FAQ
Can I customize my own locket?
Yes, there are three ways to do this. (1) You can send me your idea for a locket and I can see if it makes sense economically for you and me to make that design. (2) You can select a current design and see if it is possible to customize the latch, metal, or gemstone for that particular design. (3) You can simply work within the boundaries of a design and choose a different metal (silver or bronze or even gold if you can afford that) and gemstone (as long as it can be made as a 6 mm cabochon).
I am also able to add felt to the inside of the round lockets. You may choose just about any color.
Finally, it is possible to engrave the lockets with a personal message and you may send me photographs to insert in the locket. Both of these services will require more email exchange between you and me. So, please write me to inquire about what you would like and I will do my best to help and serve you.
What locket size should I choose?
Lockets are made to contain one to two rings, depending of their size. Check the size of your rings on this printable chart size.
Currently, there are three locket sizes available for purchase:
Small: 22.7 mm wide by 27 mm tall by 12 mm deep
Medium: 28 mm wide by 29 mm high by 12 mm deep
Large: 33.6 mm wide by 37.1 mm tall by 12 mm deep
Can an Abel locket be engraved?
Yes, you will need to email me to find out how an engraved message or name may be added to your locket.
Can you have one or more photographs added to an Abel Locket?
Yes, this is done unusually. I have you send me a digital photograph that I have made into a small round shape that I then print and cut out. I add a felt backing to the tiny photograph and place it inside the locket that is also lined with felt. The friction between the felt lining and the felt backing keep the photograph(s) in place and safe.
What if I’m not sure if my ring or rings will fit in an Abel Locket?
I can set up a sample package for you to try a couple of lockets of two different sizes. I will send this package to you in exchange for a $300 deposit. This deposit is refunded back to you when you return the lockets package (you must pay for shipping the package back to me).
Where are the lockets made?
Each locket is currently cast and hand-assembled by Alchemist Casting in West Seattle, Washington. Because each locket is a handmade rather than a machine-made piece, you may find slight imperfections, which I hope you will consider as additions of character. Please be assured that every effort has been made to provide you with something unique, gorgeous, and of the highest quality.
How do you open and close the locket?
To open the locket, gently push up on the end of the latch and parallel to the front surface. The locket itself opens to the left when the latch is out of the way. To close the locket, simply reverse these motions—close the locket halves and gently push the latch down into place until it connects with the bumps on the faces of the locket. Be sure to avoid squeezing the latch as you use it. Squeezing will weaken the latch and may cause it to scratch the surface of the locket. The latch mechanism relies on a small bump and gravity to keep it closed. For this reason, the locket should be worn as a pendant on a chain or neck ring rather than kept in a pocket.
How do you polish the locket?
You can keep the locket polished and minimize any scratches with the Sunshine® polishing cloth included with your locket. Also, keep in mind that this piece of jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed. So, scratches and wear are inevitable and give your locket a personal history over time. The Sunshine® polishing cloth contains “special chemical cleansing agents and non-scratching micro-abrasives.” Before you use the cloth, make sure there is no dust or grit on your locket.
How do you maintain the felt lining?
Not needed! The felt lining is attached to your locket with water-soluble glue. For this reason, if you need to replace the lining, it’s easy. You can send it back to me, and I will replace the felt for a small fee. In addition, at any time, you can remove the felt yourself and wash any glue residue off the locket with warm water. And voilà! You’ll have a shiny, felt-free locket.
What does the collection number for each locket mean?
I have given each locket made in my collection its own unique “number” that is composed of letters that indicate where the locket was made, the kind of style of the locket, and a unique number.
What are the returns and exchanges policies?
I will gladly accept returns and exchanges. Contact me within 14 days of delivery. Ship items back within: 30 days of delivery.
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.
How soon can I have a locket shipped to me?
The time I need to prepare an order for shipping varies. For details, see the listing for individual items.
If you have a timeline for when you need your locket, please let me know so we can work together.
What about customs and import taxes?
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. Please anticipate delays due to customs procedures.