Barbara Sperling ~ www.barbarasperling.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it? ~ What about the jewelry? ~ Wholesale/Consignment/Retail? ~ Shipping?
What are they made of?: I use polymer clay to make my pieces. For most of my work and all of my millefiori canework I use the brand called FIMO©, made by Eberhard Faber of Germany. I also incorporate gold, silver, or metal leaf in my work as well as metallic rubs.
What is a millefiori cane?: As early as the 1st century in Egypt, we see examples of mosaic blocks with designs that run through the length of the loaf. Refining this technique, artisans in 19th century Venice learned to fuse rods of glass into intricate designs that, when heated and stretched ever thinner, would become rich in minute detail. They described this process as millefiori, "a thousand flowers". I am using this traditional method with a modern material called polymer clay. Basically I am making a 2 dimensional picture with 3 dimensional rods of clay. I must first form each petal or feather lengthwise in a log of clay before combining all the logs together to make a picture in my canes.
What shapes are available in each of the types of jewelry?: Most types of jewelry, i.e brooch, pendant, earring, etc., are available in all the offered shapes.
Are there different sizes?: small, medium and large sizes available. This refers to the actual polymer clay work.
Do you offer different necklace lengths?: Variable lengths are available for the pendants and necklets. Necklets typically run shorter than the pendants and are more applicable to scoop or v-neck tops.
What earwires do you offer?: Sterling Silver, 14/20 Gold Fill, Niobium. 14 kt gold available with extra charge.
Do you sell wholesale or consignment?: I do retail, wholesale (at 50% of retail price listed), and consignment. With the wholesale orders, if a certain type, shape or design does not sell in your area, for what ever reason, then an exchange may be made with prior approval.
Do you have a limit for wholesale orders?: No, I do not put a limit on the first or subsequent orders for wholesale. Considering my pricepoints, and the numerous designs offered, I have never run into a "limit" issue.
Making a Selection? Too many decisions?: Trust me to make it easy for you. With many of my wholesale accounts, I choose the shape/size of the pieces. i.e.- you want a pendant of the hummer with matching earrings with or without size specifications; I will select a pendant and match the earrings accordingly. All selections will be of the same high quality you have come to expect of my work. This also allows for a quicker turn around time.
Wholesale payment?: I accept credit card payment (Mastercard, Visa, Discover) or a check within 30 days of dated invoice of jewelry shipment.
Shipping company used?: I ship through UPS. Charges are shown on your wholesale invoice and included in the total due.
