About Starcat Designs
Beads are the oldest known form of human adornment, with early examples having been dated back possibly as far as 100,000 years. They have been used as personal decorations, religious symbols, signs of rank or status, and portable wealth. When I work with beads, I feel a connection stretching back across millennia — a worldwide, historical community of artisanship.
My jewelry business grew out of a combination of circumstances. I’ve always been a creative person — I sing, play music, write poetry and songs, and I have a good eye for color and design. I also have a long-standing interest in gems and minerals, especially the more unusual and visually-interesting kinds. When I was obsoleted out of my career as a computer programmer in 2002, I decided to take the plunge and do something in the area of the arts instead. I’ve been making beaded jewelry ever since.
Merchandise
Jewelry
My goal is to make attractive, affordable high-quality jewelry in a wide range of styles. I don’t confine myself strictly to stone, although that’s my primary field of interest. My jewelry includes many kinds of materials:
- Stone, mineral, and semiprecious beads
- Glass beads — Swarovski crystal, pressed and fire-polished glass, and lampworked art glass; also glass seed beads
- Organic beads — wood, shell, amber, freshwater pearls, coral, bone
- Metal beads — sterling silver, 14kt gold-filled, vermeil
- Ceramic beads — including handmade raku beads by Ruben Yzaguirre, Chinese porcelain beads, and Kazuri beads from Africa
Most of my bracelets and necklaces are strung on beading wire; occasionally, I use Fireline or other stringing material. Some pendants are strung on leather or silk cord. I also make hand-braided kumihimo cords for some of my pendants. For braiding, I use mostly natural-fiber yarns — cotton, silk, linen, rayon, hemp. I avoid wool because a number of people are sensitive to it. My findings are sterling, 14kt gold-filled, or vermeil; I can supply surgical-steel hypoallergenic earwires on request.
Many of the pieces I make are one-of-a-kind. Beads have fashion trends just as clothing does, and it may not be possible to find more of a specific type of bead six months or a year later.
Fashion Jewelry
I also offer inexpensive earrings and pendants made with sterling silver charms and whimsical glass, shell, or bone beads. These are not one-of-a-kind. If you have been looking for a particular type of sterling charm or glass bead not shown on the site, feel free to inquire; I have access to many more designs than I carry. Sometimes I use plated findings in this category; these will always be noted as such.
Art Jewelry
Every so often I get inspired to make something that doesn’t really fit the description “affordable”. These art pieces will be noticed when you wear them at a dressy event! Always one-of-a-kind.
Gift Items
In addition to jewelry, I offer a small selection of miscellaneous gift items. These are subject to change without notice, although there are a few things that I generally try to keep in stock.
Business Policies
Payment Options
At this time, I accept credit cards through Google Checkout. If you prefer not to use either of these options, I also accept U.S. Postal Service money orders. I do not accept personal checks, other types of money orders, or cash via mail.
Shipping
If you make your purchase through the shopping cart and pay with a credit card, the shipping will be calculated for you. If you are paying with a money order, e-mail me for a total including shipping. My normal shipping method is Priority Mail for orders of $25 or over, First Class Mail for orders of less than $25. Shipping will normally occur within 24 hours of payment clearing, unless I am on the road (see Calendar). At this time, I ship only to the US and Canada.
Returns
I believe in happy customers. If you find within 30 days of notice of shipment that you are not satisfied with your purchase, please return it in its original condition for credit or refund (less shipping costs). Credit card payments will be issued a credit to your account. Please call or email me before returning an item. Damaged items will not be accepted as returns, but may be repaired (see below).
Repairs
If your purchase should break, you can return it for free repair. Return all the original pieces; all you have to pay is shipping to me. If you are missing beads, please let me know. In the event that I cannot perfectly match the original beads, I will contact you with further options. Please call or e-mail me before returning an item for repair.
Privacy Statement
Any personal information you provide while ordering will be used only to process your order or communicate with you directly. If you wish to sign up for my e-mail list, you will receive occasional notifications concerning special sales and/or shows in your area where I will be appearing. Your information will never be sold or shared with anyone else for any reason.
What’s New
