Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that purchasing a handcrafted piece of Spratling Silver is a meaningful decision. Below you'll find answers to the questions we hear most often. If something isn't covered here, please reach out — we're always happy to help.
Ordering
How do I place an order?
Ordering is straightforward through our website. Browse our collections, select your piece, choose any available options (size, length, finish), and proceed through our secure checkout. You'll receive an order confirmation by email within a few minutes. Because every piece is made to order in our Taxco workshop, your confirmation marks the beginning of the crafting process — not just a warehouse pick.
How long will it take to receive my piece?
Each Spratling Silver piece is handcrafted individually in our original workshop in Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico. Please allow approximately 45 days for production, after which your piece is carefully packaged and shipped. Shipping transit times vary by destination:
- Mexico: 2–5 business days
- United States & Canada: 3–7 business days
- Europe: 5–10 business days
- Rest of World: 7–14 business days
You will receive a tracking number as soon as your piece ships. We understand that waiting is part of the experience of owning something truly handmade — and we believe the result is worth it.
Can I cancel or modify my order?
Because production begins quickly after an order is placed, we can only accommodate changes or cancellations before production begins. Please email us at info@spratlingsilver.mx as soon as possible if you need to make a change. Once your piece enters the workshop queue and production begins, we are unable to cancel the order or reverse the process.
Do you accept custom orders?
Yes — and we love them. Whether you're looking to recreate a vintage Spratling design, commission a bespoke piece for a special occasion, or adapt an existing design to your specifications, we welcome the conversation. Please write to us at info@spratlingsilver.mx with as much detail as you can share. Custom orders typically require a longer lead time and a deposit, and pricing is quoted individually.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major payment methods through our secure checkout:
- Visa, Mastercard, and American Express
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Shop Pay (including installment options where available)
All transactions are processed in USD. Your bank may apply a foreign transaction fee if your account is held in another currency — please check with your card issuer.
Is my payment secure?
Absolutely. Our store is powered by Shopify Payments, which is fully PCI DSS compliant and uses 3D Secure authentication for an additional layer of protection. Your card details are never stored on our servers. You can shop with complete confidence.
Our Pieces
What is .950 silver, and why does it matter?
Standard sterling silver — the kind used by most jewelry brands worldwide — is .925, meaning it contains 92.5% pure silver. Spratling Silver is crafted from .950 silver, which contains 95% pure silver. This higher purity is a hallmark of the Taxco silversmithing tradition that William Spratling established in 1931.
The difference is tangible. .950 silver has a warmer, more luminous quality and develops a richer patina over time. It is slightly softer than .925, which is why the skill of our silversmiths — who shape, solder, and finish each piece by hand — matters so much. You are not simply buying silver; you are buying the accumulated craft of generations.
Are these original Spratling designs?
Yes. Our pieces are produced in William Spratling's original workshop in Taxco, Guerrero, the same atelier he founded in 1931. William Spratling — known as the "Father of Mexican Silver" and a close friend of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo — created a design vocabulary that remains the foundation of our collections today. Many of our designs are drawn directly from his original archives. Each piece carries the Spratling hallmark and a certificate of authenticity.
What does the certificate of authenticity include?
Every Spratling Silver piece ships with a certificate of authenticity that includes:
- A unique serial number registered to your piece
- The official Spratling seal
- Verification of materials (.950 or .925 sterling silver, as applicable, and any stones or accents)
- The collection name and design reference
This certificate is your assurance of provenance and adds to the long-term value of your piece. Spratling Silver has been featured at Christie's auctions and in the permanent collection of the Franz Mayer Museum in Mexico City — the certificate connects your piece to that legacy.
What stones and materials do you use?
We work exclusively with natural, untreated stones selected for their quality and visual harmony with our silver. Depending on the piece, you may find:
- Amethyst — deep violet, often used in statement pieces
- Onyx — rich black, bold and graphic
- Malachite — vivid green with natural banding
- Abalone — iridescent, with shifting blues and greens
- Tortoiseshell-effect materials — warm amber tones (ethically sourced alternatives)
Some pieces also incorporate wood accents, a nod to Spratling's original designs that blended natural materials with silver in unexpected ways. All materials are noted in each product listing.
Will my piece look exactly like the photos?
Very closely — but not identically, and we consider that a feature, not a flaw. Because every piece is handcrafted individually, there will be subtle variations in texture, stone patterning, and the natural character of the silver. No two pieces are precisely alike. The photographs on our site represent the design faithfully, but your piece will carry its own quiet individuality. This is the nature — and the beauty — of handmade work.
Sizing
How do I find my ring size?
Please visit our Sizing Guide for a full ring size conversion table (US, EU, UK, and millimeter diameter) and step-by-step instructions for measuring at home. A few things to keep in mind: fingers are slightly larger at the end of the day and in warm weather, so measure then for the most accurate fit. If you're between sizes, we generally recommend sizing up.
How do I find my bracelet size?
Our Sizing Guide includes a wrist measurement chart and guidance on choosing the right bracelet length from our range of 13cm to 22cm. As a general rule, add 1–2cm to your wrist measurement for a comfortable fit.
What necklace length should I choose?
Necklace length is personal and depends on your neckline, the pendant, and your preference. Our Sizing Guide describes how each length sits on the body, from a 30cm choker to a 60cm opera length. Most of our customers find that 40–50cm is the most versatile range for everyday wear.
What if something doesn't fit?
Because each piece is made to order, all sales are final and we are unable to offer exchanges for sizing. If you're unsure about size, please contact us before ordering — we are happy to help you choose. If you believe your piece was made incorrectly or arrives with a defect, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photographs and we will make it right.
Shipping & Returns
Where do you ship?
We ship worldwide. Every shipment is fully insured, tracked, and requires a signature upon delivery — because we take the safe arrival of your piece as seriously as its creation.
Will I need to pay customs duties or import taxes?
Possibly, depending on your country. Import duties, taxes, and customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer and are not included in our shipping charges. We recommend checking with your local customs authority before ordering if you are unsure of the applicable rates. We are required by law to declare the full value of shipments on customs documentation and cannot mark packages as gifts.
What is your return policy?
Because our pieces are handcrafted to order, all sales are final — we do not accept returns, exchanges, or refunds. If your piece arrives damaged or defective, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery at info@spratlingsilver.mx with your order number and clear photographs. We will arrange a repair or replacement at no cost to you. If something about your order does not meet your expectations, please tell us — while all sales are final, we may offer store credit as a goodwill gesture.
What if my piece arrives damaged?
This is rare — we pack every piece with great care — but if your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery at info@spratlingsilver.mx with your order number and clear photographs of the damage and packaging. All shipments are insured, and we will resolve the situation promptly by repairing or replacing your piece.
Caring for Your Silver
How do I clean my Spratling Silver jewelry?
For routine cleaning, a soft, lint-free cloth is usually all you need. For a deeper clean, use mild dish soap diluted in warm water, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush (a baby toothbrush works well), rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before storing. Avoid paper towels, which can scratch the surface.
Do not use chemical silver dips, ultrasonic cleaners, or abrasive polishing compounds on pieces with stones, wood, or abalone inlay — these can cause irreversible damage to the materials.
Will my silver tarnish?
Yes — and this is entirely natural. Silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air and on skin, developing a warm, darkened patina over time. Many collectors prize this patina as evidence of age and authenticity. If you prefer a bright, polished finish, a gentle buff with a silver polishing cloth will restore the original luster. The choice is yours — both are beautiful.
How should I store my silver?
Store your pieces in an anti-tarnish cloth pouch or lined jewelry box, away from humidity, direct sunlight, and heat. Keep pieces separated to prevent scratching. Avoid storing silver near rubber bands, wool, or certain woods, which can accelerate tarnishing. If you live in a humid climate, a small silica gel packet in your jewelry box can help.
Do you offer repairs?
Yes. We stand behind our work and are happy to assist with repairs to Spratling Silver pieces. Please contact us at info@spratlingsilver.mx with a description and photographs of the piece and the issue. Depending on the nature of the repair, there may be a charge for materials and labor, and the piece would need to be shipped to our Taxco workshop. We will always provide a quote before proceeding.
Still have a question? We'd love to hear from you. Write to us at info@spratlingsilver.mx and we'll respond within 48 hours.