FAQ
1. Orders and Payment
How can I place an order?
You can click on the "Buy Now" button on the product page, which will redirect you to my Etsy shop. You can complete your order via Etsy.
Am I making the payment through Shopify?
No, all payments are made exclusively through Etsy. This website, powered by Shopify, is simply a tool that redirects you to Etsy.
What payment methods do you accept?
You can use credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and other popular payment methods on Etsy with the security Etsy provides.
How can I pay if I don’t have an Etsy account?
You can still pay without an Etsy account. Etsy offers a guest checkout option.
Is my phone number required for shipping?
All products ordered from my shop are prepared in Turkey and sent to an intermediary warehouse in New York, USA. Etsy’s privacy policy does not require phone numbers. However, without a phone number for international shipments, the package may not be accepted by the shipping company, or it might be held in the destination country until the recipient picks it up. If this happens, an email will be sent, but if the recipient doesn’t check their email promptly, the package may enter the return process. In this case, a second shipping fee will apply, and if the product value is significant, the item may be destroyed. Therefore, providing your phone number is crucial for a successful delivery outside the USA.
For orders within the USA, once the package reaches the intermediary warehouse and is shipped again, the shipping status changes to domestic, and phone numbers are not required by the shipping companies. In case of a failed delivery attempt, you will be contacted via email. Although it’s not as crucial as it is for international shipments, providing your phone number can still help ensure a smooth delivery.
Why is the shipping address in the USA? Are you based in Turkey or the USA?
I am a Turkish citizen and resident. All products are handcrafted in Turkey. However, products are first shipped to an intermediary warehouse in New York and then sent to you. There are three main reasons for this:
- Etsy does not collect buyers' phone numbers, causing delivery issues. Since most of my customers are in the USA, I send the completed orders to a Turkish-run intermediary warehouse I’ve partnered with in New York, and from there, they are forwarded to the final recipient. For customers in the USA, shipping is categorized as domestic, which reduces the percentage of failed deliveries due to missing phone numbers.
- For orders outside the USA, Etsy requires sellers to pay customs duties, not the buyers. The intermediary warehouse system I use allows me to prepay customs fees, ensuring a seamless delivery to you.
- Direct shipping from Turkey can be expensive, but the shipping agreements provided by the intermediary warehouse allow me to offer low or free shipping by first sending the product to the warehouse and then to you.
2. Delivery and Shipping
How long does it take to prepare my order?
Since all my products are handmade, the production time usually takes 2-3 weeks. Shipping information is provided during checkout on Etsy. Delivery times may vary depending on your country and location.
Will my order be shipped as soon as it is ready?
Yes, once your order is completed, I ship it to the intermediary warehouse in the USA via the local shipping company "KARGOM GELSIN" the following Saturday (I work weekdays from 8 AM to 6 PM and prepare orders during the evenings). This is the first step of the two-step delivery process.
I cannot arrange the first step of the shipment (from Turkey to the USA) on official holidays in Turkey. Similarly, I cannot arrange the second step (from the USA to the recipient) on US holidays, but I will ship your order the next business day after the holiday.
Can I place a rush order?
If you need to receive your order sooner, such as for an upcoming wedding, please contact me before placing your order. I may be able to speed up the production and shipping process for you.
Which countries do you ship to?
I ship to nearly every country. You can check available shipping options during checkout on Etsy.
How much is the shipping fee?
I offer free shipping to the USA. For other countries, you can check the current shipping rates on Etsy.
How can I track my shipment?
Once your order is shipped from the intermediary warehouse to your address, you will receive a tracking number via Etsy, which you can use to track your shipment.
Which shipping companies do you work with?
After the product reaches the intermediary warehouse, it will be shipped to you via UPS, USPS, or FedEx.
3. Returns and Exchanges
What is your return policy?
You can review my shop's return policies on Etsy, which outline the return and exchange conditions. I follow Etsy's default return policies.
What should I do if there is an issue with my order?
If you encounter any issues with your order, please send me a message via Etsy. Customer satisfaction is my top priority. I also keep you informed of the production and shipping processes by sending messages through Etsy.
4. About the Products
Are the products handmade?
Yes, all products are handmade with careful craftsmanship.
Can I customize the products?
At the moment, customization is not available. The reason is that each tiara's design requires creating 3D models, which are then turned into high-cost molds using CNC machines. The alloy is poured into these molds, and the tiara is then plated with platinum (or the material mentioned in the product description) before the stone setting process. Since customization requests would require mold alterations, I am unable to offer customization.
Why did you not create some models with their original turquoise or blue stones?
The shape and size of the stones are determined based on the mold design, and the process of sourcing high-quality AAAAA+ zirconias begins. Light blue or turquoise-colored zirconias or rhinestones are rare, and when available, they are often not the right shape or size for the tiara. Therefore, I use clear zirconias when recreating some historical tiaras. Some collectors who are my customers hand-paint these stones themselves, but painting is not my area of expertise, so customers can choose to paint the stones themselves if they wish.
5. Product Quality and Care
What materials are used in your products?
The products are made from high-quality alloys, platinum plating, and AAAAA+ premium zirconias. The metals, stones, and other materials used in my tiaras are durable and long-lasting, designed to be passed down to future generations. Each product description provides detailed information about the materials used.
How should I care for the tiaras?
To keep your tiaras looking as new as the first day, I recommend storing them in a closed box in a dry environment. Storing them in a closed space will slow down oxidation significantly. Since the products are plated with high-quality platinum, they are highly resistant to tarnishing. However, if you feel the tiara is not as shiny as it once was after many years, you can restore its original sparkle by gently cleaning it with a jewelry cleaning cloth, without using any abrasive materials.
6. Security and Privacy
Are my payment details secure?
Yes, all payments are processed through Etsy’s secure payment system. No one can see your credit card details.
How do you protect my personal information?
Etsy keeps your personal information confidential and only uses it for order processing purposes.
7. Account and Membership
How can I create an account on Etsy?
Creating an account on Etsy is very easy! You can sign up by clicking on the "Create Account" button on Etsy’s homepage and following a few simple steps.
Can I shop without an Etsy account?
Yes, Etsy allows you to shop as a guest. Membership is not required.
8. Support
Who can I contact if I have a question?
For any questions before or after your order, feel free to send me a message via Etsy. I usually respond within an hour. Sometimes, due to the time difference between your country and mine, it may take 9-10 hours for me to get back to you, but I will reply as soon as possible.
What should I do if there is an error with my order?
If there’s a mistake with your order, please contact me immediately. I will do my best to fix the issue.
Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?
Yes, I can offer discounts for bulk orders. You can contact me via Etsy to specify the products and quantities you’re interested in and request a discount code.