Frequently Asked Questions

All of our demi-fine jewelry pieces are made from 14k Gold Fill or solid .925 Sterling Silver. We never use plated metals, and all of our pieces are made to last a lifetime with proper care. 

Our ornaments are created from aluminum and brass.

Regularly polish your jewelry after wearing to remove oils from your skin. Gently wash in warm water and dry with a soft cloth. We include a beautiful jewelry pouch to store your jewels in when not wearing.

Gold fill will not tarnish or change colors. Keep it shining bright by polishing after wearing and store in a cool dry place.

Sterling silver is a natural precious metal and may tarnish if left on your dresser, so be sure to keep in your storage pouch or airtight baggie when not being worn. The good news? Tarnish is just a surface reaction to the air and it will easily clean up with a polishing cloth or sterling silver dip! If you ever need assistance cleaning up your silver, just contact us and we would be happy to get it shining again for you! 

Please note: We use a chemical to darken the lettering on some of our jewelry pieces to have the letters stand out more. Sometimes cleaners and harsh soaps can eventually fade the darkened lettering. If this has happened, you can quickly and easily use a permanent black sharpie marker to scribble over the lettering, and then wipe off the excess with an alcohol wipe to restore the darkened letters. We are also able to darken it for you for just the cost of shipping. 

Although our high quality demi-fine jewelry is our bread and butter, our nonjewelry giftables are not to be missed! We offer Personalized Christmas Ornaments, Keychains, Groomsmen Gifts and more! These items are created out of base metals like lightweight aluminum, copper, stainless steel and pewter and arrive in our beautiful signature gift box.

There is a huge difference between "tarnish" and the jewelry plating wearing off. Both make your jewelry dull and can change the look of your jewelry, but only one is reversible.

Tarnish is a naturally occurring chemical reaction of sterling silver to the air and is simply on the surface of the piece. This happens usually when your jewelry is sitting on a dresser for a while instead of in an airtight baggie. The good news? It is easily cleaned up by using a sterling silver polishing cloth or a sterling silver dip cleaner...and we are always happy to help get your piece shining brightly again if you need assistance! Our favorite tip: wear that jewelry daily and you'll never see any tarnish build up!

Less expensive gold or silver jewelry is plated, which has a very thin layer over a cheap base metal. ALL plating will wear off eventually, some quicker than others. The actual gold layer is rubbing or flaking off and exposing the base metal underneath. Sadly, nothing can be done to restore your jewelry at that point, so that is why it is so important to be sure you are buying quality pieces that are made to last, like what we make here at Tickle Bug Jewelry!

• Gold Filled Jewelry is the best thing since sliced bread! At least we think so! Why, you ask? Because it gives you the look, feel and quality of real gold yet doesn't have the hefty price tag of over $1800 per ounce!
• Gold filled jewelry is a USA regulated metal that has strict laws regarding quality. It is comprised of a jeweler's brass core that has real 14k gold (or rose gold) permanently and mechanically bonded to create a demi-fine quality product that will not rub off, flake off, or change colors. This isn't "plating" or "dipping" - this is 14k gold that is HUNDREDS of times thicker that is created to last a lifetime. 
• Gold Filled jewelry is wonderful for those that have skin allergies as real 14k gold is all that ever touches your skin. NO Nickel is ever used in our products. 

Care + Cleaning of Gold Filled Jewelry:

• Simply use a soft cloth to wipe clean your jewelry before storing. You can also use a small bit of dish soap and a toothbrush to remove skin oils and restore that gorgeous shine! Do not use dip cleaners that are made for sterling silver jewelry. 

Unfortunately, we cannot stamp the back side of any of our jewelry. This is due to the stamping process, which imprints your personalization into the metal using force. This can cause a very slight shadow on the opposite side of the charm. 

All jewelry comes with a 90 day warranty for any defects in your chains, jump rings, or clasps. Please email us if you experience any issues with your jewelry and we'll get you taken care of! We also offer repair service and tarnish removal for a nominal fee. Please email us for more info. You will be responsible for shipping both ways (approximately $10 total). 

We want you to be just "tickled" with your order! If you have any issues, please reach out to us and you'll be taken care of. Returns/Refunds are not available for any custom or personalized orders.  You are responsible for the spelling and accuracy of the personalization when entered into our forms. We cannot cover errors made by incorrectly inputting the customization. If there is an error made on our end during the production of the item, we will gladly replace. 

Production time is the time it takes BEFORE your order ships. Each piece is made by hand in our Ohio studio and we strive to get each order out as soon as possible. Most orders are ready to ship in about 3-5 business days (Business days are M-F). Please expect delays during the holidays and shop early for the best experience!

We offer FREE US Standard Shipping on orders over $50. Orders under $50 ship for $5 via USPS First Class mail. (Approximately 3-5 business days for First Class Mail - Does not include stated processing time)

Need it sooner? We have two shipping service upgrades available at checkout. USPS Priority Mail (approximately 2-3 business days) and USPS Expedited/Overnight which can take 1-2 business days.

We also offer International Shipping for $15. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.