FREQUENTly ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Breastmilk and DNA Jewelry?
Breastmilk and DNA jewelry is the art of creating a one-of-a-kind tangible jewelry piece from inclusions such as breastmilk, formula, hair, and other items that hold sentimental value. Each inclusion is properly handled and breastmilk or formula is professionally preserved using a 100% natural and organic preserving agent. The inclusion is then set into liquid resin which hardens into a gem and then crafted into an heirloom piece of jewelry.
What is an inclusion and which ones do you work with?
An inclusion is a particle or a small sample of an item which is enclosed into a gemstone. What does that mean? For example we take YOUR breastmilk (the inclusion) and embed it into resin to create a “gemstone.” Other inclusions could be formula, a milk alternative, hair, sand, a piece of fabric, etc.
We currently only create jewelry using breastmilk, formula, hair, dried umbilical cord, preserved placenta, fabric, soil, sand, cremation ashes, pet fur or horse hair. If you wish to have a keepsake created using different inclusions, please contact us directly and we can discuss the possible options.
What payment methods do you accept?
During checkout you can choose between the following payment options; all major Debit and Credit Cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, Afterpay (pay in four instalments over six weeks).
Can I send you my inclusion or Breastmilk in the mail?
Yes! Please package your milk in a breastmilk storage bag or inclusion in a freezer quality Ziploc bag and try to remove most of the air. Place this bag into a second freezer bag and then a third bag. This will ensure that any leaks are contained in the bags. Please write your full name and order number on every part and every layer of the inclusion package AND on the front and back of the envelope.
Won’t my breastmilk go bad in the mail?
As long as you pack your breastmilk in a sterile environment (like a breastmilk storage bag), it won’t go bad nor curdle. And it does not have to stay cold. Obviously it won’t be good for consumption any more, but still perfect for breastmilk keepsakes. I have received breastmilk from overseas that travelled for almost 8 weeks and it was still perfect to be used in breastmilk jewelry.
How much Breastmilk or DNA sample do I need to send?
Breastmilk - at least 5-15 ml / 0.5 oz (1 Tsp to 1 Tbsp) - can be fresh or frozen, even 10-year-old milk! ~ For bigger keepsake pieces, please send 30 ml / 1 oz of breastmilk ~
Human Hair/Pet Fur/Horse Hair - a small bundle about 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long
Soil/Sand - 1/2 to 1 Tsp (must be dry)
Fabric - a 2 inch (5 cm) swatch
How will my finished jewelry be sent back to me?
Your new piece of breastmilk or DNA jewelry will be professionally packaged and sent to you as a tracked package via Canada Post within Canada or via USPS for the United States. Mama Milk Fairy is not responsible for any extra tax, duties, or other fees that may be applied by the postal service. The shipping times provided at checkout are only an estimate and cannot be guaranteed. Once the package is with the postal service, we cross our fingers that it will be lovingly handled and delivered within an appropriate time.
Does the BreastMilk or dna component of my piece have a warranty ?
We will repair or replace jewelry that has sustained faults resulting from the creation process, free of charge, for up to 1 year from the original date of receivership.
This guarantee does not include refunds of any kind.
All warranties are void if the care instructions are not adhered to. All repair or replacement-jewelry claims will be fulfilled following an inspection of the piece. Jewelry must be returned for assessment before any repair or replacement-jewelry claims can be finalized.
Does the metal jewelry component of my piece have a warranty ?
We will repair or replace jewelry that has sustained faults where the manufacturer is responsible, free of charge, for up to 1 year from the original date of receivership. All repair or replacement-jewelry claims will be fulfilled following an inspection of the piece. Jewelry must be returned for assessment before any repair or replacement-jewelry claims can be finalized.
If you have any concerns or issues with the quality of your jewelry piece, please email us to discuss and we will address each concern individually.
info@mamamilkfairy.com
Do you accept returns or provide refunds? What if I have a complaint or issue?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer returns or refunds as each piece contains personal inclusions that we cannot resell. This includes, if your piece becomes damaged or broken during use (except during shipping, in which case please contact us). Please refer to the jewelry care instructions to ensure your jewelry piece is properly cared for. Mama Milk Fairy is not responsible for any damaged items. Failure to follow the care instructions could lead to deterioration or discoloration of the resin.
In regards to our Jewelry DIY kits; due to the sensitive nature of the DIY kits, returns and refunds are not offered, except in situations where the DIY kit arrived damaged, defective or incomplete.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.
Our policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.
What kind of jewelry components do you work with?
We strive to work with quality jewelry components and metals that will last for a long time. We only source solid gold, gold-filled (not plated) or sterling silver pieces to create your jewelry. Please read the full product description to find out the exact metal type used to create your jewelry and take note of the size of pendants to ensure you are ordering a piece of jewelry that you will LOVE. Also, please note that necklace chains are not included in the pendant listing prices.
For people with metal sensitivities to nickel, it’s important to know that all gold-fill does contain trace amounts of nickel, and may need to be avoided for those with extreme sensitivity.
Notes: Rose gold is alloyed with a bit of copper to give it its beautiful rosy color. If you have an allergy to copper, please refrain from purchasing rose gold jewelry. The same applies to Zinc alloy pieces, or any pieces. Because everyone is different, and we cannot predict your body's physiological response to any given material at any given time, we are not responsible for any allergic reactions to metals, or any part of your piece, that may occur. We cannot replace your item, and are released from any legal obligation to cover any medical costs of any kind.
Is There A Chance My Breastmilk And/Or Milk Substitute Will Mould Or Discolor?
The preservation process we use is a proven trade marked method. It has been used in the products of thousands of happy customers and marvellous creations. The method is sound, and together with impeccable handling and preservation of your breastmilk, it will stand the test of time when treated with great care.
As with any precious jewelry, it is critical to treat your legacy piece with absolute attention and care. This is necessary to avoid discoloration, disintegration or loss of quality.
All breastmilk and DNA jewelry inclusions are infused with resin – resin jewellery requires care.
Mama Milk Fairy breastmilk & DNA jewelry is strictly adornment jewelry. For example, it is not meant to be worn in the shower, pool, or at the beach. It should not be worn while playing sports, high activity, or aggressive movements. It is best to avoid extreme temperatures (hot or cold). Avoid oils, creams, perfumes, and other products that might contain harsh chemicals or ingredients. Each order comes in a box, which is the perfect place to store your jewelry when it is not being worn.
Can I Send My Previously Frozen Breastmilk?
Yes! And it does not matter how old the milk is either!
Can I Send My Previously Frozen Or Raw Placenta?
No. Placenta must be sent dehydrated. Please do not send raw or frozen placenta. It is recommended that you engage a professional placenta encapsulator. We recommend sending one placenta pill.
What Is The Typical Shelf Life of The Jewelry You Create?
Once we have finished your jewelry, your breastmilk and DNA are preserved indefinitely. As your gems are infused with your very own inclusions, they are not always replaceable, so it is important that you care for your jewelry properly. By following our care instructions, we believe your jewelry can last forever.
My jewelry piece has lost its shine, what can i do?
Resin infused jewelry can react to high humidity in the air, just like silver can tarnish. But not to worry, you can use a polish like Flitz International with a very soft cloth, to get the shine back again. We do not recommend just any type of silver polish, as some can actually damaged your precious keepsake, so make sure to use the recommended brand.
I Have High Levels Of Lipid In My Breast milk; Will This Affect The Jewelry?
No, not at all. It is entirely suitable.
Will My Breastmilk Go Sour Or Curdle In The Mail?
Breast milk is 90% water – it travels beautifully in airtight packaging. Breastmilk usually separates in transit, but it does not usually spoil. Even if it does, it does not affect our crafting process.
HOW DO I DETERMINE MY RING SIZE?
I love creating rings but sizing can be tricky! Your best option is to have your finger sized professionally by a local jeweler. If this is not an option, you can order a ring sizer or finger measuring tool on Amazon.
You can also try using an online ring size PDF image, but please note these can give inaccurate results. I am not responsible for incorrect ring sizing.
It is also important to note that ring sizes can vary up to a quarter size above or below. The discrepancy is minor, but it should be noted. Not all sizing is universal, and many of my rings are handmade, so there is a bit of wiggle room. Please be aware of this before purchasing!
What does a Breastmilk stone look like?
Each client’s breastmilk is professionally preserved using a 100% natural and organic preserving agent. If you are concerned your milk is too yellow, please note the preservation method does result in a powder that is slightly brighter than your milk, and in turn, creates a whiter stone. The hue of each breastmilk stone can also appear differently depending on the metal (yellow gold, rose gold, sterling silver) that you choose. Also, the shimmer powder that you choose will alter the colour of the gem.
How do I care for my keepsake jewelry?
Your keepsake is crafted with high quality jewelry grade resin, which results in a gem that is strong and shatter resistant. However, there are some guidelines for caring for your piece:
· Avoid prolonged exposure to UV light (do not store your jewelry in direct sunlight and avoid wearing it if you will be exposed to UV light for a lengthy period, like a day at the beach).
· Avoid exposure to water and moisture (please remove your jewelry when washing hands, showering, having a bath, swimming or doing the dishes. Your gem is made from a water-resistant resin and your inclusions are safe inside but excess exposure to moisture may cause your gem to loosen from its setting).
· Avoid high heat (the resin can weaken or melt when exposed to high humidity or high temperature; also remove before sleeping).
· Avoid chemicals (remove jewelry when using lotions or creams, soap, shampoo, perfume. These may dull or roughen the surface of your gem).
· Avoid materials that could stain (heavily dyed clothing that can bleed color, facial make up, spices or foods, tinted lotion, markers, and similar items can stain the resin).
· Clean your jewellery carefully (gems or metal settings in need of a shine can be buffed gently with a soft polishing cloth. A quick rinse with warm water and a mild soap can be done but please inspect your jewellery after cleaning is finished).
· Keep your gem safe (check your gems and settings regularly prior to wear).
How do I order?
You can order your jewelry directly on this website! Please click the “collection” tab on the header to view our collection. Once you decide on the style and piece, please click “add to cart” and follow the prompts to complete payment. Your order will not be completed until full payment is received. Shipping costs will be calculated during checkout and are not included in the listing price of each product.
We do not offer local drop off/pickup at the moment.
What is the process and turn around time?
Our current turnaround time is 3-4 weeks plus shipping times, which starts from the moment that we receive your inclusions. After your order is submitted, you will receive an email with instructions on how to and where to send your inclusions (Vancouver, B.C., Canada). We will notify you when your inclusions have arrived and start crafting your jewelry. Any leftover inclusions will be stored for 6 months and then discarded.
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