FAQ (Frequenty Asked Questions)

• Why don't you use plated wire?

  Plated wire is a base metal coated with about a micron-thick layer of a precious metal. While other vendors offer rings made from plated wire as a cheap alternative to solid precious metals, C&T Designs doesn't sell it. Because the plating over the base metal is so thin, plated wire chips, cracks easily and flakes off, exposing the base metal underneath. Want something that looks elegant and will last? We recommend using our argentium silver or gold fill wire as long-lasting, inexpensive alternatives to rings made from either plated wire or solid precious metals. Solid argentium and gold fill rings are a little more than plated rings, and like solid precious metals, they will literally last you a lifetime and beyond in pieces that can be passed down as family heirlooms.
  
  permalink   |   tags: plated, base metal, precious metal, chips, cracks   |   source question: Why don't you use plated wire?

• Why don't you offer rush handeling?

  The answer is simple: every order is equally important to us, no matter how big or small. We get 99% of our orders out the door within 1 day, so why offer you a more expensive rushed handling option when our standard turn-around is so quick? Need it quicker than quick? No worries. We offer rushed shipping rates through both UPS and the USPS so that you can track it from our door to yours.
  
  permalink   |   tags: Shipping, rush, priority   |   source question: Why don't you offer rush handeling?

• How do I change my subscriber email address for you newsletter?

  It's easier than you think! No need to call us (unless you're just dying to hear the sound of Curt's bubbly laugh). All you need to do is open the most current issue of our newsletter, scroll to the bottom and click the update subscription preferences link. From there, you can edit all of your preferences.
  
  permalink   |   tags: Newsletter   |   source question: How do I change my subscriber email address for you newsletter?

• Why don't weave kits include tutorials?

  In most cases, our customers are experienced weavers who already know the pattern for which they're buying a kit. In other cases, the kits go along with a magazine article or book that you may already have. And in all cases, sending a tutorial to a weaver who doesn't need it is just a waste of time and resources on both ends, and waste increases everyone's costs. So by not including tutorials as a matter of course, we're helping to keep costs down (and the landfill from filling up faster for you green folks). Need a tutorial? We're happy to help. We offer both paper and pdf versions of all our tutorials.
  
  permalink   |   tags: Kits, tutorial, instructions   |   source question: Why don't weave kits include tutorials?

• Do you make your own rings?

  The short answer is yes. The long answer is not only do we make our own rings, but we make rings for many other chainmaille supply outlets.
  
  permalink   |   tags: Rings, supplies   |   source question: Do you make your own rings?

• What gauge system do you use?

  We actually use both AWG (American Wire Gauge) and SWG (Standard Wire Gauge). All square wire/rings are AWG. All silver and gold rings are AWG. 20g and smaller base metal (copper, brass, bronze, stainless steel) is AWG. 19g and larger base metal is SWG. We have a wire gauge chart up here
  
  permalink   |   tags: gauge, AWG, SWG, american wire gauge, standard wire gauge   |   source question: What gauge system do you use?

• Are your rings saw cut?

  Yes, all of our rings are saw cut, in house.
  
  permalink   |   tags: saw cut, machine cut   |   source question: Are your rings saw cut?

• Your rings seem to be a little smaller than some other suppliers, why is that?

  When most other suppliers tell you it's a 18g, 1/4" ring, all they really mean is that they wound it on a 1/4" mandrel. When we say it, we really mean it. This is especially important if you like to mix metals and on very size sensitive patterns. Because different metals will 'springback' differently, you can have a 1/4" ring from copper and another from titanium and they will be very different sizes with other suppliers. Ours will be nearly identical so you can use them both in the same pattern.
  
  permalink   |   tags: sizing, springback   |   source question: Your rings seem to be a little smaller than some other suppliers, why is that?

• We see other places selling bronze rings, but they look yellow. Are yours like that?

  No. They are using 'jewelers bronze', which is just another way to say red brass. Our bronze (round and square) is a C510, grade A phosphor bronze.
  
  permalink   |   tags: bronze, brass, jewelers bronze   |   source question: We see other places selling bronze rings, but they look yellow. Are yours like that?

• What is Aspect Ratio?

  Aspect Ratio, or AR, is a number that tells you what rings can be used for what patterns. This number is the result of a mathematical formula. Inside diameter ÷ wire diameter = AR
  
  (see this image for a visual guide)
  
  permalink   |   tags: AR, aspect ratio   |   source question: What is Aspect Ratio?

• What is springback?

  Metal naturally wants to stay straight. When we wind it on a madrel, we are forcing it into circles, and while coiling it is under tension. When we let go of that tension, the wire relaxes and this is springback. The same size ring from other suppliers out of different metals are usually larger due to this. Luckily we use actual measurements to make it easier for you.
  
  permalink   |   tags: springback   |   source question: What is springback?

• I purchased a PDF tutorial, but didn't get it. What happened?

  All of our PDF tutorials are downloads. When you place an order you will recieve an order confirmation email. In this email is a link to any downloads you purchased. You can also log into your account and look at past orders. This history will also include links to downlaods. Links in history are only good for 3 days, so be sure to get your download right away.
  
  permalink   |   tags: download, tutorial   |   source question: I purchased a PDF tutorial, but didn't get it. What happened?

• Do you anodize your own rings?

  We anodize all of our niobium and titanium. Because anodizing aluminum is a very different process and uses some chemicals we are not set up to use, we have another company do them.
  
  permalink   |   tags: anodizing, niobium, titanium, niobium   |   source question: Do you anodize your own rings?

• Do you wholesale?

  Yes we do. If you are interested in reselling our rings, please email us at support (at) candtdesigns.com for more information.
  
  permalink   |   tags: Wholesale, resale, retail   |   source question: Do you wholesale?

• How do you ship?

  We use UPS and the postal service for all our shipments. When placing an order you will be shown options for both services and because we use live time price quotes, you will also see their prices so you can make a decision on what works best for you.
  
  permalink   |   tags: shipping   |   source question: How do you ship?

• How long does it take for you to ship a package?

  This really depends on just how busy we are, but 95% of our orders go out within 2 business days. If we are experiencing longer than normal shipping times we will post in our blog. When your order ships, you will receive a shipping notification email that will include a tracking or delivery confirmation order. You can also access this information by logging into your account and looking at your order history.
  
  permalink   |   tags: Shipping   |   source question: How long does it take for you to ship a package?

• How long will it take for my package to arrive?

  Unfortunately this is something that is out of our control. It will vary depending on how you had your package shipped, and your distance from us. Within the United States, most packages should be delivered in 3-10 business days.
  
  permalink   |   tags: shipping   |   source question: How long will it take for my package to arrive?

• Do you ship worldwide?

  Yes we do. We also have live time shipping calculators so you can see shipping options and costs before you check out. Please keep in mind you are responsible for any taxes or customs fees upon entry to your country, if applicable.
  
  permalink   |   tags: Shipping   |   source question: Do you ship worldwide?

• Can we pick up our order?

  You bet you can! In January we opened the world's first retail store dedicated to chainmaille. We are located at 4551 East Platte ave in Colorado Springs, CO. We are open Mon-Fri 10 am to 5 pm, and Sat 8am to 2 pm. Feel free to stop by any time during store hours.
  
  permalink   |   tags: Store, retail, will call, pick up   |   source question: Can we pick up our order?

• Do you teach classes?

  Yes. We hold classes in our shop on the third Tuesday and Saturday of every month. Check out event calendar to see what classes are currently being offered.
  
  permalink   |   tags: Classes, teaching, schedule   |   source question: Do you teach classes?

• Do I need to pre register for class?

  Yes. It's important for us so we can make sure we have room and materials ready for everybody..
  
  permalink   |   tags: Classes, teaching, schedule, register   |   source question: Do I need to pre register for class?

• What is your return policy?

  If you need assistance picking the correct supplies before you place your order, we are happy to help. We understand that sometimes you purchase the wrong thing. Items can be returned within 15 days and must be in original packaging and unused. Please contact us prior to return so we know if you are returning or exchanging, and for what. Please be sure to include a copy of your receipt with your return, with a contact number so you can reach you if needed. This will greatly increase the processing of your return/ exchange.
  
  permalink   |   tags: Return, exchange, refund   |   source question: What is your return policy?

• Do you have a minimum order?

  We do not. You can order as much or as little as you like. Want to try just .25 oz of one ring? Not a problem. We do however, have discounts built in for every ring. The more you get, the more you save.
  
  permalink   |   tags: minimum order, order, minimum   |   source question: Do you have a minimum order?

• What is argentium silver?

  We have a whole article explaining the difference in sterling silver, argentium silver, silver fill and silver plate here
  
  permalink   |   tags: silver fill, gold fill, argentium silver, sterling silver, silver plate, gold plate   |   source question: What is argentium silver?

• Why don't you list inside diameter for your square wire rings?

  Most chainmaillers know and understand Aspect Ratio (AR). We use this to determine what weaves can be done with any given ring size. The problem is that none of what you may know about AR holds true for square wire. Regular round wire has one measurement, the wire diameter. This measurement is constant. Square wire has two measurements. Side measurement and diagonal (corner to corner). It's this diagonal measurement that throws everything off. How rings interact in any given pattern plays a large part in the size ring you need. How sharp the corners are even play a part. Because of this we have designed and developed specific ring sizes to work in specific patterns.
  
  permalink   |   tags: silver fill, gold fill, argentium silver, sterling silver, silver plate, gold plate   |   source question: Why don't you list inside diameter for your square wire rings?