FAQ's
Questions about my jewelry, materials, sizing, custom work, or caring for your pieces? You're in the right place. I've gathered the answers to some of the questions I hear most often. And if you don't see yours, just ask me!
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Custom Jewelry & Gold Reimagining
About Mettle & My Jewelry
Is all Mettle by Abby jewelry one of a kind?
Yes! Every piece of Mettle by Abby jewelry is individually handmade by me, artist and goldsmith Abby Meadows. No two pieces are exactly alike.
I work with natural gemstones, which means every stone has its own unique colors, patterns, and characteristics. Even when I revisit a favorite design, each finished piece has its own individuality.
For certain designs, including birthstone rings, birthstone necklaces, and simple all-metal hoops and bangles, I may create similar pieces. Gemstones in made-to-order birthstone jewelry may vary from those pictured.
Who makes Mettle by Abby jewelry?
I do! I'm Abby Meadows, the artist and metalsmith behind Mettle by Abby.
I've been making jewelry for more than two decades and earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry & Metals from Winthrop University in 2010. I founded Mettle that same year and have operated my independent studio since 2017.
Every piece is designed and handcrafted by me, from selecting the gemstones to fabricating the metalwork and putting on the finishing touches.
Where can I see Mettle by Abby jewelry in person?
You can shop my one-of-a-kind, handcrafted fine jewelry at two locally owned jewelry stores in the Woodstock and Marietta, Georgia area.
Art Jewelers — Woodstock, GA
136 Woodstock Square Avenue, Suite 400
Woodstock, GA 30189
David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry — Marietta, GA
3605 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 260
Marietta, GA 30066
Every piece of Mettle by Abby jewelry is designed and handcrafted by me in my private studio in Woodstock, Georgia, using natural gemstones, Argentium sterling silver, and solid 14k gold.
Because every piece is one of a kind, the selection at each location changes. If there's something specific you've seen on my website or social media that you'd like to try on, just reach out! I'm happy to help you find out where it's available.
You can also shop my available jewelry online anytime!
Gemstones & Precious Metals
Are your gemstones natural?
Yes! I work with natural gemstones, and I have a particular weakness for stones with unusual colors, patterns, inclusions, and other interesting characteristics.
I love the things that make a gemstone different. A little asymmetry, an unexpected color combination, or a beautiful inclusion can be exactly what makes a stone extraordinary.
Some natural gemstones may undergo treatments commonly used in the jewelry industry. If you have questions about the origin or treatment of a particular stone, I'm happy to share what I know.
Is your jewelry solid gold or gold-plated?
I use solid 14k gold and Argentium sterling silver in my jewelry. I don't use gold-filled or gold-plated metals as substitutes for solid gold.
I choose precious metals because I want my jewelry to be beautiful, durable, and worth keeping for years to come.
What is Argentium sterling silver?
Argentium is a premium sterling silver alloy that's especially resistant to tarnishing. It has a beautiful, bright finish and stays looking fresh longer than traditional sterling silver.
It's one of my favorite metals to work with because it combines the beauty of silver with easier everyday maintenance.
Argentium isn't completely tarnish-proof, but a little occasional care goes a long way.
Will I receive the exact gemstone pictured?
For my ready-to-ship, one-of-a-kind gemstone jewelry, yes! The piece photographed is the actual piece you'll receive.
My birthstone rings and birthstone necklaces are a little different. Because these pieces are made individually using natural gemstones, your stone may vary in color, shape, size, or other characteristics from the one shown in the photographs.
Every piece is still individually made, and those natural variations are part of its character.
Do you sell handmade natural gemstone jewelry under $300?
Yes! I offer a changing selection of handmade natural gemstone rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets under $300.
Every piece is individually handcrafted using natural gemstones and precious metals, including Argentium sterling silver and solid 14k gold.
I believe fine jewelry should feel personal, expressive, and special, whether you're choosing an everyday favorite, a meaningful gift, or a bold statement piece.
Is there nickel in any of your jewelry?
My Argentium sterling silver jewelry is made without intentionally added nickel. Some white gold alloys, however, contain nickel and may have a rhodium finish.
If you have a known metal allergy, please contact me before purchasing. I'll help you understand the materials in the piece you're considering. Rhodium plating does not guarantee that someone with a nickel allergy won't react.
What if my skin reacts to your jewelry?
Please get in touch! Metal sensitivities can vary from person to person, and I want you to be comfortable wearing your jewelry.
Tell me what you're experiencing and which piece you're wearing, and we'll discuss the materials and possible solutions.
Custom Jewelry & Gold Reimagining
Do you make custom jewelry? How does the process work?
Absolutely! Custom jewelry is a big part of what I do, and I love turning someone's idea into something they can actually wear.
It starts with a conversation. We can talk by email, text, or phone about what you have in mind, whether that's a completely new design, a gemstone you've been saving, or an old piece of jewelry you'd like to reinvent.
I'll talk through the possibilities, provide sketches when appropriate, and often give you a ballpark estimate early in the process. Once we've settled on the design and agreed on pricing, I get to work.
For gold pieces, I may provide a price range rather than an exact figure, since the final cost can depend on the finished weight of the gold. A deposit may be required, particularly if I need to purchase expensive materials for your project.
One of my favorite parts of custom jewelry is sharing the making process! I often photograph and film your piece as it comes together, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship involved. I'll share those moments with you directly, and I may ask your permission to share the process publicly, too. Your personal details are always treated with care.
Curious what that looks like? I regularly share metalsmithing videos, gemstone discoveries, and works in progress on Instagram and Facebook.
When your jewelry is finished, I'll send you a private checkout link where you can complete payment and arrange shipping, just like any other purchase from my website.
Contact me to start your custom project.
Can you reuse my old gold or gemstones to make something new?
Yes! And this is one of my specialties.
I frequently transform customers' existing gold and gemstones into completely new jewelry. Whether it's an inherited ring, a broken chain, or a collection of pieces you no longer wear, there's often a lot of potential hiding in that jewelry box.
When appropriate, I can melt down your existing gold, form it into an ingot, and work that metal into a new piece of jewelry using traditional fabrication techniques. That means the actual gold you've been holding onto can become something you'll love wearing.
I can also reuse suitable gemstones from existing jewelry, giving meaningful stones a new life.
Not every metal alloy or gemstone is suitable for direct reuse, so I'll evaluate what you have and explain your options. Reusing your gold can reduce the amount of new precious metal needed and potentially save you a significant amount of money.
There's something particularly special about turning jewelry with a history into something new.
Can I trade in my old gold toward new jewelry?
Yes! You don't have to reuse your gold in its original form, or even choose another gold piece.
I accept qualifying gold as credit toward custom jewelry and other Mettle by Abby pieces. For example, if you have white gold but would rather wear yellow gold, we can discuss applying the value of your existing metal toward something new.
You can even use gold credit toward sterling silver jewelry. If you have gold you simply don't wear anymore, it may help pay for something you'll enjoy much more.
I offer competitive credit based on the gold's purity, weight, and current metal value. I'll explain your options so you can decide whether you'd rather reuse your gold directly or apply its value toward a different piece.
How long does custom jewelry take?
My typical turnaround time for custom jewelry is approximately 1–3 weeks after the design is approved, depending on the complexity of the piece, material availability, and my current workload.
Some projects come together even faster! But because I personally make every piece, I always recommend getting in touch well ahead of birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or other special occasions.
Rush orders may be possible when my schedule and the project allow. If you're working with a deadline, just ask!
Sizing & Ordering
What chain length do I need?
Necklace length can make a big difference in how a piece looks and feels. I've put together a visual guide to help you find the right fit, whether you're shopping for yourself or choosing a gift.
Explore my Chain Length Guide.
Can I have a Mettle by Abby ring sized to fit me?
Absolutely! Complimentary ring sizing is included with every Mettle by Abby ring purchase.
Each ring is individually handmade, and I want yours to fit comfortably. The size listed on the product page is its current size, but I can adjust the ring to fit you. Simply let me know your desired size when ordering.
Not sure of your ring size? I'm happy to mail you a ring sizer so you can find your perfect fit before your jewelry is finished.
Find your size with my Ring Size Guide.
What if I order the wrong ring size?
Just get in touch! If your new ring doesn’t fit comfortably, I’ll resize it for you at no additional sizing charge. I want you to wear and enjoy your jewelry, and getting the fit right is part of that.
Is ring sizing included with my purchase?
Yes! Complimentary initial ring sizing is included with every Mettle by Abby ring purchase, subject to the design's resizing possibilities.
Most of the rings have listed sizes to tell you its current size. If you need something different, contact me before ordering so I can confirm what's possible for that particular design.
Not sure of your size? I can help you find the right fit and mail you a ring sizer.
Shipping, Returns & Repairs
What is your return or exchange policy?
I want you to love your Mettle by Abby jewelry! If something isn't quite right, please contact me as soon as possible.
My standard return window is 30 days. Eligible items must be unused, in their original condition, and returned according to the instructions provided. Custom pieces are not eligible for return or exchange, and jewelry that has been sized or altered may have additional restrictions or fees.
Please contact me before sending anything back so we can discuss the best solution and arrange return shipping.
For complete details, see my Returns & Exchanges page and Refund Policy.
Even if your purchase falls outside the standard return window, I still want to hear from you if something isn't right. I may be able to help!
What if my jewelry breaks or needs repair?
Please contact me! I make jewelry to be worn and enjoyed for years, and I want to help you keep wearing it.
I've repaired pieces that have survived some pretty extraordinary accidents, including being stepped on, run over, and even caught in garbage disposals.
Send me a photograph and tell me what happened. I'll let you know what may be possible and whether any repair costs would apply.
Jewelry Care
Does your silver tarnish?
My Argentium sterling silver is highly tarnish-resistant, which is one of the reasons I love working with it. It stays bright longer than conventional sterling silver, but no sterling silver is completely immune to tarnish.
If your silver needs a little attention, a gentle buff with a suitable silver polishing cloth is often all it takes. You're also welcome to contact me about professional polishing or restoration.
How do I care for my jewelry?
I make my jewelry to be strong and durable, but a little care goes a long way.
Ideally, remove your jewelry before sleeping, exercising, swimming, showering, cleaning, or applying lotions and beauty products. Chemicals, impacts, and everyday wear can affect precious metals and gemstones over time.
Store your jewelry somewhere safe when you're not wearing it, preferably away from pieces that could scratch it.
Cleaning methods depend on the gemstones and materials in your piece. Some stones are more delicate than others, so please ask before using ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, or soaking treatments.
For more tips, visit my Jewelry Care Guide.
Isn't it illegal to use coins in your jewelry?
Nope! In the United States, altering coins for jewelry is generally legal as long as the alteration isn't done fraudulently.
Think about those souvenir penny-pressing machines you've probably seen at museums or zoos. In many cases, the coins I use are being sold as silver scrap, so in a sense, I'm giving them a new life rather than letting them be melted down.
Still Have a Question?
I'm always happy to talk jewelry, whether you're curious about a gemstone, need help with sizing, or have an idea for something custom.
When you contact Mettle by Abby, you're talking directly to the person who makes the jewelry.