FAQs

Where is your jewelry made?
All of our jewelry is hand forged in our studio in Raleigh, North Carolina. No mass machinery involved, just the hands of our small and mighty team. From texturing and hand-stamping to sawing and soldering, an immense amount of detail and time goes into each of our pieces.

What materials are used in your jewelry?
We use Sterling Silver and 14k Gold filled (similar to gold plated but with a thicker layer of gold and a smaller metal core).

14k Gold Filled is a federally regulated amount of 14k gold (5%) bonded to a base of metal, usually brass. Gold filled offers all the same physical characteristics of solid gold, such as beauty, strength and durability, but at a fraction of the cost. Gold filled will not tarnish or discolor your skin; it is the next best thing to solid gold. It contains no nickel and is considered hypoallergenic. With reasonable care, it will last a lifetime.

Do you offer custom jewelry services?
We have a whole range of personalised jewelry including word plates and initial jewelry. We also offer custom jewelry design through Kenda Kist partner Marty Markel. Marty is a skilled goldsmith with over 20 years of wax carving, hand fabrication, and stone setting experience, perfect for engagement rings and memorial pieces.

Where do your crystals and gemstones come from?
We use Swarovski crystals from Austria for high quality crystals. Our gemstones are sourced ethically from reliable sources. 

SUSTAINABILITY & ETHICS

What does "sustainable jewelry" mean to Kenda Kist?
We use metals that are easily recycled. We also strive to make our studio as eco friendly as possible from using earth friendly products for the jewelry making to process to reusing boxes and shipping supplies.

How do you ensure your jewelry is ethically made?
All of our jewelry is hand forged in our studio in Raleigh, North Carolina by our team. We pay a competitive wage in line with businesses of a similar size in the local area. We source our metals and components from the USA.

JEWELRY CARE

How should I care for my Kenda Kist jewelry?
Sterling Silver is a precious metal and Gold Filled (while not a precious metal) will last a lifetime if taken care of properly. However, metals will tarnish if left out in the open air. Some skin types and lotions you use might tarnish the metal quicker then usual too, as well as swimming too.

Start with dish soap, warm water and a soft toothbrush. If you are ok with a chemical cleaner Tarn-X is an ideal way to quickly take the tarnish away.

• Use the technique on metal only.
• Don't use the solution on semi-precious stones but Austrian Crystals are fine.
• Use a special container only for the Tarn-X
• Quickly dip in and out of Tarn-X solution.
• Pour the excess back into bottle, the bottle should last you years!
• Rinse very well with soapy warm water and then dry with a paper towel

All sterling and gold filled items can be cleaned with a polishing cloth or jewelry cleaner. For tarnish-free jewelry store in a small plastic bag. For tangle-free necklaces, leave a little bit of the chain outside the plastic baggie.

Can I wear my jewelry in water?
Our jewelry uses only Sterling Silver and 14k Gold Filled metals so it can transition seamlessly from a beach day to a date night. However, be careful in heavily chlorinated water as silver will tarnish.

PURCHASING & ORDERS

How can I track my order?
You will receive an email with your tracking number when your order ships.

What payment methods do you accept?
We offer Shop Pay, Paypal and Google Pay on all of our products as well as credit/debit card transactions through Shopify. We take Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover and more.

RETURNS & EXCHANGES

What is your return policy?
Due to the nature of our work as and the operations of our small business, we unfortunately do not accept returns. We do however want to ensure that you are happy with your purchase and allow exchanges.

How do I arrange an exchange if I'm not satisfied with my purchase?
We will gladly exchange pieces within 14 days of shipment. Item must be in it’s original condition in order to exchange. To keep our brand sustainable, please return original packaging. Exchange window will be extended during the Holiday Season.

WARRANTY & REPAIRS

Do you offer a warranty on your jewelry?
Our Jewelry will stand the test of time however anything over a year will require a charge for repairs on regular wear and tear.

How do I get a piece repaired?
If you would like us to polish up your jewelry like new, please email us at info@kendakist.com and we would be happy to clean it for you free of charge! (Shipping fees do apply) If you have any questions at all about cleaning or your Kenda Kist Jewelry piece, please do not hesitate to contact us.

CONTACT INFORMATION

How can I get in touch if I have more questions?
Please email us at info@kendakist.com if you have any more questions.