Frequently Asked Questions

What is gold luster - is it real gold?
Is your jewellery really that colour - are your images true-to-life?
If you don't repeat designs, how can you supply some earrings in either clip or post?
Why don't more of the earrings have a choice of clip or post?
I'm allergic to a lot of earrings; will I react to yours?
Why quote prices only in U.S. dollars, rather than Australian?

Is it safe to use my credit card online?
I'm also concerned about privacy...
What if I'm not happy with my purchase?
How do I look after my jewellery?

Can I pay you directly?
If it's porcelain, doesn't it break easily?
Why do you put R. in front of your name?
What does Janri stand for?

If you have any more questions about my jewellery or china painting, please contact me.

What is gold luster - is it real gold?

Gold luster - or lustre, as it's sometimes spelt - does contain real gold. It comes as a liquid and is usually applied with a brush. During firing the base liquid (a mixture of essential oils and resins) burns away to leave a layer of real gold.

Is your jewellery really that colour - are your images true-to-life?

Yes - at least they look the same to me!

I've colour-matched the images to my jewellery - and china painting - but I can't guarantee that you are seeing exactly the same colours. This is not a fault with the design of my site, it is just that different monitors and browsers all influence what you see on your screen. It's the same effect that you can see when looking at new TV sets: colours may look a little different on some models.

I've tested my site under various conditions and could barely notice any changes  - but it does need full colour (True Colour), or it may not display properly.

So, as I said, my images are as accurate as I could make them...

If you don't repeat your designs, how can you supply some earrings in either clip or post?

I assemble them for pierced ears, because I sell most that way, and change them to clips if required. You can ask for clips when ordering.

Note: these unique pieces will gradually be replaced by limited editions.

Why don't more of the earrings have a choice of clip or post?

It's a matter of design... Some pieces are too small to attach clips to, and of course I can't change hook earrings because it would leave a hole.

I'm allergic to a lot of earrings; will I react to yours?

I don't think so, although I can't guarantee it. I've been making jewellery for years and nobody has yet reported an allergic reaction. My porcelain is very smooth on the back, so it doesn't rub, and I use clips that shouldn't pinch. I also use surgical steel hooks and posts (studs) for pierced ears, because they're generally regarded as being low allergy, if not "allergy free."

If you do find you can't wear a pair, please let me know - and, of course, return them for a full refund.

Can I pay you directly?

No, I'm not set up to handle payments directly. You can order and pay by PayPal or credit card, via the shopping cart. The cart is supplied by online retailer CCNow, who have a secure server and can handle several different credit cards, etc.

For more information see my Orders page, and the CCNow website.

Exception: I accept money orders and cheques from Aussie customers - details on my Orders page.

Why quote prices only in U.S. dollars, rather than Australian?

Because I'm selling internationally, and most of my customers are in the US. When you check-out, you will have the option of paying in another currency. Also for those of us using non-US currency, I've provided a pop-up currency converter on my jewellery pages (the "Personal Currency Assistant").

Aussie customers only: Contact me if you don't want to use the shopping cart. I will accept your money order or cheque - details on my Orders page.

Is it safe to use my credit card online?

I think that largely depends on who you're dealing with, and what precautions they have in place. Since you'll be paying through CCNow, please take a moment to visit their website and read about their safeguards.

I'm also concerned about privacy...

I will always respect your privacy. I use customer information only to run my site efficiently and satisfy the orders I receive. I will not pester you with unsolicited mail, nor will I sell or use your name in any other manner.

If you choose to pay by credit card, I do not see the details; all payments are processed by CCNow and covered by their privacy policy.

What if I'm not happy with my purchase?

I've tried to ensure that won't happen - but if it does, simply return your purchase. For details, see my Guarantee.

How do I look after my jewellery?

Just treat it with reasonable care, as you would any other good jewellery. If you don't have a separate box or bag, store it flat on something soft, like cottonwool. A lot of my work has shiny surfaces that could get scratched, so keep it from contact with other jewellery.

If you want to clean your pieces, wipe them with a moist cloth or wash gently in warm soapy water, then pat dry. Stubborn spots, for example from insects, will usually come off with a little methylated spirits (denatured alcohol); don't use anything abrasive.

If it's porcelain, doesn't it break easily?

Not really; porcelain is actually very strong, or I wouldn't be able to make my pieces so thin and light. Of course, if you treat it roughly or drop it on a hard surface, it may chip or break - just as a porcelain dinner service would.

Hand basins, baths and toilet bowls are often made from porcelain, and they really have to be strong.

Why do you put R. in front of your name?

The R. is from my unused first name, Rita, and I use it to distinguish me from another craft artist with a very similar name - and also to avoid confusion on official forms.

What does Janri stand for?

Janri (pronounced "jan-re") is derived from my two personal names, Rita Janette. I registered Janri Designs as my business name some years ago, and created the "JD" logo to go with it. It was not till some time later that I discovered, via the Internet - where else! - that Janri is also a personal name in some cultures.

If Janri has a meaning in any language, I'm not aware of it; I just think it sounds nice.