"We're glad you asked..."
What can you tell me about Distinctive Collections Ltd.?
The company was formed and incorporated in June 2001 and has been developing
products since that time. As our name implies, we are committed to
superior quality, meticulous detail and, of course, your ultimate
satisfaction. Our brooches are travel related so we have named the
series (the first of four) TREASURES OF TRAVEL. In addition to
brooches for the ladies, we have “Jack-In-The-Box” -- a captivating
and masterfully sculpted bronze which is our first offering in a
series of three of TIMELESS TREASURES.
What brooches will follow this first series of three and when
will they be available?
Series II will consist of:
American Eagle/Russian Imperial Eagle/Portuguese Coat of Arms. They
will be available early December 2003.
What are the dimensions of the brooches?
Approximately 2” x 2”
What is vermeil (pronounced. vermail)?
Sterling
silver with heavy 24K gold plating
What is rhodium?
A member of the platinum family,
rhodium produces a bright protective finish on sterling silver and has
become increasingly popular in fine jewelry and decorative objects.
What is the difference between 14K and 18K gold?
Gold content: 14K = 58%; 18K = 75%
Why do you offer five different materials and finishes?
To appeal to individual tastes, as well as affordability.
Will any of the finishes tarnish?
All of our
products have a protective finish to prevent tarnishing.
What do you recommend for cleaning?
Soft polishing
cloth only -- NO CLEANING SOLUTIONS PLEASE.
What sculptures will follow “Jack” and will they be in bronze?
“Ring Dwarfs” (see our Web site -- www.DistinctiveCollectionsLtd.com) followed
by “Organ Grinder” -- both of which will be cast in bronze, using the
lost-wax process.
What are “Jack’s” dimensions?
“Jack” is 7” tall.
Why does “Jack” require ten separate castings?
To capture the complexity and intricate design of this piece: “Jack’s” arms
(2), leg, jester hat (3), upper body, base box, box lid and decorative
key.
What is lost-wax casting and why are you using that process?
Our method of choice to produce very high relief and exquisite detail, the
lost-wax process begins with a front and rear die which is generated
from a plaster cast from the original sculptured clay. A wax is
produced using the dies. This wax is encapsulated in a ceramic shell;
the shell is then fired, melting out the wax, and readied for the
pouring of molten bronze metal. After cooling and solidification, the
shells are then broken away, exposing the metal (bronze/sterling
silver/gold).
What is involved in the manufacturing process?
Beginning with design sketches to create drawing specifications, a
clay model is then sculpted in 4:1 scale. See “lost-wax casting” above
for details.
What is Standard delivery? (3 - 5 business days)
Express delivery?
(2 - 3 business days)
Premium delivery?
(1 - 2 business days)
THE ABOVE ARRIVAL TIMES ARE DEPENDENT ON
LOCATION!
What is the purpose of the seal?
The seal is an
added symbol and assurance of our quality workmanship.
Why is there such a broad price range on the brooches: $75 -
$1850?
Price is determined by materials and finishes.
How do you qualify for corporate pricing?
Please
speak with a Customer Service Representative.
Are my credit card purchases safe?
Distinctive
Collections Ltd. uses the latest encryption technology to protect your
credit card information and will never share this information with
anyone outside the company. We use VeriSign (where 28% of all
e-commerce customers do business) to encrypt your credit card number
so that no one else can read it. However, if you prefer not to
transmit your credit card information over the internet, simply fill
out the order form with all information except the card number and
call us toll free at 1-866-496-3500 (or 804-353-3500 outside the U.S.
or Canada) with your card information. When you call, we will need:
Stock number of the item you wish to purchase
Type of card
Card number
Expiration date
Your full name as it
appears on the card
Whether you wish us to store your card
number for future orders
Do you have a privacy policy?
Absolutely. WE DO
NOT SHARE YOUR INFORMATION WITH ANYONE.
Do you have customer service representation that is easily
accessed?
Yes -- 24/7 via toll-free number or Web site.
If I return a package, how soon will the credit be reflected on
my credit card and what part of the return cost will be my
responsibility?
We give credit the same day we receive
your returned product. Shipping and insurance (which we recommend) are
the customer’s responsibility.
How do I return merchandise that is defective or not as I
expected it to be?
Keep the original packaging
materials. CALL US IMMEDIATELY at 1-866-496-3500. In most cases, we
can notify the carrier to pick up the package. The customer is
responsible for shipping charges, unless the item is defective.
Should I insure return merchandise?
Yes.
Do you guarantee delivery during holidays?
We will
do our best to deliver but, keep in mind, the sooner you place the
order, the greater assurance you have that the item is in stock and is
deliverable by your requested date.
Will you offer Christmas gift wrapping?
We have a
very distinctive signature gift wrap for our products, but we will use
holiday paper if you specify.
What is your company mailing address?
Distinctive Collections Ltd.
4301
Monument Avenue
Richmond, VA
23230-3822
What methods of shipping do you use, and do you ship
internationally?
Federal Express, UPS, Postal Service,
International: UPS
What methods of payment do you accept?
Check or
money order, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
Where are your products made?
We are proud to say
all of our brooches and sculptures are “Made in the U.S.A.”
