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HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN CHART STORY:
1. CHOOSE YOUR PIECE Start by selecting the type of piece that you’d like, whether it’s a pendant, bracelet, belt buckle, etc. Each piece will have its own options that you may choose from to further customize your piece, such as type of metal. If you would like more than one piece in the selected style, enter the quantity.
2. DESCRIBE YOUR LOCATION At this step you will use a form to identify your location . You are NOT required to complete the entire form, simply give us as much information about your location that you have. If you have selected multiple pieces or items that allow for multiple locations, ie cufflinks or earrings, you will be prompted to describe each location as desired. At this point, you can check out and pay for your order or continue shopping. 3. APPROVE YOUR ARTWORK A proof of your image is sent within 2 business days. You will receive an email notification letting you know your proof is ready to view. The image will be sent as a PDF file with the cutting template placed on your image. You may either approve the proof, at which time the piece will go into production, or return the proof with comments for corrections. 4. SHIPS IN TWO WEEKS Your order ships in two weeks from final proof approval. If you need sooner, see below.
AVAILABLE LOCATIONS:
We have a large library of navigational documents available for most locations in the world. We specialize in Nautical Charts. Nautical charts include detailed information about the coastline, oceans, seas and some larger navigable lakes. These charts are working documents used by mariners to maneuver their vessel taking into consideration depth and various obstructions. If your location is inland and not available on a chart, we will provide you with a map or other option. If we do not have a nautical chart, map or other option available for your location and cannot send you a proof, we will refund your order. If we can find a nautical nautical chart, map or other option available for your location at an additional cost, we will give you the option to purchase or refund your order.
POLICIES:
Cancelation of an order Return policy We make your piece custom to YOUR specifications. We have a proof approval process in place so that you can preview, suggest edits and approve the final image that is placed in your piece before we make it. If you received the piece you ordered with the approved image, this piece cannot be exchanged or returned.
Turnaround time You can expect to receive your piece within 2-3 weeks from the date you approve your order. If you need your piece sooner, we offer a RUSH service for $25. Your order is moved to the front of the production line and shipment is guaranteed one week from proof approval.
Shipping Method We ship via USPS standard or express mail as desired. You are notified via email with tracking information when your package has been shipped. If you are shipping internationally, please call the studio at 207-221-6807 since there is an additional charge to ship out of the US.
how our jewelry is made: Each piece is hand cast in Maine. Your image is printed on a special coated paper, cut by hand for precision and then placed into your item. We pour layers of resin creating a dome and magnifying the image beneath. Once the resin is fully cured, we polish and assemble your piece for shipping. Each piece is handcrafted in our studio on Portland, Maine’s working waterfront!
FAQs:
Are there any other choices for metal other than Sterling Silver or Bronze? No, we only cast in sterling silver and bronze at this time.
What if I need my custom piece sooner than your average turnaround time? Our typical turnaround time is 2-3 weeks from the date you approve your order. We offer a RUSH service for $25 which shortens the time to one week from the date you approve your order. We give you priority when we are working to obtain proof approval, then move your order to the front of the production line. Your order ships USPS regular mail but you can also choose the option for overnight shipping.
Can I view my proof before I make my purchase? If you would like to have a proof prior to making a purchase there is a $25 proof charge. You should call the studio and ask for a proof-only order. We’ll send you a proof image and if you decide to move forward with a purchase, we’ll apply the $25 proof charge towards your final purchase.
What if the image in my piece doesn’t look like what I approved? We recommend that you take another look at the image you approved. Sometimes you notice things in the pendant that you didn’t notice when you approved your proof. If you feel that clearly, the image you approved is not what you received, please call us in the studio to resolve.
What if I have a special request for something not on your website? Please email us your request. Often times our new products are the result of customer requests.
Why do some nautical charts look different than others? There are numerous companies that produce charts. Each company has their own color scheme and these colors will change over time. Typically, a shade of yellow is used for land and a shade of blue for water.
Can I be notified when you launch new products? We distribute an online newsletter periodically with news such as new product announcement. You can sign up for our newsletter by completing the Join Our Mailing List form to the right.
What do you do with my information after I register? We use SSL technology that encrypts your order information to protect it from being decoded by anyone other than us.
Will bronze turn my skin green? No, it is brass that can turn your skin a greenish color when worn directly on the skin. We selected bronze as an option because it is the metal of choice on a boat---it will not corrode or rust. Over time, your bronze piece will darken and patina favorably. It is virtually maintenance free.
What happens if my jewelry breaks? We are happy to fix any defect with your jewelry piece within one year from purchase, free of charge. If it is determined that your item is damaged due to excessive wear and tear, there may be a charge to repair and/or replace your jewelry. An example of excessive wear and tear would be the metal is bent or the resin has cracked due to being dropped. You should send your jewelry back to us in protective packaging. For your protection we recommend that you insure for the full value of the item as we are not responsible for lost or damaged items. You should send the package to: CHART metalworks, Attn: RETURNS, 1 Pleasant Street, Portland, ME 04101.
What is your recommended cleaning method? We polish our metal with a satin finish. We recommend a Sunshine Polishing Cloth which can be purchased at most fine jewelry stores. For the bronze, there is no need to clean it as it will darken naturally over time. However, you may use a metal cleaner for bronze & brass. Apply with a soft cloth and polish. Rinse thouroughly and wipe dry. The clear resin surface can be buffed with a soft cloth and car/boat wax if you slightly scratch it.
How do I size my wrist for the bracelet? Our charm bracelets are all made 7.5” cut to fit, which is suitable for most people. Place the bracelet on your wrist and attach the clasp to the appropriate link. You may then cut the remaining links off using wire snippers. All of our measurements are marked on the website. You may cut a piece of string and mark the measurement from the end with a black marker. Then place the string around your wrist to match the cut end to the marker to see if the bracelet is going to fit.
Can I swim with my jewelry on? The image in your jewelry is sealed with resin which makes your piece water resistant. If you should go for a swim or take a shower and forget that you have your jewelry on, your jewelry should be fine. When you can, rinse with tap water and pat dry immediately. This will remove any salt or chemicals from the water. Repeated exposure to water could harm your jewelry and we do not recommend it. Do not wear any pieces made with leather cord in the water as the water will cause the leather to swell and make the slides difficult to move.
If I lose an earring, can I have a match made? Yes! It is best to call the studio. We can look up your file and make a single earring to replace the one you lost. There is a charge for the replacement piece and shipping.
Can I have a different shape, such as a square? The circular shapes of our pieces are both an aesthetic and functional design. We do not offer any other shapes than what you see on the website.
What if I want to order the same image I ordered last time? You can simply type in the notes section that you want the same image from a previous order. We keep all images on file. You will still receive a proof image that you will need to approve, just to be sure that we are making the correct piece. |
