✧ BLACKBIRD & SAGE FAQ ✧
Your Questions, Answered with Care
FAQs
Common questions about our electroformed copper and silver jewelry, the making process, ordering, and care. If you don't find what you're looking for, reach out directly.
Process & Craftsmanship
What makes Blackbird & Sage jewelry unique?
Every piece is electroformed by hand in our Santa Fe studio around a natural stone chosen for its character. The metal is grown onto the form layer by layer using an electroforming process, not cast, not stamped. The result is an organic setting shaped by the stone itself, with texture and variation that no machine could replicate. Each piece is genuinely one of a kind.
Are your materials sustainable?
We work with copper, natural gemstones, and electroformed silver for our silver line. Stones are ethically sourced and chosen for their natural quality and character. We keep our material use simple and intentional. No mystery metals, no shortcuts.
What is electroforming, and why do you use it?
Electroforming is a process where pure copper is grown, layer by layer, onto a hand-assembled design submerged in a copper bath. The metal follows every contour of the stone, producing an organic form that feels like it grew there. It's the most honest way we know to let natural materials lead. Learn more on our What Is Electroforming? page.
Shopping & Studio
Do you have a store I can visit?
Blackbird & Sage is a working home studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico, not a public retail storefront. Studio visits are not currently available, though that may change over time. In the meantime, reach out through the contact form if you have questions about a specific piece and I am happy to help, including sharing additional photos or arranging a virtual conversation for custom work.
Can I see finished pieces before I order?
For made-to-order pieces, I don't keep finished samples on hand since each piece is made specifically for you after ordering. What I can do is send you photos of available stones so you can choose the one that feels right before I begin. Reach out through the contact form to get started.
Can I request additional photos or video of a piece?
Yes. Send a message through the contact form with the piece you are interested in and I can share additional angles, scale reference, or short video if available. I want you to feel confident before you order.
Orders & Timing
How long does it take to receive my order?
Ready-to-ship pieces are packaged and sent within 2 to 3 business days of your order. Made-to-order pieces are handcrafted specifically for you after ordering and typically take 1 to 3 weeks depending on current studio workload. You'll receive an estimated timeline at the time of your order. If you need something by a specific date, please reach out before ordering and I'll let you know what's possible.
Can I place a custom or made-to-order piece?
Yes. Many of the pieces in the shop are available as made-to-order, meaning I make yours fresh after you order. If you'd like to choose your own stone, I'm happy to send photos of what's available so you can pick the one that speaks to you. Just contact me to get started.
Do you take fully custom commissions?
Occasionally, yes. Custom commissions are taken on a limited basis depending on studio availability. If you have something specific in mind, reach out and describe what you're looking for. I'll let you know if it's something I can take on and what the timeline and pricing would look like.
Shipping
Where do you ship?
Blackbird & Sage ships within the United States and to select international destinations. Reach out through the contact form if you have questions about your location.
How is my order packaged?
Every piece is packaged with care, ready to give as a gift or keep for yourself. Orders arrive in thoughtful, simple packaging that reflects the handmade nature of the work.
Materials & Care
What materials do you use?
Pieces are electroformed using copper as the base metal, combined with natural raw or polished gemstones. Our electroformed silver line uses the same copper construction with multiple passes through a professional silver bath, building a thicker, more durable finish than standard single-pass plating. Each listing notes the specific materials so you know exactly what you're getting.
How do I care for my copper jewelry?
Copper develops a natural patina over time, which many customers love as part of the handmade character of the piece. To slow the process, store your jewelry in a dry, airtight pouch and remove it before swimming, bathing, or applying lotions and perfumes. A lemon and salt scrub or a polishing cloth can restore brightness. See our full Copper Jewelry Care Guide for detailed instructions.
How do I care for my electroformed silver jewelry?
Electroformed silver pieces hold their brightness well with simple care. Keep them dry, store in an airtight pouch, and avoid acids or abrasive cleaners on the silver finish. A soft polishing cloth is the safest option for regular upkeep. See our full Electroformed Silver Care Guide for detailed instructions.
Will copper turn my skin green?
Copper can leave a temporary green mark on skin, especially in warm or humid conditions. This is a natural reaction between the metal and your skin chemistry and is completely harmless. It washes off easily with soap and water. If you'd prefer to slow or prevent this, a professional lacquer coating is available as an optional add-on under Studio Add-Ons at checkout.
Resizing & Repairs
Can electroformed rings be resized?
No. Electroforming produces a porous, layered metal structure that behaves differently from cast or stamped jewelry. Standard jeweler's resizing methods, such as cutting and stretching a shank, can crack the copper layer, compromise the stone setting, or damage the electroformed finish. For this reason, electroformed rings cannot be resized using standard jewelry methods. Their porous, layered metal structure is more vulnerable to cracking, brittleness, finish wear, and damage to the stone setting when cut, stretched, or otherwise worked. Please contact Blackbird & Sage before bringing any piece to an outside jeweler. Our Ring Size Guide can help you measure accurately before ordering.
I ordered the wrong size. What are my options?
Getting your ring size right from the start is the best way to protect your piece. Our
Do you offer repairs?
Repair availability is assessed case by case. Standard jewelry repair methods are not always suitable for electroformed pieces. If a piece needs attention, including a loose or damaged stone, cracked metal, or finish wear, send a message through the contact form with your order number and clear photos of the area in question. We will review what you send and confirm whether repair is feasible, what the process would involve, and what pricing would be. Not every piece can be repaired or fully restored, but we will always be honest with you about what is possible.
I brought my piece to an outside jeweler and something went wrong. Can it be fixed?
Standard jewelry tools and techniques can cause damage to electroformed pieces, including cracked metal, loosened or broken stones, and worn finish. If this has happened, contact us with your order number and photos of the current condition. We will review what we can see and let you know what options remain. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed for pieces that have been worked on externally, which is why we ask that you contact us first.
General
Do you offer gift wrapping or gift notes?
Every order arrives gift-ready. If you'd like to include a personal note, just add your message at checkout or in the order notes and I'll include it with your package.
What is your return policy?
Items can be returned within 30 days of receipt in unworn, original condition. For full details, please see the Return Policy.
How do I contact you?
The best way to reach me is through the contact form or by email at hello@blackbirdsagestudio.com. I respond to all messages within 1 to 2 business days.