FAQ

What is Mourning Jewelry?

Mourning Jewelry is synonymous with memorial jewelry and is made to commemorate the loss of a loved one.  It is often inscribed with their name, birth, and passing dates.  Although mourning jewelry can be made with a variety of materials, Tempus Metals focuses on re-creations using hot glass enamel and 18k gold.

 

What materials are used to make your jewelry?

All of our jewelry is made from ethically sourced 18k gold and hand applied hot glass enamel.  

You have a choice of black, white, or blue enamel.  

 

What is enamel?

Enamel is powdered glass that can be applied to the recesses of precious metal jewelry. When baked at high temperatures, the powder melts and fuses to the gold, creating a smooth colored background.  

 

Why do you only offer your jewelry in 18k gold?  

18k gold has a rich and vibrant color hue.  It also contains a higher content of pure gold, allowing a better adhesion of the enamel. Quality and longevity are very important to Tempus Metals, and our goal is to make high end pieces of  jewelry that can be passed down to future generations. 

 

How do I figure out my finger size?

You can contact your local jeweler and ask them to size your finger (Make sure they are using a ring sizer with a similar band width) Wider bands displace more skin and usually need to be ordered in a slightly larger size.

You can also purchase this inexpensive ring sizing set from Amazon and size yourself at home.  

https://www.amazon.com/Pepetools-Gold-Standard-Aluminum-Measures/dp/B07F3JJFK9/ref=sr_1_2?crid=GL0I52S6OTDE&keywords=pepetools+ring+sizer&qid=1666367855&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=pepetools+ring+sizer%2Caps%2C65&sr=8-2

(We have verified that this ring set coincides with our personal sizers)

Make sure the ring sizer slides on your finger fairly easily but needs to be wiggled over the knuckle in order to be removed.  It’s best to size your finger at a time when you’re not swollen, and not too hot or cold.  

**We cannot re-size enamel rings!  The enameling process does not allow for this so please be extra extra sure that you are ordering your correct ring size.**

 

How is your cremation jewelry made?

Ashes from your loved one are combined with powdered glass and placed within a recess in the jewelry. The jewelry is then heated in an oven at a very high temperature, causing the powered glass and ashes to fuse, creating a smooth-colored surface.

When placing your order, you can request a cremation kit, and we will mail you an ashes vessel and pre-paid shipping envelope. For a speedier process, you can ship the ashes to us directly to:

Tempus Metals Inc.
2130 Weber Rd
Lansdale, PA 19446

Upon receipt, the cremation remains will be labeled immediately with your name and order #. You will also receive a confirmation email from Tempus Metals.

 

Should I place my order before I send the ashes?

Please place your order before mailing the ashes to our studio. This ensures that a physical file has been created before their arrival, and we know to expect them.  

 

How do I get the ashes to you?

Instructions for sending the ashes will be provided in your order confirmation email from support@tempusmetals.com. If you opted for a FREE Cremation Kit, you can expect to receive it within seven business days. This kit includes a biodegradable spoon, a labeled cremation container with a screw-down lid, an information card, and a padded, prepaid USPS shipping envelope.    

 

How much cremation ash do you need to make a piece of jewelry?

Each piece takes approximately ⅛ tsp of ashes. We ask that you send us a full tsp in case we need to sift out some of the larger fragments. Any unused ashes are returned with your order once it is complete. 

Additionally, I strongly suggest keeping a small amount of cremation ashes stored away so that they are available should your piece ever need to be repaired. 

 

Do you only work with human ashes?

No. We are happy to work with ashes from a fellow human or beloved pet.  

 

How can I be sure my order will be correct?

Orders with personalized text will receive a design proof within 72 hours.  The images will show what your piece will look like from all angles so you can verify the design has been done accurately. If there happens to be a mistake, please let us know and we will get it taken care of immediately. Once a proof has been approved, your jewelry goes into casting and no further changes can be made.  

 

What if I have a question about my order, want to change it, or need to cancel it?

Orders with personalized text can be changed until you receive your design proof. Cremation jewelry orders can be modified until we receive the ashes shipment.  After your proof is approved or the ashes have been received, no changes or cancellation will be accepted. Please go over your proof and make 100% sure all text is accurate. If you have any questions or need to make changes to your order, please email support@tempusmetals.com

 

How long does your production process take?

Jewelry production typically takes six weeks from start to finish. If your piece included custom text, you will receive a design proof within 72 hours. After approval, you can expect your finished piece in five weeks. Please add an extra week to production time if your jewelry is being engraved. 

 

Can I expedite my order to receive it sooner than the date given?

Since all pieces are handcrafted and custom designed, turn around time on orders is typically six weeks. If you need it sooner, please reach out to support@tempusmetals.com and we will see if we can accommodate you.

 

How will my package be shipped?

All our jewelry shipments are insured and shipped using discreet packaging. Inside, you'll see our Tempus Metals branded jewelry box - ideal for gifting and personal storage. 

On the day of shipment, we'll email you a shipping confirmation that includes order-tracking information. 

Items will ship within 3 business days of completion. 

An adult signature (21 years or older) is required at the time of delivery. If it’s likely you won't be home to sign for the package, please consider shipping to your place of work. 

 

Do you offer returns?

Each piece of Tempus Metals jewelry is hand crafted for you. Because each piece is custom created, we do not accept returns on any of our jewelry. However, our goal is for you to be 100% happy with your purchase. If you receive an item with manufacturing defects, email us at support@tempusmetals.com and we will work with you to find a solution.  After 14 days, all sales are final. Any returned jewelry, must be in new and unworn condition. 

 

How can I insure my purchase against theft, damage, or loss?

We recommend that you contact an independent insurer or make arrangements with your homeowners' or renters' insurance carrier. Knowing your valuable and treasured jewelry is safely insured will give you peace of mind. We can provide an appraisal for your jewelry purchase for a $95 fee.  This report can be submitted to the insurer of your choosing. 

 

How do I care for my new jewelry?

Most pieces can easily be cleaned at home with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle toothbrush.

Although enamel is very durable, it is made out of fused glass, so any activity that can cause the ring to bend out of round will also cause the enamel in your ring to crack.  Remove your jewelry before lifting weights at the gym, gardening, or doing heavy house chores.  Similarly, exposure to harsh chemicals can also damage the enamel.  

 

Can you repair cracked or chipped enamel jewelry?

Yes, We can repair most enamel jewelry.  Please email photos to support@tempusmetals.com for a quote and we will be happy to mail you a free shipping label.  

 

What if I can’t find a design I like?

No problem. Email us at support@tempusmetals.com with images or sketches of what you are looking for, and we’ll be happy to provide you with a quote.  

 

Do you design anything besides mourning jewelry?

Yes. The designers at Tempus Metals have a combined twenty four years of custom bridal jewelry experience.  We would be happy to create a design of your choosing, even including diamonds and gemstones.  

 

What if I want to include an heirloom stone in my custom design?

Our pieces are fully customizable. If you want to include an heirloom stone, please email us at support@tempusmetals.com and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.