Frequently Asked Questions
PAYMENTS:
What forms of payment do you accept?
Credit Card and PayPal: You can pay online by secure Credit Card Checkout, PayPal, or Google Checkout. International customers should consider paying by using PayPal and Google Checkout options by clicking on the link below your Shopping Cart list on the homepage.
Check: To pay by check, send your check made out to TRIBAL MUSE in US dollars to:
TRIBAL MUSE
Attn: A. Litton
13-B Chase Lane
Lakewood, WA 98498
If paying by check, your order will be shipped as soon as your check clears. For check payment is not received within 14 days from the date of purchase, the order will be cancelled.
Telephone Orders: Sorry, we are unable to take telephone orders.
Cash: Please do not send cash for making Tribal Muse purchase.
Why was my credit card payment declined?
Credit Card payments may be Declined for no apparent reason.
- Sometimes our in-store credit card vendor cannot process International Credit Cards, and the payment will be declined. For International purchases we recommend using PayPal or Google Checkout by clicking on the link below your Shopping Cart list on the homepage.
- Credit Cards may also be declined if the address or phone number submitted at Checkout differs from those that your Credit Card company has on file for you. If this happens, consider using your PayPal or Google Checkout accounts by clicking on the link below the your Shopping Cart list on the homepage. Because PayPal and Google have already verified your account, their transactions are rarely declined.
Does Tribal Muse charge sales tax?
Tribal Muse does not charge sales tax, except for retail purchases made in Washington state, USA. Individuals or businesses with resale numbers will be exempted from sales tax by sending an email to wholesale@tribalmuse.com that includes the business name, contact information, and resale number.
Who pays International Customs charges?
Customers assume responsibility for all customs charges and additional fees for shipping and/or importation.
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SHIPPING:
How much do you charge to ship?
Shipping charges are based on the weight, distance shipped, and shipping option you select. You can see the actual Shipping charges on the Tribal Muse Checkout page before you purchase.
To see actual Shipping Charges, start your order by entering your selected items, your shipping address, and shipping option on the Checkout page. The actual Shipping Charges will appear as part of your total before you complete your purchase. If you decide not to buy, do not complete the Checkout process and you will not be charged.
Do you charge Handling Fees?
A single Handling Fee of $1.10 is charged for each order. It is included as part of the shipping total and is non-refundable.
How long will it take for my order arrive?
Shipping times vary depending on the shipping option you select, distance shipped, and customs procedures, if being shipped Internationally. You can check with the US Post Office (USPS) or United Parcel Service (UPS) websites to get an estimate of how long it will take for your parcel to reach you.
International Shipments may experience additional delays. Many countries require that Jewelry be shipped only via Registered First Class Mail. Although this is the safest way to ship, it is very slow, and can take from 2-8 weeks Internationally, or longer. Where Insured Priority Mail is allowed Internationally, we use that method which is usually faster. Please note that your customs office may delay shipments longer, especially for items that originated in areas of current political unrest.
Do you ship to my country?
Tribal Muse ships worldwide. Some countries have restrictions about what can be imported, and we would be unable to ship those items to you accordingly.
Will my order have a tracking number?
Tracking numbers are provided for shipments sent via Registered First Class Mail, Priority Mail, and United Parcel Service (UPS) packages. Only Registered First Class Mail tracks items door-to-door, all other tracking numbers will track only to US port of export (International) or to US City of arrival (domestic).
Your tracking number will be sent to you via separate email through either the United States Post Office (USPS) or United Parcel Service (UPS) notification, which ever shipping option you selected.
Can I ship to someone else?
Yes, just enter the name and address of the person that you want your purchase shipped to in the “Shipping Address” section during checkout.
What shipping companies do you use to ship?
Tribal Muse ships via United States Postal Service (USPS) and United Parcel Service (UPS).
How are items identified on International Customs Forms?
All International shipments are marked as “Merchandise” on International Customs Forms.
How often do you ship?
Tribal Muse ships minimally twice a week from Lakewood, Washington, USA 98498.
Where is my order?
Please check the tracking number that was emailed to you with the shipping vendor you selected, either United States Postal Service (USPS) or United Parcel Service (UPS).
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RETURNS:
Can I return purchases?
If you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, you can return your item(s) within 30 days from the invoice purchase date for a full refund of the purchase price (excluding handling and shipping charges). Refunds are credited back to the account you used for purchase, after we have received the item(s) back in the same condition as sent to you, including without any odors (such as perfume, smoke, etc.). Please note that jewelry that has been altered in any way, including the removal of patina, cannot be returned for refund. Mail or ship your return item(s) to:
TRIBAL MUSE
Attn: Andrea Litton
13-B Chase Lane
Lakewood, WA 98498 USA
We do not charge a restocking fee for returns. Customers assume the costs for return postage by a secure, traceable, insured method, however. For any questions on returns, please email us at returns@tribalmuse.com.
Can I exchange items?
Tribal Muse is not currently able to process direct exchanges. To complete an exchange, please return the original item(s) to receive your refund, and place a new order for your desired selection(s).
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SHOPPING:
Will “SOLD” items be available again?
Sometimes. Contemporary jewelry pieces may be available again, and are marked “Back Ordered,” although re-delivery times vary greatly. Since many of our items are antique or one-of-a-kind, they cannot be replaced, and those items will not be available again once they are sold.
Do you have other items that are not shown on your website?
Yes. We have many items in our warehouse that are not shown on our website. Please email service@tribalmuse.com and let me know what you are interested in. If I have it, I’ll send you a photo and pricing info as soon as I am able.
Shopping Cart
Your Shopping Cart List is automatically saved for 90 days. Items in the shopping cart, however, are still available for purchase by others during that time.
Wish List
Your Wish List is your personal list of items, and is yours to keep for as long as you like. Items in your wish list are still available for purchase by others, however.
Do you have a Lay Away (ON HOLD) program?
Yes. If you would like to put an item on Lay Away (ON HOLD), please email service@tribalmuse.com with the item number or description and we'll put it ON HOLD for you for 30 days free of charge.
If you want us to hold your item longer than 30 days, we can keep it ON HOLD for an additional 60 days with a 25% down payment. If you change your mind and decide not to purchase, your down payment will be refunded in full, minus a $5 restocking fee (since the item you selected will not be available for sale to others while it is ON HOLD for you).
Discount Coupon and Gift Certificate Codes.
Enter your coupon or gift certificate code into the coupon code box during Checkout and your discount will be automatically applied to your purchase.
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EXTRA SERVICES:
Gift Certificates
Purchase Tribal Muse Gift Certificates online by selecting the denomination you prefer and putting it into your shopping cart. The recipient whose name you enter will be notified by email that they have received a Tribal Muse Gift Certificate from you, along with a Gift Certificate Coupon Code for making their purchase.
Gift Wrapping
Most of our items come already gift boxed and/or attractively packaged at no extra charge. If you want additional gift services, Tribal Muse provides gold-paper gift wrapping and a message card for $2.99 per item. Please email us if you would like this extra premium at service@tribalmuse.com.
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TRIBAL JEWELRY CONSIDERATIONS:
Why is Tribal Jewelry different from Department Store Jewelry?
Tribal Jewelry is handcrafted jewelry made by local artisans or crafts people using traditional materials, designs, and methods that may seem quite primitive. These pieces are frequently quite old and have been exchanged through many hands over time.
Handmade Tribal Jewelry may be deliberately asymmetrical in shape, and might even have missing stones, signs of wear, broken parts, or appear dirty from years of wear. Many of these pieces have traveled around the world from village to village, and generation to generation and these irregularities are part of their unique charm, heritage, and value.
We sell our old and vintage tribal pieces with their patina (if any) intact, since collectors value it so highly. If desired, patina can usually be removed with a mild jewelry cleaner or a damp cloth that has been lightly moistened with warm soap and water. Never use harsh solvents, tumblers, or ionic cleaners.
Where does Tribal Jewelry come from?
Tribal Jewelry pieces are individually crafted by an actual person who lives in the region from which it came. Because Tribal Jewelry was so often used in trade, pieces are sometimes described as belonging to the location where they ended up, rather than where they were originally made (for example, as with many African Trade Beads).
What is the difference between Tribal Jewelry and Ethnic Jewelry?
On the Tribal Muse website, Tribal Jewelry refers to jewelry made by indigenous people using local materials, designs, and methods. These pieces can be quite primitive and frequently have wear patterns indicative of their old age.
Ethnic Jewelry is more recently crafted jewelry, either hand or machine made, that replicates many of the traditional Tribal Jewelry attributes. Ethnic Jewelry is more contemporary, and often has a modern finish, while still capturing the essence of ancient tribal pieces.
How do I clean my Tribal Jewelry?
Clean Tribal Jewelry very carefully. Because of craftsmanship, materials, and age, it has a certain fragility and should be treated very gently. It is generally safe to clean Tribal Jewelry using a soft cloth moistened with a little mild soap and warm water. Never put Tribal Jewelry in a Tumbler or Ionic cleaner.
For discolored metals, I use Maas products to clean them, with exceedingly good results. Many people, of course, like Tribal Jewelry just the way they find it, preferring to keep its unique age patinas, discolorations, and idiosyncrasies intact.
Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry carefully using a mild silver cleaner, such as Wright’s. Dry thoroughly before storing. Store in clear plastic or paper bags with each piece individually wrapped in acid-free tissue to prevent contact with other jewelry. Many people add anti-tarnish strips to their cleaned Sterling Silver pieces to further retard tarnishing when stored.
Jewelry Precautions
Do not wear strong scents with any jewelry, and be sure to apply perfumes and/or sprays before putting on your jewelry. Always remove your jewelry before sleeping or participating in sports or other activities. Do not submerge your jewelry in any liquids or solvents. Keep jewelry out of reach of children and pets, and never put it in your mouth.
Is Tribal Jewelry Fair Trade Jewelry?
Yes. Our contemporary Tribal and Ethnic Jewelry is exclusively Fair Trade Jewelry whenever available. Tribal Jewelry that was handcrafted before the Fair Trade identifier began, however, cannot accurately be labeled Fair Trade.
Do you appraise jewelry?
No. Although I enjoy seeing pictures that people send of their collections, I do not appraise jewelry. Appraising and pricing jewelry can be very challenging and requires special licensure. You might consider consulting a reputable organization such as the American Gem Society or the International Society of Appraisers for appraisal guidance.
Do you buy private jewelry collections?
No. Tribal Muse does not buy items from private jewelry collectors, nor do we sell on consignment. I do enjoy seeing images of private collections that people send, though, so feel free to share your photos with me anytime.
Allergies?
Metals used in jewelry making are always an alloy, or combination of two or more metals. Even Sterling Silver is 92.5% Silver and 7.5% Copper (100% Silver is too soft for jewelry making). Other jewelry metals, especially those used in vintage pieces, may be alloys that include nickel, copper, zinc, and other metals.
If you are allergic to any of these metals, you should probably avoid vintage jewelry or jewelry with unknown metal content. Alternatively, some people find success by applying an invisible paint-on Jewelry Shield or clear nail polish to cover the back surface of the jewelry piece that touches the skin. Although many swear by this technique, there are individual differences, and we make no guarantee that using those products will prevent reactions if you happen to be allergic. Generally, our new and contemporary jewelry is nickel, cadmium, and lead free. Please see the specific item’s description on our website; if metal content information is known, we include it there.
Please see our separate About Tribal Jewelry section on our Tribal Muse website for more detailed information on this fascinating topic.
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WHOLESALE:
Can I purchase Wholesale?
Yes. Tribal Muse offers wholesale pricing to businesses with current resale numbers, both in the US and Internationally. Because many of our items are antique or one-of-a-kind, however, not all pieces can be discounted. If you are interested in purchasing wholesale jewelry for your business, please send your business name, contact information, and resale number to wholesale@tribalmuse.com.
Do you have a Wholesale minimum purchase amount?
Yes. The minimum amount of purchase for Wholesale pricing is $200, after discount has been applied.
Do you offer payment schedules for Wholesale customers?
No. We are unable to provide extended payment schedules. All Tribal Muse wholesale invoices will need to be paid in full prior to shipping.
Do you send free jewelry samples to Wholesale customers?
No. Tribal Muse does not send free jewelry samples to wholesale customers, especially since so much of our jewelry is antique or one-of-a-kind and cannot be replaced.
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MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have other questions or comments, please submit the completed form below. It may take me a few days to get back to you, but I do respond to all inquiries. Thank You for visiting us at Tribal Muse.
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