14k gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a thick layer of solid gold to a brass core using heat and pressure. Unlike gold-plated jewelry, which has only a thin, surface-level layer of gold, gold-filled jewelry contains 100 times more gold and is far more durable. It offers the look and feel of solid gold at a fraction of the cost and, with proper care, can last a lifetime.

How Do I Properly Care for Gold-Filled Jewelry?

Gold-filled jewelry is highly resistant to tarnishing and wear, but proper care will help maintain its beauty for years to come:

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your jewelry away from chlorine, perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners, as these can dull the gold layer over time.
• Clean Gently: Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth to clean your gold-filled jewelry. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
• Store Properly: When not in use, store your jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches and exposure to air.

With the right care, 14k gold-filled jewelry remains a beautiful and long-lasting investment.

Sterling silver is a high-quality silver alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The addition of other metals strengthens the silver, making it more durable for everyday wear. You may see sterling silver marked with “925,” indicating its silver content.

Is Sterling Silver Nickel-Free?
Yes! Sterling silver does not contain nickel, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or metal allergies.

How Do I Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry?
Sterling silver can naturally tarnish over time due to exposure to air, moisture, and chemicals. Here are some tips to keep your jewelry looking its best:

• Store Properly: Keep your silver jewelry in an airtight bag or anti-tarnish pouch when not in use.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your jewelry away from chlorine, perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners, as these can dull the silver over time.
• Clean Regularly: Use a soft polishing cloth to gently wipe away tarnish. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and warm water, then dry thoroughly.
• Wear Often: Surprisingly, wearing your sterling silver jewelry regularly helps prevent tarnish, as the natural oils in your skin slow down oxidation.

With proper care, sterling silver jewelry can remain beautiful and last for generations.

Proper care can extend the life and beauty of your jewelry. Here are some additional tips to help keep your pieces in top condition:

• Put Jewelry on Last: Apply lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays before putting on your jewelry to minimize exposure to chemicals.
• Mild Soap & Water: Mix warm water with a few drops of mild Dawn Dish Soap. Soak your jewelry for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or cloth. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Wipe After Wearing: Use a soft cloth to remove oils and residue before storing your jewelry.
• Rotate Your Pieces: Wearing the same jewelry daily can lead to faster wear. Rotate your pieces to extend their longevity.
• Use Anti-Tarnish Strips: Placing anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box can help slow down oxidation for silver and gold-filled pieces.
• Separate Storage: Store different metals separately to prevent scratching and tarnishing. Soft pouches or lined jewelry boxes work best.
• Regular Inspections: Check clasps, prongs, and settings periodically to ensure they remain secure and intact.

By following these extra care tips, your jewelry can stay beautiful and last for years to come!

Yes! Our jewelry is a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Here’s why:

• Nickel-Free Materials: Our sterling silver (925) and 14k gold-filled jewelry do not contain nickel, which is one of the most common causes of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
• Hypoallergenic Quality: Gold-filled and sterling silver jewelry are safe for most people with metal sensitivities, offering a comfortable and irritation-free wearing experience.
• Long-Lasting & Gentle: Unlike gold-plated jewelry, which can wear down and expose base metals that may cause reactions, gold-filled and sterling silver jewelry maintain their protective layers for years with proper care.

If you have extremely sensitive skin, we recommend testing a small area first or opting for solid gold jewelry for the most hypoallergenic option.

Let us know if you have any concerns—we’re happy to help you find the perfect piece!

We strive to use high-quality materials like sterling silver (925) and 14k gold-filled in our jewelry. However, these materials can sometimes be limited in availability. To ensure we offer a variety of styles and price points, we may occasionally source and utilize other metals when necessary.

If a piece is made with a different material, we will always note it in the item description so you can make an informed choice. Our goal is to provide you with as many beautiful and affordable options as possible while maintaining quality and style.

If you have any questions about a specific piece, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

At August Mae, we are passionate about giving back to the community and supporting causes close to our hearts, especially animal welfare and rescue. We are always open to working with new animal welfare organizations, rescue groups, and nonprofits that share our mission of making a positive impact.

If you represent an organization that is dedicated to helping animals and would like to explore a partnership, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to us via email to be considered for collaboration opportunities.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Our standard production time is typically 1-2 business days from order acceptance to shipping. However, please note that production time may increase during busy periods, such as the holidays.

As a solo operator small business, each piece is carefully handcrafted, packaged, and shipped from our studio in Buffalo, NY. Please remember that production time does not include shipping time, so once your order is shipped, delivery times will depend on the shipping method selected.

For custom pieces, if there are any questions or if additional materials are needed to support your design, this may delay processing time. We’ll always communicate with you if anything comes up that could affect the timeline.

Necklace Size Guide

Not sure which necklace length to choose? We've got you covered! Here's a quick guide to help you find the perfect fit:

• 14-inch – Choker style:
  Sits right at the base of the neck for a snug, close-up look. Perfect for layering or adding a bold, stylish statement.
• 16-inch – Classic short style:
  Sits just above the collarbone. A timeless, flattering length that works beautifully with almost any neckline — perfect for everyday wear.
• 18-inch – Slightly longer classic style:
  Sits just below the collarbone. Great for layering, adding pendants, and transitioning effortlessly between casual and dressy looks.
• 20-inch – Matinee style:
  Hangs at the top of the chest. Ideal for a relaxed, elegant look or making a subtle statement with a pendant or layered chains.

Bracelet Size Guide

Not sure which bracelet size to choose? Here's a quick guide to help you find the perfect fit:

• 5.5-inch – Petite fit:
  Fits snugly on very petite wrists, sitting just above the wrist bone. Perfect for those who prefer a close, minimal fit.
• 6-inch – Small fit:
  Sits comfortably on smaller wrists, resting just above the wrist bone. Ideal for those who want a fitted, polished look.
• 6.5-inch – Slightly relaxed small fit:
  A classic choice for petite wrists with a little extra room for comfort.
• 7-inch – Standard fit:
  The most common size, sitting just below the wrist bone. Offers a comfortable, everyday fit for average-sized wrists.
• 7.5-inch – Relaxed standard fit:
  Perfect for slightly larger wrists or if you prefer a looser, more casual fit.
• 8-inch – Loose fit:
  Designed for larger wrists or those who love a relaxed, easygoing bracelet style.

Tip: For the perfect bracelet fit, measure your wrist at the point where you want the bracelet to sit and add about ½ inch to 1 inch for comfort.

Finding the perfect chain length for your necklace or bracelet is easy with a few simple steps:

1. Use a Flexible Measuring Tape: We recommend using a tailor's measuring tape to measure where you’d like your necklace to hang.
2. Measure with a String: If you don’t have a measuring tape, you can use a piece of string, dental floss, headphone cord as an alternative. Here’s how:
3. Layering Necklaces: If you’re planning to layer necklaces, we suggest leaving a 2-3 inch difference between each piece to ensure a balanced and stylish look.
4. Horizontal Bar Necklaces: When purchasing a horizontal bar necklace, please keep in mind that the total length of the bar is included in the overall length of the necklace.
5. Bracelet Sizing: For bracelets, measure your wrist where you’d like the bracelet to sit, and add about 1 inch for a comfortable fit. If you prefer a looser fit, add a little more.
6. Alternatively: Measure an existing necklace or bracelet end to end with a ruler (most accurate) or a phone app (great if you don’t have a ruler handy).

If you're still unsure about the right size, feel free to reach out, and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect fit!

100%. We believe jewelry should fit you — not the other way around. That’s why we offer as many sizing options as possible and are always happy to customize if you don’t see your size listed. Just send us an email!

Heads up: Some longer chain lengths may have a small additional cost to account for the extra material needed. We’ll always be upfront about it, so there are no surprises.

If your chain is too short, don't worry! You can easily purchase chain extenders from our Extra page. Chain extenders are a simple solution to add extra length to your necklace or bracelet for a more comfortable fit.

If you're buying a gift and aren't sure of the size, adding a chain extender is a great safety net to ensure the recipient has flexibility in length. And if needed, you can always come back later and purchase an extender to adjust the size as desired.

If your chain is too long, please reach out to us, and we can discuss options to adjust the length or explore other solutions. We’re here to help make sure your jewelry fits perfectly!

We want you to love your jewelry, and we're happy to assist you in finding the best fit. 

Yes, absolutely! Please start by visiting our Personalization section. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us directly. Let us know what you're envisioning, and we’ll be happy to help you design your dream piece of jewelry.

We love bringing custom designs to life and look forward to creating something special just for you! 

For custom laser engraved pieces, all we need is a clear picture of the handwriting. We do not require the original copy. Here are some important guidelines for submitting your handwriting sample:

For Handwriting from a Current Individual:

• Have the person write in black ink on a plain white sheet of paper (no lines).
• Ensure the handwriting is clear, with minimal shadows or smudges.

For Handwriting from a Loved One Who Has Passed:

• Provide the clearest picture you can of the handwriting, and we’ll take it from there.

Handwriting Necklace/Bracelet Ordering Instructions:

• Use dark ink or pencil for the best results.
• The sample text should have minimal shadows.
• Only handwritten text is accepted (lines only, no large areas of black).
• If you’re sending multiple samples, please specify which one should go on the front or back.
• Avoid lined, heavily textured, or patterned paper.
• Limit to 5 words maximum (depending on handwriting and piece size).

TIP: If you have a good handwriting sample but it’s on poor paper, you can try tracing to give us a clearer image.

If the handwriting does not meet our criteria and will make it difficult to create a clear and beautiful piece of jewelry, we will contact you via email regarding your submission and request a clearer image to be uploaded. Please note that this may result in a delay in your project.

You can easily upload your image during the ordering process on the product page.

Laser Engraving and Mechanical Machine Engraving are both popular methods for personalizing jewelry, but they differ in technique and the final result.

• Laser Engraving: This method uses a high-powered laser beam to etch a design into the jewelry's surface. The laser vaporizes a small amount of material, creating precise, detailed, and clean lines. Laser engraving is ideal for intricate designs, fine text, or custom handwriting, as it can achieve high precision and depth. The result is a sharp, clear, and permanent engraving that is deeply etched into the metal. August Mae uses laser engraving for all custom pieces to ensure high-quality, detailed, and long-lasting results.
• Mechanical Machine Engraving: In this method, a motorized engraving tool (often referred to as a rotary tool) is used to carve or cut the design into the metal. The machine follows a pre-programmed design or template, making it a more consistent process than hand engraving. The engraving tool creates precise lines, but the depth and texture may vary slightly depending on the machine and the material. Machine engraving is commonly used for text, logos, or simple designs and can produce sharp, clear, and consistent engravings.

What to Expect on Your Piece of Jewelry:

• Laser Engraving: The design will appear sharp, precise, and permanent, with clean lines and a high level of detail. It’s ideal for intricate or small designs and tends to last longer without fading.
• Mechanical Machine Engraving: The design will also be precise but may have a slightly more textured appearance depending on the engraving tool and the material. It offers a consistent, clean finish, though it may not have the same level of detail as laser engraving.

Both methods are durable, with laser engraving providing more precise, fine detail, while machine engraving offers a consistent and professional result.

August Maeuseslaser engravingfor all of our custom jewelry pieces. This method utilizes a high-powered laser beam to etch precise and detailed designs into the metal. We choose laser engraving because it allows forexceptional precision, ensuring that even the smallest details, such as fine text or intricate designs, are captured beautifully. Additionally, laser engraving provides along-lasting, permanentresult that won't fade over time, making it the ideal choice for creating high-quality, custom jewelry that stands the test of time.

All orders over $100 will ship for free via USPS First Class Mail. The estimated shipping time for this method is 3-5 business days.

If you'd like to upgrade your shipping, additional options will be available to you at checkout, including expedited services for faster delivery.

Due to the customized nature of each order, changes or cancellations must be requested as soon as possible, but please note that it is not guaranteed. We strive to provide the quickest turnaround time possible, and once production begins, it can be difficult to make adjustments.

To request a change or cancellation, please email us with your order number and clearly indicate whether you would like to change or cancel your order in the subject line. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but please understand that timing is crucial. 

Due to the customized and personalized nature of our pieces, all sales are final and we do not accept returns or exchanges on custom orders. However, if there are any issues with your order, please contact us as soon as possible. We are committed to ensuring you are happy with your purchase and will work with you to resolve any concerns.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we want to make sure you love your custom jewelry!

We want you to love your August Mae jewelry! If for any reason you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, we’re here to help.

Returns
We accept returns and exchanges within 30 days of delivery.
All returns must be pre-authorized by contacting us at before shipping your item back.
Items must be unworn, unused, and in original condition with all packaging (tags, box, and pouch) included.

Non-Returnable Items

• Earrings (for hygiene and safety reasons)
• Personalized or engraved jewelry
• Permanent jewelry
• Charm bar items
• Sale items
• Final sale items

Return Requirements

• Items must be in original condition, unworn, and undamaged.
• Returns must include all original packaging — tags, box, and pouch.
• Sets must be returned as a complete set; individual items from a set cannot be returned separately.
• Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item received was damaged or incorrect.

Refunds
Refunds will be issued to the original payment method within 15 business days after we receive and inspect your return.
Please note: original shipping fees, duties, and taxes are non-refundable.

Additional Important Information

• We are not responsible for lost or damaged return shipments.
• We are not responsible for packages lost due to incorrect shipping information entered at checkout.
• Customers are responsible for shipping costs on exchanges unless the item received was damaged or incorrect.

In our sole discretion, we reserve the right to deny returns that do not meet these guidelines.

Thank you for supporting August Mae and helping us make a difference for rescue animals!

We stand behind the quality of our jewelry and want you to feel confident in every piece you wear.

Warranty Coverage
We offer a 60-day limited warranty from the date of purchase that covers manufacturer defects only.

Examples of manufacturer defects include:

• Clasp breaking
• Chain disconnecting from the clasp or jump ring
• Chain breaking in the middle without force (no stretched or pulled links)

If your item qualifies under warranty, we will repair it free of charge.

What the Warranty Does Not Cover
Our warranty does not cover:

• Damage caused by pulling, stretching, or other physical stress
• Tarnishing, wear and tear, or improper storage
• Lost or stolen items

Any damage caused by misuse or accidents is not considered a manufacturer defect.

Warranty and Repair Process
To start a warranty or repair request:

1. Email [your email address] with the subject line: "Warranty/Repair Request – Order #XXXX".
2. Attach clear photos showing the defect and the full item.
3. Include your name, order number, and a short description of what happened.

Customers are responsible for all shipping and handling fees associated with warranty and repair services.

Once we receive your request, we’ll review it and contact you as quickly as possible!