item listings for details. In general, especially during covid, pieces are shipped Between 2-4 weeks After purchase. Remember almost everything is made to Order and fabrication takes Time. Pre-orders of items from a new line can take longer, so please do CHECK THE ANNOUNCEMENT BAR AT THE TOP OF THE SITE & read the listing details for your desired items!
Estimated shipping/transit times by destination:
May vary due to weather, holidays, etc.
North America: 1-5 business days
Europe & Australia: 1-3 weeks
Other destinations: varies though generally it’s about two weeks
We will do our best to meet these shipping estimates, but cannot guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose. If you need anything sooner, let us know at hello@thealchemilla.com and we will do our best to accommodate you!
What are my shipping options?
All items will be shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS):
US: First Class, Priority Mail, Express Mail
International: First Class International ($9-30), Priority International ($22+)
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. Alchemilla is not responsible for delays due to customs.
I’m so excited! I need my order REAL quick--liiike tomorrow, is that possible?
We can do our very best to accommodate your jewelry needs! Please make a note of it in your order and ideally send us a separate email - hello@thealchemilla.com so we see it ahead of time. This way we can email you back and let you know what we can do! Also keep in mind we are gone or trying to peace out in a river so it may take a day or two to see your email- especially if you email us on the weekend! We will make sure to prioritize your order as much as we can! Sometimes we have things in stock and ready to ship, so don’t be afraid to ask! Also notice you can pay a lil extra for Priority shipping for 2-3 days. Or you could pay HELLA money for expedited express (at least $20).
I live locally- do you have a storefront or shop hours that I could just come over and pick up my order instead of shipping?
Alchemilla works out of a studio in AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS. We don’t have a storefront but we are open to you stopping by during studio hours to grab an order, during weekdays. Please email hello@thealchemilla.com to arrange a visit.
If I want to pick my jewelry up from you, how can I make my order without being charged for shipping?
Once yoU’VE PICKED UP YOUR JEWELRY, WE WILL REFUND YOU FOR SHIPPING RIGHT AWAY.
::: HOW CAN I BEST TAKE CARE OF MY JEWELRY? :::
Here are some basic tips to keep your jewelry looking fresh and lovely!
SHOULD I KEEP MY JEWELRY DRY AT ALL TIMES?
YES! please Don’t wear your jewelry in the shower or swimming, and put on your jewelry *after* applying lotion or perfume. Chemically treated water (pools and hot tubs) can be especially damaging.
Avoid moist environments - don’t leave jewelry in the bathroom or wear it to the hot spring! For best results, store jewelry in a sealed bag. FOR EXAMPLE, Our vintage sequins hail from 1920s France and must be kept dry at all times!
DO VINTAGE MATERIALS AND HAND-SEWN PIECES NEED EXTRA CARE?
We know you love our exquisite sequins and beads - but they are also delicate, so please take extra care with them! Don’t wear them rock climbing or travel with them in a makeup bag full of nail polish bottles, etc.
WILL MY JEWELRY TARNISH?
Metals are natural materials that develop a patina/tarnish over time. Some people prefer their jewelry’s unique patina while others prefer a shinier look. To restore luster to metals such as brass, bronze, and sterling silver, we recommend using a jewelry polishing cloth (Sunshine or Moonshine are good choices).
Is there a brass cleaner you recommend?
We love Sunshine and Moonshine polishing cloths!
I’ve had your earrings for a while and the darkened surface/patina is wearing off, is there anything I can do?
Some of our pieces include chemically oxidized surfaces (dark blue/black) which should not be polished with a jewelry polishing cloth, as the dark color is part of the design and can be abraded by the cloth (for example, the chains on the Lioness earrings). These oxidized surfaces will fade over time depending on how often you wear them- this is something we can re-oxidize for you for $5 plus shipping & handling - please email hello@thealchemilla.com to arrange for this!
How should i clean plated metal?
Plated metal (such as the Palm Reader charm) should be polished with a squirt of window cleaner on a plain, soft, non-abrasive cloth.
::: REPAIRS & SINGLE EARRINGS :::
Oh no! I lost one of my earrings!!!!
We FEEL your pain! And we know a lot of you may have a lonely single earring just waiting for its match. Never fear, we’re happy to create a replacement for you! Please know that because many of our designs our limited run it is not always possible to give you an exact buddy and sometimes we’ve run out of certain stones all together. However, we can get creative over here and do everything we can to make something that will work. Its super helpful if you email us with a picture of your remaining earring, ideally taken in natural light next to a ruler: hello@thealchemilla.com. In general we charge about half the price of the original design for the one earring.
Dang! I totally just broke my necklace!
We’re happy to offer repairs for any of our pieces. To request a repair, contact hello@thealchemilla.com with a photo of the broken piece, ideally taken in natural light. Please let us know how long you’ve had the piece and what might have led to the breakage! We generally charge $10 for a simple break and $20 for something more severe. If you send us a pic of a crumpled pile of tangled metal, there is sometimes is only so much we can do and it may be time for a funeral.. Or to buy a new one!
But seriously, I put it on like once and it just broke right off me!
All Alchemilla creations come with a "lifetime guarantee" so if anything ever breaks for a reason that was clearly more on our end (ie in the very rare case that it broke the first time you wore it without you doing anything, or with very light wear something in the construction broke.) We are more than happy to fix it for you free of charge. Please contact hello@thealchemilla.com with any questions.
I got my necklace and realized I would wear it way more if it was a different length- can you do that?
We are happy to make the necklace perfect for you- contact hello@thealchemilla.com to purchase a length adjustment!
:::: GIFT CERTIFICATES ::::
Alchemilla’s lovely gift certificates are handprinted on cardstock and can be mailed to the you or to the gift recipient. We are happy to create a gift certificate for any amount – if the amount you’d like is not on the website, please contact us!
:::: CUSTOM WORK ::::
I have a vision- can you create it for me?
I love doing this! Sometimes tho I’m super busy so it may take awhile. Also sometimes your visions are out of this world and I don’t even understand how that's physically possible-- but in general, yes! Email hello@thealchemilla.com and tell us your vision, timeline, and budget and we can take it from there.
I love this one thing you make but could you make it in a different color for me? Or with a different stone?
Yes! We can personalize many of our existing designs with your favorite colors, stones, length, etc. To request a custom order, just email hello@thealchemilla.comwith some info about what you’re looking for – feel free to include links or item names for any pieces in our shop that you’d like to customize. Custom orders can take longer to create, so please allow plenty of time!
I’m getting married, can you make me somethings special? Do you make rings?
I LOVE doing wedding jewelry! Please email hello@thealchemilla.com with your vision and we can either talk on the phone and/or even set up a meeting to create the perfect design for you! Tell me your budget, your colors, show me your outfits and give me some lead time. I have also done bridesmaids’ gifts/matching jewelry. As far as rings are considered, I generally would and can refer you to some incredible local jewelers that work with more fine metals.
I have an heirloom/ring/random thing- can you fix it for me?
I’m definitely down to try. Please know I don’t work in gold. Also sometimes old random things are made with weiRd mixed metals that I can’t really fuck around with. That said, shoot us an email and a picture at hello@thealchemilla.com and I’ll see if I can help you out.
I found something I love on your website but I want it in a different length/size- is that possible?
Often times, yes, especially if you just want to customize a necklace length. Please email us at hello@thealchemilla.com and see what’s possible!
:::: RETURNS & EXCHANGES ::::
We have had to change our return policy recently so please read carefully-
We make every item to order. WE ARE A VERY SMALL COMPANY AND DO NOT HAVE TONS OF BACKSTOCK- SO WHEN YOU ARE ASKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE INSTEAD “JUST CUZ” -YOU ARE BASICALLY ASKING FOR ME TO MAKE SOMETHING ELSE FOR YOU FOR FREE. BECAUSE OF THIS I AM MAKING MY RETURN POLICY STRICTER.
You may not just buy stuff, try it on and decide which ones you want and which ones you want to return. THIS ISN’T FOREVER 21! OFTENTIMES WE HAVE TO GET PIECES CAST, BUY SPECIAL BEADS ETC JUST TO MAKE THE ONE PEICE YOU ORDER SO PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS WHEN CONSIDERING ASKING FOR AN EXCHANGE. IF YOU ARE NOT CERTAIN YOU WILL LIKE SOMETHING I RECOMMEND GOING TO A LOCAL STORE THAT CARRIES ALCHEMILLA OR WAITING UNTIL AN IN PERSON SHOW TO TRY THINGS ON.
If YOU ARE BUYING A GIFT FOR SOMEONE AND THEY DON’T LIKE IT, UNFORTUNATELY WE CANNOT ACCOMMODATE EXCHANGES AND RETURNS.
We describe every item and provide photos. We also use rare and one of kind beads and so (as described) some beads may slightly differ from the original photo.
We WILL HOWEVER sometimes accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations AFTER CONSIDERING THE CIRCUMSTANCES. OF COURSE I WANT Y’ALL TO LOVE YOUR PIECES SO I AM OPEN TO RETURNs- ESPECIALLY- IF ANYTHING IS DAMAGED, DEFECTIVE OR NOT WHAT YOU EXPECTED PLEASE LET US KNOW!
Please write hello@thealchemilla.com to make the request.
YOU MUST contact us within: 7 days of delivery
Ship items back to us within: 10 days of delivery
Request a cancellation: before item has shipped
Custom and personalized items cannot be returned or exchanged unless they arrive damaged or defective.
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
:::: MISC Qs ::::
Do you do trades?
I love doing trades and anything that doesn’t involve the monetary system.
Since you are asking yes I DO LOVE AND WANT--
body/healing/movement work of ANY KIND
food/plant/herbs
Cool and magical shit
Sometimes I have to say no because I gotta pay the bills.
I work for a non-profit/school/community organization, can you donate to our auction/fundraiser?
Hell yes! Just email hello@thealchemilla.com
I love your work and want to feature your pictures in my blog/Instagram, is that cool?
Thanks for asking! Please make sure to credit and always link anything you use back to thealchemilla.com
Is my info private?
Yes, your contact info is secure and will never be sold or traded!
:::: STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? ::::
Please feel free to contact us at hello@thealchemilla.com if you have any questions!