FAQ

Answers to some commonly asked questions. If you don't see your question here, please reach out.

 

How do I measure to buy jewelry online?

I have put together some guides & helpful tips - check it out here.

How do I care for my jewelry?

Stainless Steel is hypoallergenic and non-tarnishing. Polish with any gentle cloth.

Vintage Silverware consists of a heavy plating of pure silver over a mixed metal alloy, usually of brass or copper. Silver will tarnish over time, use a soft polishing cloth so you can keep your beautiful jewelry looking its best. Read more about silver care here.

Repeated exposure of any metal to hand sanitizers, soaps, lotions, perfumes & etc. can cause a reaction with your natural body chemistry. It is always recommended to remove your jewelry when using products, showering, swimming, working out, or sleeping.

Will you make something out of my own silverware?

Maybe (and same pricing applies). I would need to see photos first, please email a clear image of your piece(s), and any information on the back of them to creator@callistafaye.ca. Please read my heirloom disclaimer before proceeding:

Disclaimer: Client Owned Pieces
Due to the age, unknown history, and variable materials of vintage silverware, sometimes the metal responds in unexpected ways. It is possible for your silverware to crack or break when worked with. Please do not provide me anything that you cannot live without. If possible, providing extra pieces is appreciated in case something does happen (unused pieces will be returned, although I do not typically return scraps unless otherwise requested).
By moving forward, you acknowledge this & release me from liability for replacement.

Once we have discussed your pieces and agreed on a plan, I will give you my mailing address. I will email a custom invoice when I receive your pieces. Sending tracked is preferred.

**I do not typically return the scrap cut offs, so please mention if you would like me to do so.

Why stainless steel?

Every material has their place, I just REALLY like stainless steel. It is the perfect blend of beauty & strength, at an affordable price. It is an incredibly durable material that can withstand your life. Stainless steel is also hypoallergenic, waterproof, tarnish-resistant AND won't make your skin turn green.

All of the stainless steel blanks I use are PVD gold coated, which is up to 10x thicker than the standard plating process. This makes them much more durable against scratches, regular wear, and corrosion from sweat. I have been wearing my necklaces & rings for months now, and I am pleased to share that they look just as shiny and new as day one. All they need is the occasional polish with a soft cloth. Get the high end look at a much lower price - and without all the maintenance!

What about the vintage silver jewelry?

My silver jewelry is made from vintage silverware, dating as far back at the late 1800s but mostly coming from the 1930-1950s. It is silver plate, for the most part I do not come across sterling flatware in my area. Now this is a different silver plate than the cheap mall jewelry you are thinking of. Remember that these are utensils that were designed to be used (not just bargain accessories), so it is a heavy plating of pure silver over a brass or copper alloy. 

The silver plating is thick enough that the base alloy should not come into contact with your skin. That said, some silverware is over 100 years old and has led a long and useful life, bearing the marks of use proudly. I also understand that every body reacts differently to various metals (yes, even to sterling), and I would be happy to process an exchange if you experience a reaction to your spoon ring during normal use.

How do you engrave on the items?

A common misconception, I don't actually do any engraving! I use steel shanks with a letter or design on one end (metal stamps) and hammer them into the surface to displace the metal and create an impression. Each letter or design has their own stamp, and I have to purchase each set of uppercase / lowercase / numbers / symbols / etc. etc. etc... individually to get them in different fonts and sizes. Engraving, by contrast, is usually computerized with a laser (or a rotary hand tool) that can just remove the metal where needed.

Please note that I stamp each item by hand with a hammer, so there may be some slight variations. Sometimes not all characters will be perfectly aligned as this is the nature of hand stamping - no two will ever be the same! As the metal is displaced, not removed, you can sometimes see the effect of that displacement on the back side. 

Do you bend these all by hand?

Yes, with the help of some specialized hand tools. I have invested in custom dies and forms that I use in an arbour press to specifically bend and shape silverware to the exact size I need. The arbour press helps to amplify my own strength and force the metal into shape. No hydraulics or electric presses here. Very often, items are finished in a plain little bench vice, with a rubber mallet, mandrel, and brute force. It's all a great way to hammer out stress!

I stamp and form each item by hand with a hammer, so there may be slight variations. It is perfectly imperfect. I take pride in creating a high quality of work, and enjoy the telltale characteristics of hand formed objects. Each is slightly different from the next, creating a totally unique piece for you to enjoy.

Is the stamped silverware safe to use?

I darken the impressions of all my silverware (spoons, forks, knives, etc.) by naturally tarnishing them! That makes them safe to use with food, and won’t fade with regular hand washing. I tarnish the hand stamped letters, and polish the rest of silverware to a lovely sheen. Items that are not intended to be used for food, like the silver keychains, plant markers & jewelry I create, are darkened with an enamel. I do not use enamel for any products that are intended to come in contact with food. Read more about caring for your silverware here.

Where do you get all this silverware?

I frequently find silverware through local antique dealers and online sources such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace. If you have some to sell, yes I am interested! I also trade for it, turning a piece or two of your grandmother's silver into a keepsake item in exchange for the rest of the set. That way the special memory can live on, while the rest of the pieces can become new creations and stop collecting dust.

Where is your studio?

We live on an acreage in rural northern Alberta, just south of Rycroft for you locals. Here's a real life peak into my home studio. Yep, it looks something like this (or worse) on any given day. Covered counters, baby monitors/snacks/toys/SPOONS everywhere, things rearranged by said baby & toddler. The only reason the floor is "somewhat" bare is because I keep the cabinets locked and tools out of reach. But this is where the magic happens, amidst the chaos and the mess. Stamping is a bit too loud to do while my kids are asleep SO I have to stamp and hammer and create while they are awake and "helping". We have put a lot of work into my studio space and it is truly magical to have such a dedicated room. At the same time I do wish it was Pinterest-perfect and always conducive to creating and inspiration. This is real life though, and I love it.

 

Based on 231 reviews
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Sue (Chestermere, CA)
Timeless & Beautifully Crafted

I bought 8 vintage necklaces last fall for all the special ladies in my life, our Moms, daughter, nieces & BFFs. Each piece was special and personal and they all love them.
Customer service, quality and delivery were amazing. Love buying as local as possible…Callista made it so easy.

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Terri L.M. (Edmonton, CA)
Always Beautiful

I've ordered 5 or more pieces from callistafaye and I love each and every one of them so very much! Quality craftsmanship, beautiful work, gorgeous designs! Delivery is quick and efficient as well! I LOVE this girl and her store, I'll continue to order when I need or want an item with confidence and excitement! :D

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Katey F. (Port Elgin, CA)
Spoon Wrap Ring

I absolutely LOVE my spoon ring! It is such a statement piece. I love that it is made from the entire spoon, not just the handle. It is incredibly comfy/lightweight to wear as well, despite its size. Couldn't be happier with this one-of-a-kind purchase!

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Elaine T. (Kingston, CA)
So Pleased!

My order of 5 floating heart necklaces arrived in a very timely manner today. It is so nice to see my Mother's silver transformed into such meaningful pieces for her great granddaughters. As they grow older I hope they will value this link to their family history. I am so pleased with the entire order including the little velvet bags. Thank you Callista for your excellent work and your attention to detail!

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D.C. (Toronto, CA)
Amazing

Received my beautiful stamped bangle and ring today! I’m so happy with both pieces, I love rustic, handmade jewelry.

I’ll be ordering again!

Thank you

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Lori S. (Calgary, CA)
Tiffany

I have purchased a Tiffany earrings for my daughter’s 18th birthday. One of the things I like best about Tiffany jewelry is the stamped feature. There is something so industrial, basic & historic about the approach of stamping silver. I use silver plate everyday in my kitchen as I love the patina, weight and beauty of the pieces.

I was viewing key chains by Tiffany and felt the pricing was outrageous, which led me to this website. I found these beautiful heart shaped key chains. I ordered one for my daughter with her birth date stamped on it. Hers is the bridal wreath pattern from the 1950’s. I ordered a park lane heart key chain for myself which is vintage 1936. My third purchase was a stamped spoon key chain for my Dad who is a Huge, Beatle fan. “All we need is love”, can’t wait to give it to him for his birthday!

My next purchase will be a coffee scoop, what a fabulous piece.

Callista, what a talented artist you are. I love what you are producing and presenting to the world.

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Customer (La Grange, US)
Easy Crochet Plaid Blanket

I came across your Easy Plaid Crochet Blanket pattern over a year ago on YouTube and I loved it! I had to try it.
I just finished my version of the pattern. I am a visual learner and your video was a very clear and concise explanation. Thank you for sharing. This is a gift for my son-in-law.

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Xaverie M. (Calgary, CA)
Amazing work! 100% recommend!

Callista is an incredible artist that works very hard to create unique pieces. Most of my daily jewelry is her work, I have been wearing it for years and it has held up beautifully. Beyond her incredible work, the customer experience is seamless. Shipping is fast and the packaging is gorgeous. While I love to treat myself with her products, Callista’s work has also become my go to gift for any occasion. I love gifting personalized wedding sets to newlyweds, swear spoons to my friends who are having a tough week, initial and birth flower jewelry to the mamas in my life… there is truly something for every occasion and I love gifting these pieces that have such special meaning and are of the highest quality.

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Amy M. (Oklahoma City, US)
Beautiful gift

I ordered the Sister heart necklace and my sister LOVES it! Made the other sister jealous, so now I have to order another one. :) Fast shipping w/ tracking. Definitely recommend.

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K. (Grimshaw, CA)
Beautiful custom work

I’ve purchased a few pieces from Callista, including a custom mini bead necklace. It was easy to contact her and discuss different ideas when I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for on the website. She gave great design advice and provided sample pictures to make sure I was happy with my choices. I love the pieces she makes and the turnaround time was practically overnight!

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Breanna U.

I highly recommend Callista Faye Creative if your looking for anything antique this Holiday season! Her page is full of neat things!!

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Laura B.

This review is long overdue. I have purchased several wonderful items from Callista. My first purchase was a butter knife for a gift and a key chain for me, both were awesome. I then went back for more items for myself, a great heart shaped spoon necklace which I love and wear all the time and 3 rings (was planning of gifting one but couldn’t part with it). So if you are looking well made beautiful things for yourself or for a gift look no further. Each item comes with a little bit of the silverware’s history, like it’s style and year of the pattern.

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Barb P.

Callista, I love the pendant. Everything about it is perfect. Great job, thanks again. :)

The spoon is perfect and I love it.

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Debbie D.

Love everything about this heart necklace.

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Breanne G.
Love my new spoon ring!!

Okaaaaay it fits like a glove! Love it! Thaaaank you!

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Janelle B.

I love that you used an old sewing pattern for tissue paper! Both pieces are gorgeous, thanks Callista!

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Wendy R.

Hi Callista, I recieved the ornaments today. They are GORGEOUS!!! I love them!! Thank you so much!!

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Anonymous

So amazing and I can't wait for the next market!

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Sharon L.

Was so pleased to recieve a Callista Faye Creative piece for Christmas. :) Sweetly sought, wrapped and lettered by some precious gems of young women in my life. And the stamped words? Perfect! So fun to Like and Follow the creativity, but how much better to own it!!

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Kayce S.

I love the sayings on them! Beautiful.

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Vanessa J.

Received my spoons today!! They are so beautiful. Thank you for the amazing workmanship. Love them!!

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Lisa M.
Gotta love when you have crafty friends!!

I just love it sooo much I couldn’t wait to save it for a Christmas gift.