FAQ- General
What inclusions do you work with? How much do you need?
Inclusions I can work with include:
Breastmilk: 1 ounce, 10ml at minimum if you don’t have 1 ounce.
Ashes: 1 teaspoon
Hair/Fur: Roughly 20 strands
Whiskers/ Claws: At least 1, depends on the design you envision.
Encapsulated Placenta: 1 capsule
Umbilical Cord: Small piece of stump
Soil/Sand: 1 teaspoon
Flowers: 3-5 fully dried petals
If you would like to use something else, email info@adropintimekeepsakes.com and we can talk about design options.
What happens after I place my order?
After you have placed your order you will receive a confirmation email that will contain your order number and the address to mail your inclusions to. Check your spam folder if you aren’t seeing the email. You will need to read the ‘Mailing Instructions’ tab for full instructions.
You pay to send your inclusions to me and I send you the keepsake back for free. The turnaround time begins once your inclusions have been received. I will email you to confirm that I have received your inclusions.
For breastmilk, it goes through a heating process to remove moisture and bacteria for preservation. This turns to a paste that dries and is ground into a fine powder. The preserved milk (or other inclusions) are mixed with jeweler grade resin and used to created your stone.
If you provided a design idea with a sketch and description, or inspiration images, I do my best to bring your design to life. Please note, there are no guarantees on final placement.
The stone is placed in your chosen setting. And lastly, quality checked, and packaged with love to be sent on it's way to you.
I have a design in mind. Can you make it?
Yes! You can describe what you would like in the notes section. Be very descriptive please. If you need to send a photo of a sketch or inspiration images, upload it below the notes section.
Or if you would like to double check if it’s something possible to do before making a purchase, you can send an email to info@adropintimekeepsakes.com with the description of what you would like and a photo with a quick sketch or image of what you envision and I can let you know if it’s possible or not.
If no design idea is attached, artist has creative freedom. Please note, there are no guarantees on final placement.
I will reply to emails when I see them , if I don’t reply, I haven’t seen the email. Please check your spam folder!
Is there a time limit to send my milk/ inclusions in?
You have 1 year from your order date, to send in your inclusions. After that, your chosen setting will be mailed back to you, your order will be closed and no refund will be issued.
If you would like to reinstate your order after it has been closed, please email us first. A reinstatement fee of $50 will apply. You will need to mail back the setting and your inclusions within 1 year of payment of the reinstatement fee.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
NO. I will not accept any changes to the setting choice/ ring size after an order has been placed. You must double check and be 100% sure both are correct. If you don’t know your ring size, go to your local jeweler to be sized, before ordering. Design idea changes are accepted until I receive your inclusions. If you add to your design and add additional inclusions, you’ll need to make a purchase for the additional inclusions under the “additional inclusions” collection. If it results in a lower cost, no refunds will be provided. Additional inclusions must be sent in by the same due date as the first inclusions. For design changes or specifications, email info@adropintimekeepsakes.com. I will reply when the email has been read.
Do you accept returns/cancellations?
Please be advised, I will NOT accept refunds, returns, or exchanges of any kind due to the personal nature of keepsake jewelry. However, if you receive an item that is defective, damaged, or not what you ordered, please contact me within 5 business days via email with a photo of the issue. Email: info@adropintimekeepsakes.com. I will help evaluate the issue and make it right. I inspect all jewelry prior to packaging, to rule out faults. If you fail to notify A Drop In Time Keepsakes within 5 business days of receipt of keepsake, an exchange will not be accepted. You have 14 days after I address your concerns via email, to send the piece back to me. If I do not receive the piece within 14 days, an exchange will not be accepted.
I will not accept refunds, returns, or exchanges for reasons not limited to: incorrect ring size, artistic variation, inherent imperfections, buyers remorse, etc.
You must double check and be 100% sure your ring size is correct before placing your order. Orders will NOT be refunded or exchanged for the wrong size being ordered. If you don’t know your ring size, you can go to your local jewelry shop to be sized or buy a ring sizer on amazon, before placing your order.
Buyers remorse examples include, the “wrong” setting being purchased as a gift for someone.
Stones are handmade, which means they are subject to artistic variation and inherent imperfections. This means characteristics will vary, including but not limited to: translucency, air pockets, inclusions and add ins may sink or not distribute evenly, stones may not be 100% flush on the setting, etc. These variations are all normal and add character to your piece. Designs will be executed to the best of my ability but there may still be some artistic variations that occur. I can’t guarentee final placement of design. All pieces are one of a kind and no 2 pieces will be the same.
Each piece is made unique to the customer with their personal inclusions. Milks may vary in color, some more yellow than others, some can have blue or pink also. The preserved breastmilk can take on these colors. You may even see specks of breastmilk in the keepsake. Every piece has it’s own story it holds. BY PLACING YOUR ORDER, YOU AGREE TO RECEIVING A UNIQUE KEEPSAKE.
I will not accept any changes to the setting choice/ ring size after an order has been placed.
I will not remake promotional or free items.
I will not accept returns on sale items or gift cards.
You have 1 year from your order date, to send in your inclusions. After that, your chosen setting will be mailed back to you, your order will be closed and no refund will be given.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@adropintimekeepsakes.com.
How do I know you received my milk/ inclusions?
I will send you an email letting you know the milk/ inclusions have been received. Keep an eye on your spam folder just in case.
What happens to the leftover milk/ inclusions?
Preserved milk is held on file for 2 years. This allows for you to place additional orders if you want to use the same milk in another keepsake. This is great in case something happens to your stone or you just want another piece to add to your collection.
All other leftover inclusions will be sent back to customer.
If there is any leftover ashes in the resin, a heart mold will be filled with the remaining amount so you’ll get every piece of your loved one back.❤️
Is it safe to send the inclusions in the mail?
Although rare, it is possible for mail to get lost in transit. I ask you, please don’t send the last of your milk/ inclusions. A Drop In Time Keepsakes is not, under any circumstances, responsible for loss and/or damages in shipping and will not issue refunds for this.
When can I expect my jewelry? What is the turn around time?
Turn around time begins when I receive your inclusions. It ends when I am sending the finished jewelry back to you.
Current turn around time can change and is updated on the black banner at the top of the website. Please note: the current turn around time is an estimate.
Can I resize my ring? How do I know my ring size?
No, resizing is not recommended. The heat to resize it, will ruin the stone created. You need to double check your order and make sure it’s the correct ring size before placing the order. You can get your finger sized at your local jeweler or with a ring sizer from amazon. If you take your ring in to be resized, I am not responsible for damages that occur.
Will my keepsake piece match the photo on the website?
No. Each piece will be made unique to you. The nature of a handcrafted piece holds inherent imperfections. This means characteristics in a piece will vary. For example, translucency varies, air bubbles may be present, the inclusions and add ins may sink or not be distributed evenly, your stone may not be 100% flush on your setting, etc. These variations are all normal and add to the character of your piece. No 2 pieces are the same.
Also, the stones are handcrafted with each customers personal inclusions. Milks vary in color, some more yellow than others or even blue and pink, the preserved breastmilk can take on these colors. You may even see “specks” of breastmilk in your keepsake. This makes each piece one of a kind. All with their own stories to hold.
How do I know it’s my milk/ inclusions in the setting?
At checkout, you’re given an order number. In order to maintain integrity, during the process of preserving, handcrafting, and photographing your piece, all items are labeled with the order number and name to assure you receive your jewelry with your milk/inclusions.
I am a breastfeeding mother myself, so I know and understand the significance of preserving your memories. I would never ruin the significance of your keepsake.
I have an existing setting that I would like to add a stone to. Can you do that?
No, the molds I use are custom to the jewelry I offer. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the stone created will fit in your setting.
If I create a 2nd order before my 1st is done, will it delay the process?
No! I will try to do your 2nd order at the same time as your 1st order and ship them to you at the same time. If for some reason, I can’t do them at the same time and I finish the 1st piece before the 2nd, I will ship the 1st piece when it is finished. I wouldn’t want to make you wait any longer!
International shipping?
Currently only shipping in the U.S.
What if I move after placing an order?
Email info@adropintimekeepsakes.com with your name, order number, and your new address, with a quick note that this is the updated address you would like your keepsake sent to. This must be done before the keepsake has tracking.
I will reply to the email to confirm I have updated your information. If I don’t reply, I haven’t seen the email. Check your spam folder!
Problem with order? What do I do?
If there are any problems, please email info@adropintimekeepsakes.com as soon as possible so we can help resolve the issue as best as we can.
How can I contact you with additional questions?
Use the contact form on this site or email info@adropintimekeepsakes.com.
I will always reply to the emails I have opened. If I haven’t replied, I haven’t seen the email. Make sure to check your spam folder!
LIABILITY POLICY
Please be aware that by purchasing a keepsake from A Drop In Time Keepsakes and sending in your breastmilk/other inclusions that you free A Drop In Time Keepsakes, the owner/designer, Jade Shell, and all estate and associates of Jade Shell from any liability of your breastmilk/other inclusions. I request you DO NOT send the last of any of your breastmilk/other inclusions. For breastmilk/other inclusions that you send, we are released from ALL liability or legal pursuit for any accidents or loss to your breastmilk/other inclusions including during shipping, a fire, flood, studio robbery, Act of God, or other accidents. Your order and sending of breastmilk implies your agreement and understanding of this policy.
Please read the Terms of Service for additional information.
FAQ- Breastmilk
What is breastmilk jewelry?
Breastmilk jewelry is a way to honor your breastfeeding journey. It preserves memories and the bond formed between mother and child into something you can physically hold. Time can feel like it is flying by faster than you can keep up with, so having something to hold onto can make it easier to pause and reflect on a time where you were vulnerable and remember not only the small details, but also the emotions you felt during such an important and sentimental time in your life. The reasons for why someone may want a piece of keepsake jewelry to hold varies greatly. Personally my interest was to use it as an “emotional support object” to help get through my big feelings when I thought my breastfeeding journey was going to end sooner than I wanted. Every mamas story is different and their breastmilk jewelry is personalized to each individual mama’s experience.❤️
Breastmilk goes through a preservation process to ensure it will last a lifetime. This process turns breastmilk into a powder that is then encapsulated in resin and added into a jewelry setting of your choice.
How much milk do you need?
1 ounce. If you don’t have 1 ounce though, 10ml is the minimum amount you can send. Please never send the very last of your milk, as it is rare, but possible for it to get lost in the mail.
How do I send you my milk?
Please read the “Mailing Instructions” tab on the website.
Can I use old, thawed, or expired milk?
Yes, you may use old, expired, and thawed milk. As long as it isn’t moldy, it is good to use. The milk will not be consumed so it’s okay! Please make sure milk is fully thawed and at room temperature before mailing.
I don’t have a sterile breastmilk bag. Can I use a ziploc bag, jar, etc.?
Please email info@adropintimekeepsakes.com and let me know and I will send you sterile breastmilk storage bags.
Sterile breastmilk storage bags are a must! This will help get the milk to me without it molding. And breastmilk storage bags are the least likely to leak. Make sure to triple bag though, just in case leaks happen!
DO NOT USE ZIPLOCS OR CONTAINERS/JARS. They WILL leak and you will need to resend your milk in again.
What is the process of creating breastmilk jewelry?
The breastmilk goes through a heating process to remove moisture and bacteria for preservation. This process turns the milk into a paste that dries and is then ground into a fine powder. It is sifted, ground again, and repeated once more to ensure it is as fine of a powder as I can get it. The preserved milk is mixed with jeweler grade resin and used to created your stone or added directly into the setting and cured. Lastly, it is quality checked and packaged with love to be sent on it's way to you.
I have milk from 2 different babies. Can I use more than 1 milk?
Yes! You can mix the milk at home before sending it in or you can send both milks in for separate preservation. It is $25 to preserve the additional milk and can be added to your cart. Look for the “additional milk preservation” item under the “Additional Inclusions” collection on the home page.
If you order more than one piece, be sure to note which milk is for which piece or if the preference is to combine the milks into one piece.
What is “Additional milk preservation”?
It is for preserving a second batch of milk, (normally from a second baby). It costs $25 to preserve the additional milk and can be added to your cart from the “Additional Inclusions” collection on the home page.
What can I do if my breastfeeding journey is over and I have no milk, but I still want a piece?
You can add a whitener in place of breastmilk.
Please leave “Whitener Only- No Milk To Send” in the notes section at checkout.
Will my piece be the same exact color of the milk I send in?
Depending on how your breastmilk reacts to the preservation method, it may alter the color a bit. Normally it lightens a bit. I do try to keep the breastmilk sample as close to the color it is when received though, so I don’t add whitener unless the customer specifically adds it to the order. The whitener option can be found in the item options.
Can I request white coloring be added to my milk to make it a whiter milkstone?
Yes, to do so, click “yes” on the “Whitener” option under the item you select and add it to your cart.
Will my breastmilk stone yellow over time?
The stones are made with high quality resin that is resistant to “yellowing”. All resins will be prone to color changing if left in prolonged exposure to UV light. It is very important to follow the jewelry care instructions to avoid this from happening and to help your stone last a lifetime.
How long do you keep my milk for?
Your preserved milk is kept on file for 2 years. This is to make it easier to order additional keepsakes with the same milk, in case something happens to your stone or you just want another piece to add to your collection.
FAQ- Care
How do I care for my keepsake jewelry?
🤍 Avoid excessive UV exposure, extreme temperatures, and humidity. Don’t store in the bathroom.
🤍 When not worn, store by itself in a cool, dark, dry place. Preferably in a sealed bag with a silica gel packet. Storing with other kinds of metals can accelerate tarnishing.
🤍 To clean, use soft polishing cloth. Don’t use soaps, chemicals, or jewelry cleaner.
🤍 Your handcrafted stone is hard, but not scratch-proof. Be mindful and handle your jewelry delicately to avoid scratches.
🤍 Don’t resize, the heat will ruin the stone.
🤍 Remove jewelry before sleeping, showering, swimming, washing hands/dishes, working out, sunbathing, applying soaps/lotions, etc.
🤍 Don’t expose your jewelry to chemicals, perfumes, hairspray, nail polish remover, household cleaners, essential oils, etc.
How durable is keepsake jewelry? How long will it last?
Keepsake jewelry is durable. However, it is important to note that it should be cared for and treated delicately, as you would with other fine jewelry. It is scratch resistant but not scratch proof. It’s also important to store your jewelry in a dry and dark location.
PLEASE follow the jewelry care instructions. If cared for properly, your jewelry will last a lifetime.
Can I get jewelry wet?
It is recommended to avoid water exposure. Your jewelry may lose it’s shine and quality if it’s consistently exposed to water. Accidentally washing your hands on occasion will be okay. However, I recommend removing the jewelry before washing hands, showering, swimming, etc. Don’t store it around moisture either, like a bathroom. This will help extend the life of your precious keepsake.
Can I wear my keepsake jewelry every day?
Longevity relies on proper care. Consider what activities you’ll be doing for the day. There may be some days that I wouldn’t recommend wearing your jewelry because of the risk of scratching it, exposing it to UV light for too long, water exposure, etc.
The plating on plated pieces will likely wear off over time. (How quickly depends on body chemistry and frequency of wear.)
Keep the jewelry care instructions in mind when deciding how often and when to wear your piece.
What are the settings made of?
925 sterling silver
And
White gold/Rose gold/Yellow gold plating
Will sterling silver tarnish?
Sterling silver can tarnish when the metal reacts to chemicals touching it. This can include humidity, chlorine, the acidity of your skin, etc. Thankfully it is easy to remove tarnish and bring it back to normal. Use your polishing cloth to clean the tarnish. To avoid tarnishing, store your jewelry in a sealed baggy with a silica gel packet in it to keep it dry and away from contaminants. Tarnishing can also be avoided by wearing the jewelry! Regular wear will not accumulate tarnish as quickly. It’s important to follow the jewelry care instructions to keep your jewelry looking it’s best.
The plating on plated pieces will likely wear off over time. (How quickly depends on body chemistry and frequency of wear.)
What do I do if my piece starts to tarnish?
Use the polishing cloth to remove the tarnish.
How long will the gold/rose gold plating last?
A plated piece of jewelry is 925 sterling silver with a liquid gold coating on top. Because the layer of gold is thin, over time the plating can wear off. How quickly depends on body chemistry, frequency of wear, and jewelry care. Keep the plated jewelry clean and dry. I do caution you to not overuse the polishing cloth on plated pieces, as it can strip the plating.
What do I do if my stone is loose or falls out?
If your keepsake stone falls out within 30 days of receiving it, I will repair it for free. I can not guarantee past 30 days, as there’s no way to know if the care instructions have been followed. Email info@adropintimekeepsakes.com, to inform me of the necessary repair and I’ll send the address to mail the setting/stone to. You pay the cost of shipping to me. If you can not locate the stone, I’ll remake the stone for you one time. You may need to send in more inclusions.
If prongs loosen, a local jeweler should be able to fix it, small fees may apply.