FAQ

If a piece is marked as "ready to ship" (or "RTS"), that means it has already been fabricated and is in my stock, ready to be shipped. Notably however, all ready to ship pieces are made in a specific size--read listings carefully to ensure the piece will fit you. A "made to order" piece is one that is made to your specific measurements. When ordering a made to order piece, include your measurements with your order. Your order will then be put into a queue, and sent out upon completion (in an estimated 1-6 weeks maximum, with an average closer to 2).

Each made to order piece is made by hand, link by link, to your exact measurements. After you buy a piece your order is put into the queue, and, depending on the size of the piece and length of the queue, it takes approximately 1-6 weeks to complete (I always aim for sooner rather than later, with 6 weeks being the absolute maximum for larger pieces).

All of our chainmail products are made with 100% stainless steel (which is nickel-free, hypoallergenic, and cannot rust). All fine jewelry is made using either .999 fine silver, sterling silver, or gold-plate (as noted on the individual listings). If any other materials are used (such as freshwater pearls), they are noted on the individual product listing.

Yes! If you have a specific type of piece you want made, e-mail abe@affectmetals.com and we can talk through your idea, offer a design, and send you a quote.

If you have a specific deadline, let me know via email at abe@affectmetals.com. We can discuss if your due date is possible!

Yes! We ship USPS priority mail. However, please note that any customs fees, duties, tariffs, or taxes (if applicable) are the responsibility of the buyer. Please contact your local post office or customs office if you have further questions.

Because Affect Metals is a very small makers project in which all pieces are custom made to order, we cannot afford to replace stolen packages. All packages are sent out via USPS. If the package was listed as having been successfully delivered, we suggest making a claim via the USPS in order to investigate further courses of action.

Chains do not have much give, so while every piece is made to be adjustable, each piece is made exactly to the measurements you provide (so your measurements are important!). If you are feeling overwhelmed or otherwise uncertain about what or how to measure, email abe@affectmetals.com, and we will try to talk you through it.

All Affect Metals chains are made from 100% stainless steel, which cannot rust (so all chains are water-safe!). However, stainless steel can be scratched, so it is important to store your pieces with care. Chains are best stored either hanging up or laying flat, and any contact with other metals should be avoided. For larger pieces (such as chainmail tops and lingerie), it is best to store them laying flat in a protective bag (such as the canvas bags they are sent in). There are a few options for how to clean or shine your chain! The easiest and most accessible option is to wash your chain(s) by hand using warm water and a gentle soap. To do this, place your chain in a bowl of warm water and, using either your hands or a clean, gentle cloth, run along the edge of the chain with gentle soap, wash it off, and then dry it with a clean towel. You can also wash your chains in a dishwasher. To do this, set your dishwasher to gentle, use a small amount of a gentle soap, and place your chains on the top rack. Please note, that the dishwasher method only works for larger chainmail pieces (such as tops), and should not be used for smaller pieces (such as earrings). Finally, if you have access, the best way to clean and shine your chainmail is with a tumbler. Using stainless steel shot, place your chain in a tumbler with brandishing liquid and a small amouont of filtered water, and let the tumbler run for 20 minutes. Please note that pearls, beads, or other fragile, non-stainless steel materials should not be run through the dishwasher or tumbler!