Materials + Care

Each piece is made start-to-finish with meticulous care and intention, using sustainable materials and practices.

The following information is a guide to commonly used materials. Please consult the individual listings for detailed materials information on each unique piece.

While shopping for jewelry, remember that handmade jewelry made from solid metals are pieces which can be worn, recycled, re-imagined, cherished, passed-down, and loved for eternity.

The decisions you make have a human and environmental impact. Invest in pieces that reflect your values - and if the price out there ever seems too good to be true, it totally is!

  • Solid gold jewelry is desirable due to its value, longevity, ease of maintenance, hypoallergenic properties, and of course - beauty! 

    Anything less than 24K pure gold is a blend, or alloy, of metals. 14K = 14 parts of gold, to 10 parts of other metals. Most jewelry designated as "gold" is some combination of an alloy, as pure 24K gold is much too soft for this purpose.

  • To maintain your gold, avoid harsh chemicals or activities that may damage or scratch your jewelry. Clean with warm soap and water or specialized cleaning solution, and wipe dry.

  • All knotted pieces are constructed with a strong nylon blend thread, and longevity as the ultimate goal. Whether knotted or strung, take care to avoid stretching or snagging the strand - jewelry is not indestructible. All clasps and hardware are either gold-filled, or solid brass, sterling silver, or gold. Please consult the specific listing for details.

    Most importantly - avoid moisture, products and chemicals, as it will damage stones and thread. 

  • To clean the clasp and surrounding metal hardware periodically, use a soft brush and warm soapy water; taking care to avoid pearls, stones, and thread.

    With normal wear, some stretching of the thread is to be expected. After many years, you may wish to re-string your strand - please contact for information.

Hand - Knotted Gemstone Necklace - Serpentine | Radically Bent Designs | Sustainable Jewelry

Care + Keeping

Regular care and cleaning is necessary in the upkeep of your jewelry.

Over time, all jewelry will show signs of regular wear. It's important to choose pieces and materials that are suited to your lifestyle and habits. Learn more about jewelry care here.

If your item has been damaged or broken, please get in touch right away and we will make every effort to repair, refresh or repurpose your jewelry to get it back to life.