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 115 reviews
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BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM PIECES WITH A PIECE OF HISTORY

BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP.
GREAT FOR GIFTS FOR BIRTHDAYS WITH A PIECE FROM THEIR BITRTH YEAR, CUSTOM PIECES, ONE OF A KIND.
DARE TO BE DIFFERENT.

A beautiful heart from a vintage spoon

I love heart jewellery. This is a beautiful heart made from a 1946 vintage spoon. I love it ❤️. Purchasing this heart necklace went smoothly and it arrived in a timely fashion nicely packaged with with a lovely personal card. Thank you so much. I am happy with my purchase and that this piece of jewellery was made in Canada. ❤️

Amazing product

I was very happy when my product arrived and my customers love it !!

Royal Lace

Such a fun, unique piece of jewelry. I’ve been getting lots of compliments. It’s definitely a great conversation piece!

So cute!!

I love my rings! They’re so pretty and exactly what I wanted!!

Beautiful but yet a little whimsical

Customer service was totally awesome. Callista accommodated me 100 percent without question. I ordered a few things at one time and was a little nervous with all the scams online, but the items arrive a day or so early with even all the wildfire issues and no mail delivery one day. When I saw the necklace it brought tears to my eyes. I have never been happier with a purchase and the prices so are reasonable. I will be making more purchases in the future.

Dainty yet solid

I love this small ring. It is very dainty for a young girl or even an older woman. I have always found rings this tiny bend out of shape so easy but this one is perfect still. It would be a wonderful gift.

Wonderful vintage jewelry

Lovely jewelry and thoughtfully packaged. Totally hooked on the vintage design. Looking forward to purchase more in the near future.

The bride to be loved them.

Adam 1917 Heart chains and bracelet

I had ordered 3 matching heart necklaces for my two daughters and myself, as well as a bracelet. It is the same silver pattern which I had inherited from my great grandmother. They are unique and stunning! I look forward to gifting the jewellery and the silverware to my daughters for Christmas 2023.
Callista was wonderful to deal with and the creation of the jewellery and shipping was timely. I am so pleased with the product!
Thank you.

Royal Lace

Very beautiful and unique - wish this pattern was in the mini but will make a wonderful keychain. Thank you for the great service and prompt delivery. I will be ordering again.

J
Free Ring Sizer
Jackie Nielsen

Works great !

Beautiful piece

I love this bracelet so lovely and I love wearing it!

Soooo nice

I love this bracelet,so unique goes with the ring and necklace I received. Thank you 😊

Beautiful piece

This is my favorite piece in all the 6 pieces my husband purchased for me!

One of my favorites

I love this ring, I wear it on my middle finger, it is so gorgeous

Special necklace

I love this necklace.I have the silver, with lower case,with my husband and my 1st initial of our name very pretty

Heart necklace

I really love this piece. I love the size, I wear it everyday. It is perfect

I love it! It was my mother's pattern,
so I was quite emotional when I saw it.
I polished that silverware more times than I'd like to think about!

That’s a really beautiful story, thank you for sharing with me. I am honoured! And so glad you are happy with your piece.
Callista

Easy Plaid Crochet Blanket PATTERN PDF

Perfect gift

She lived it and it made her heart smile thank you

The pendant was a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be.
I would have preferred it to be a lot smaller and daintier.

I absolutely LOVE my ring, it is so unique!!! I will definitely be buying again.

Graduation bracelet

A beautiful piece for a special girl to treasure as a lifetime keepsake to celebrate and remember a milestone! Love all the items I have purchased and check the site faithfully for new things. Dr Tara