Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the jewelry made?

The collection is handcrafted in Istanbul, Turkey, by skilled artisans using authentic 16th century techniques.

What is the base material?

Gold-plated brass.

What is the karat of the gold?

The gold ranges from 18k to 24k.

Why does the gold look dirty on some style?

Many of our styles go through an oxidation process to yield a vintage look. As all of the jewelry is treated in small unique batches by hand, oxidization level will vary from piece to piece.

Are the pearls real? Why do some of them look dirty?

All of our pearls are real freshwater pearls that are soaked in Turkish tea to give them a vintage look. Pearls are soaked in small individual batches, so level of tint will vary from piece to piece.

What types of stones are used?

We use-semi precious stones such as turquoise, coral, onyx, jade and lapis. The larger colored stones are Cubic zirconia, and the smaller faux diamonds are glass crystals. We also use Swarovski Crystals in select pieces.

Is the jewelry tested for lead?

Our jewelry is routinely tested to ensure compliance with California Lead Containing Jewelry Law, the most stringent law to date.

What material is used for the earring wire?

We use sterling silver wire for all of our earrings.

What do I do for repairs or damaged pieces?

We take care of all repairs here in the United States. Please contact us at info@gypsyhandmade.com to request a Return Authorization number.

Does the jewelry have a warrantee?

We stand by our product 100%. If you have any concerns with your Gypsy jewelry please contact us at info@gypsyhandmade.com. We do not take responsibility for jewelry that is damaged outside of our control.

What is the return policy?

We offer a 100% money back guarantee with free shipping both ways. Follow these easy return steps:
1. Contact us at info@gypsyhandmade.com to request a return authorization that will be e-mailed to you along with prepaid postage.
2. Print, pack (paperwork included) and ship.
3. Upon receipt we will confirm that the piece is in its original condition and apply the refund to the credit card used for the purchase. A return receipt will be e-mailed to complete the process.
Refunds will be transacted when we receive the order back in its original condition.

Can bracelets and necklaces be resized?

Custom sizing requests typically cost $20.00 plus shipping. Beaded bracelets strung on wire can be resized to any length; however, cuff bracelets are not able to be resized. Most of the necklaces that incorporate chain or beads can be resized. Necklaces that hang on silk can only be shortened. For resizing requests please contact us at info@gypsyhandmade.com or (480) 335-7343.

Why Gypsy…

At Gypsy, we believe that great style is a reflection of each person’s unique spirit, rather than a fleeting trend. Our mission is to discover traditionally handcrafted jewelry and textiles, and reintroduce them in the context of modern fashion. Each piece in our collection is timeless by its very nature, and yet appeals to those who desire distinctive style that will set them apart from the fashion herd.

The jewelry…

All of our jewelry is handcrafted in Istanbul, Turkey in small batches by skilled artisans. The handcrafting methods used to produce our jewelry today are taken from the 16th century of the Ottoman era, a time rich with historical and cultural inspiration for our designs. The process begins with the transformation of a design into mold. By employing the Lost Wax method, molds are then poured with brass, creating a very strong and exquisitely detailed base for jewelry. The brass is then hand polished and gold plated. Finally, each piece is individually adorned with pearls, vintage fabrics, silks, crystal and natural stones including onyx, turquoise, jade, jasper and coral.

“Stray the Course”

The Gypsy team is comprised of individuals who share a deep desire to break free from the beaten path. Rather than the overused phrase, “Stay the course,” our motto at Gypsy is Stray the Course! We hope the Gypsy sanctuary inspires other kindred wanderers to dance to their own beat, follow their own hearts and set their own trend lines to a place where fashion and passion unite.

If your jewelry could speak…

The artistic style during the Byzantine Empire (preceding the Ottoman Era) was known for its abstract and symbolic character, and we owe deep gratitude to the forging artists of that time. As we at Gypsy researched the ancient meanings of these symbols present in the jewelry, we’ve found that they not only transcend time, but religions and cultures as well! We hope you discover, as we did, the message in art that we are indeed all connected!

Cross

Most associate a cross with a symbol of Christ used in Christianity; however, the cross is one of the most ancient human symbols, with both religious and secular meaning. The cross is frequently a representation of the division of the world into four elements, or alternately as the union of the concepts of divinity (the vertical line) and the world (the horizontal line). The Crux, or Southern Cross, is a cross-shaped constellation in the Southern Hemisphere. It appears on the national flags of Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.

Pomegranate

The pomegranate has various meanings, depending on the culture! Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol for righteousness, because it is said to have 613 seeds, which correspond with the 613 commandments of the Torah. The pomegranate also has long held symbolic meanings for the Greeks. In ancient times, they were offered to the gods for fertile land and for the spirits of the dead. In modern times, when one buys a new home, it is conventional for a houseguest to bring a pomegranate as the first gift, which is placed near the home altar of the house as a symbol of abundance, fertility and good luck.
According to the Qur’an, pomegranates grow in the gardens of paradise. Finally, the pomegranate references the infamous history of Anne Boleyn. The fruit was originally an emblem in the coat of arms of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII. However, when Henry and Catherine could not produce a male heir, the King divorced Catherine to marry Anne Boleyn. As Queen, Boleyn’s first decree designated a new coat of arms, showing a white falcon pecking at a pomegranate.

Fish

Beginning with Egypt, the fish is a symbol of the divine source of life, appearing in a tomb painting symbolizing the hope of immortality. Egyptian priests were forbidden to eat fish at all for this reason.
Fish symbolism is most prominent in Christianity as a symbol of Christ. The main reason for the use of the fish lay in an interpretation of the feeding of five thousand in the New Testament. In various representations of the Last Supper in early Christian art, bread and fish are depicted on the table, where fish takes the place of wine as one of the two elements in the Eucharist. In early Jewish tradition, the fish was become a symbol of the pious swimming in the waters of Torah.

Ladybug

The Roma (bona fide Gypsies!) see ladybugs as good omens, foretelling good fortune and attracting guests to the home. In Roma culture, the home is considered a sacred place and house guests a genuine blessing, thus to be crossed by a ladybug is taken seriously and cherished.

Hand of Fatima

Also known as a hamsa, the hand is an amulet popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa. It is often incorporated in jewelry and wall hangings, as a defense against evil. In Jewish culture, the hamsa is sometimes called the hand of Miriam, referencing the sister of the biblical Moses and Aaron. Many Jews believe that the five fingers of the hand remind its wearer to use their five senses to praise God. The name Hand of Fatima is used in Islamic culture as a tribute to the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Hamsa hands often contain an eye symbol, related to warding off the evil eye. The five fingers of the hamsa symbolize the five fundamental virtues in Islam. They include charity, faith, prayer, pilgrimage and fasting.

The Traveler’s Prayer of the Jewish people is often inscribed onto the hamsa. It is recited at the onset of every journey:
May it be Your will, LORD, our God and the God of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness and peace.

May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush along the way, and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth. May You send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May You hear the sound of our humble request because You are God Who hears prayer requests. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who hears prayer.

Vintage Fabric

The fabric featured in select Gypsy pieces hales from Anatolia, the region of western Asia bounded by the Black Sea to the north, the Caucasus to the northeast, the Armenian highland to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Aegean Sea to the west. The earliest historical records of Anatolia are from the Akkadian Empire under Sargon in the 24th century BC. The region was famous for exporting various raw materials including fine textiles. After the division of the Roman Empire, Anatolia became part of the East Roman, or Byzantine, Empire.

Tulips

This beautiful flower’s name is actually derived from the Turkish word “tulbend,” meaning turban. Besides owing its namesake and nativity to Turkey, tulips are particularly noted historically for their role during the Tulip Era (1718-1730). This was an era of peace and prosperity, and the tulip became widely used as a symbol of privilege and leisure in art, textiles and folklore. To this day, the tulip remains considered a manifestation of perfect beauty.

Dragonfly

In Asian culture, dragonflies are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness.