Frequently Asked Questions
Can a design be reproduced exactly?
The short answer is “no”—but we can come close… Carolyn Tyler Jewelry is individually handmade by Balinese master artisans, rendering each piece truly one of a kind. There is absolutely NO casting or wax molds used in these hand-fabricated designs (except for the Omega spring-back earring clips). Carolyn’s team even makes its own wire, plate, and granules the Old World way, with drawplates, rollers, and bellows-style blow torches. Due to the nature of these hand-fabrication techniques, subtle variations or slight imperfections may be present, enhancing the soulful, artisanal character of every design.
I care about the environment—are Carolyn’s designs sustainably created?
Since she started her jewelry business more than 30 years ago, she has always sourced her materials as mindfully as possible, and has consistently used only recycled gold, never buying newly-mined gold which is responsible for so much pollution through runoff of tailings chemicals into rivers and oceans. Recycled gold, made from heirloom pieces turned in to the central refiner by their owners (when cash is needed more than the family jewels), doesn’t create a “downstream pollution” issue, and it is just as pure (99.99%) as London or Swiss bullion. Plus, it keeps the cash-flow in the Balinese economy. Win-win for everyone!
Carolyn’s jewelry has an unusual subtle finish—will it wear off?
Carolyn’s background in Archaeology created an affinity for the time-burnished look of artifacts of antiquity. The velvety, matte finish that defines Carolyn Tyler Jewelry and gives it that “buried-treasure” feel, is achieved through depletion gilding—a painstaking process of repeated acid-washings which ever so slightly etch into the surface of the gold, eliminating the high-polish of the finishing process. Over time, on rings and other frequently-worn pieces, this finish will naturally develop into a subtle patina, adding character and depth to the design.
Isn’t 22k gold too soft for jewelry?
Most Carolyn Tyler designs are crafted in 22K gold (93.6% pure gold blended with 6.4% copper and silver), unless otherwise noted. Gold which is alloyed to 22K or 18K offers sufficient hardness and durability for everyday wear. In fact, many ancient gold artifacts—often made in 22K—have stood the test of time, still gleaming, and beautifully intact after hundreds of years (even if discovered in shipwrecks!). For added strength, Carolyn’s lightweight pieces and thinner band rings are often made in 18K gold (75% pure gold with a 25% copper and silver alloy). Functional elements such as earring clip backs, posts, and necklace or bracelet clasps are also rendered in hardened 18K gold for durability and springiness.
What are the ring sizes Carolyn offers?
Ring sizes follow the American standard and are available in sizes 5-10, with half-sizes, and 6-7 being the most common. Other sizes may be special ordered upon request. Women's bracelets typically measure 7”-7.5” inches in length, while men's are generally 8 inches. Custom sizing is available for both.
Do you make earrings for people with non-pierced ears?
Many earring designs feature removable posts with Omega back clips, allowing them to be worn comfortably by those without pierced ears. If there is enough space on the back, nearly any earring can be retro-fitted for Omega-backs to become clip-ons.
I like convertible jewelry—do you make pieces that do double or triple-duty?
We understand wanting to get the most wear possible out of your investment! Many long, opera-length necklace designs may be doubled to wear shorter, or worn as a belt/belly-chain, or even wrapped several times around the wrist as a bracelet. Some pendant designs feature removable bails, allowing them to be worn as brooches for added versatility. Our long pearl 'Convertible Lariats' with gold tassels are ingeniously designed to unscrew at multiple points, transforming into three nesting necklaces—or into two necklaces and two bracelets—offering endless (actually more than 15) different styling possibilities.
If I want to get a ring sized or a repair done, does it have to go back to Bali?
Not necessarily; many repairs and sizing can be done by jewelers near you. Contact us for advice.
If I don’t see exactly what I want, will Carolyn custom-make something for me?
Yes, Carolyn is delighted to create a custom design incorporating loose gemstones, pearls, ancient coins, or other artifacts from her 35 years of collecting, and she’s happy to “meet you” online for a video “trunk show” so you can select the perfect treasure to turn into your signature piece. She might also show you her most recent creations before the arrive on her website!
Does Carolyn make any designs in white gold, platinum, or sterling silver?
Carolyn’s specialty is the look of pure, unadulterated gold, as nature makes it. Naturally, gold is yellow when found in streambeds or mined from the earth-- 'white' gold is an advertising term. The metal alloy marketed as “white gold” is typically made by mixing 75% pure yellow gold with 25% silver, nickel, and other gray metals like palladium—resulting in a dull, muddy colored metal. To achieve the bright white appearance, this alloy is then electroplated with pure white rhodium. It’s this rhodium coating, not the gold itself, that creates the illusion of “white” gold. Carolyn prefers not to work with white gold for this reason. Platinum, while naturally white and pure, is too brittle for the intricate techniques Carolyn uses, such as granulation and filigree. For these reasons, she chooses to design primarily in yellow gold. However, for those who prefer a softer tone, she offers a polished finish or an 'antiqued' patina to reduce the brightness of the yellow. Carolyn will work in sterling silver with rhodium plating for those who want a very white metal with her designs. She also makes mixed-metal pieces using sterling silver or oxidized (blackened) silver with yellow gold, which gives the designs an “edgy” ancient/modern “Game of Thrones” vibe.