About this Product
I make our nickel silver bun pins from .081" Nickel Silver wire.
They are cut, bent, then hammered into their shape...In the minimalist style. The hammering I do is called Chasing. As I am hammering, it tempers the metal (making it stronger to hold the shape), and it also shapes the form. I do bend them first, but ultimately the hammering creates the curve.
Being made from nickel, you can put up your hair with our bun pin while it is still wet, and it won't tarnish very quickly. My hair forks are very well polished, and will not snag your hair, or scratch your scalp...I also have long hair, and understand the importance of caring for it...
I do measure my wire in inches, .081" = 12 gauge (2.06mm)
The length choices are measured by Functional Length (usable length)
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All of my metals are a minimum of 90% recycled...
All designs, content and photos are the property of
Silver Dawn Jewelry © 1989-2023 all rights reserved.
Silver Dawn Jewelry
Meet the Maker
I began apprenticing in metal work at just fourteen years old and have worked with metal ever since. My grandparents were metalsmiths too, and they inspired me very much.
Beyond just metal work, I learned the art of beading, leather working, and Wampum Carving when I was small and have spent time improving my knowledge of these craft forms throughout my life. When I have the time, I love to sit down with my beads and create wearable art with them.
Over the years I have gone into other forms of metalwork as well, with casting, fabricating, wax working, stained glass and boat building (though I prefer wooden boats). But I always seem to come back to my jewelry. And, more specifically, the freeform/hand bent work you see in my shop today where I can take what I see in nature and create functional art designs around it.
I took a brief break from the metal working world for a few years, but couldn’t stay away for long. I created a workshop at home began and selling my work at craft shows and fairs. Eventually I was partners in running some very large, high traffic craft fairs within our community. Now, I am quite content making things at home and selling online, where I can take my craft with me wherever I go. My online customers are some of the nicest people I have ever known, and I'm so grateful that you all allow me to do what I love!.
Shop Policies
What Length Hair Fork Should I Get?
- I generally suggest wrapping your hair in a simple knot bun, measure across, then add 1/2 inch. This should give you a good functional length to begin with.
- For hair sticks measure and add 1 inch.
Will my items tarnish?
- All metals tarnish, but not at the same rate.
- Sterling Silver can tarnish quickly if you live near the ocean, or other warm humid areas. It can tarnish due to the acidity of the natural oils in your skin or sweat as well. It cleans and polishes up easily though.
- Brass and Copper can tarnish fairly quick in humidity or from oils and salts.
- Bronze and Nickel Silver take the longest to tarnish, and this makes them perfect for damp bunning :) They do get slightly dull every so often, but they polish up very well.
- Gold Filled pieces may tarnish slightly after some use, but also polish well.
Please be aware that chemical reactions can tarnish metals as well. Chlorine will turn Sterling grey or black. Egg, Salt, Vinegar can tarnish as well.
Cleaning your metal pieces
- You can clean all my hair forks and jewelry with a simple polishing cloth.
- Another option is to use regular toothpaste (white, not the gel style). Just rub it over the metal with a soft cloth or your fingers. You will see the paste turn grey to black...then rinse well and dry well with a clean cloth. Repeat as needed. You should see your item shine right up :)
- Paste works best if your metals have been exposed to Chlorine. The dark grey/black is really only on the surface and it can be polished again.
- If your items ever need a deep polishing you are welcome to message me to inquire. If I have time I might ask you to send your item to me for a bit of refreshing.
Order and Item Processing Times
- I generally ship within 1-4 business days.
- Custom designs or orders will be made and shipped in the time frame we agree to while discussing your order.
Domestic Shipping
- We live far from the post office, and will make the trip in to drop off all packages once or twice per week. Usually Mondays, and sometimes I make the second run in on Thursdays. This trip takes me hours, so I cannot go every day. I see in my feedback, people say either it was the fastest shipping they have ever seen, or they feel the shipping took too long. I hope this clarifies things for everyone.
- All of our USA shipments are made via Standard USPS, with a tracking number, and insurance as needed. If you prefer another shipping method, please contact us, and we can make arrangements with you.
- Please provide a Safe and Secure delivery space for your items. In the event of a missing package, I am happy to provide you with your tracking info and will send instructions on getting your local PO to help you locate your package. Once a package is marked as Delivered there is really nothing I can do on my end but help. I cannot be responsible for packages stolen by Porch Pirates, and cannot refund or replace these orders.
Holiday Shipping
- Starting around mid October through the end of December, we will ship much more frequently.
- Mid November - mid December we try to ship daily.
- Each year I will add the cut off dates here as soon as USPS posts them.
Do you offer discounts?
I have three Sales per year;
- Each Spring
- In the Fall near Labor Day
- Earlybird Holiday through New Year
- I will always post the dates on my shop banner, as well as on Twitter, one full week before the sale starts.
- Sometimes I have One Day Flash Sales. For these I put a notice on Twitter only, but the Sale is for everyone. My Twitter followers just know beforehand :)
Reserved Listings
- We are open to lay away, holding an item for you as a reserved listing (until the date we all agree on), or setting up multiple payments without interest...and will trade with other GoImagine shop owners. Please don't be afraid to ask :)
Returns and Exchanges
- If an item is damaged in shipping please message me so we can find a proper solution.
- Aside from shipping damages returns are accepted if we talk within 14 days of delivery, and the item is in it's original condition. Generally you will be responsible for return shipping fees, but there are exceptions.
- I am happy to exchange items if we talk within 14 days of delivery. You pay for the return shipping and I usually cover the exchange item shipping (for the first exchange)
How does Store Credit work?
- If an item is returned to us for Store Credit, we will mail you a credit receipt so you have a hard copy. You may message us when you are ready to use your credit, and we will set up a listing priced accordingly, and send a 'credit used' slip with your new item.
- Store Credit with Silver Dawn Jewelry means your credit is saved on file until it is used. If our shop ever closed you would receive a payment for the amount due to you.
