Your Guide to Shopping at Le Dragon Argenté
💎✨ Jewellery Questions? Steph’s Got Answers!
So, you’ve found a piece of jewellery that speaks to your inner dragon, wizard, gamer, rockhound, or general collector of shiny things. Excellent. Your quest has begun!
But before you add that treasure to your hoard, you might have a few questions. What’s it made of? Will it turn your skin green? How long will it take to arrive? Can I customize it? And wait… does the pendant come with a chain?
Don't worry, fellow treasure hunter. I've put together this handy guide to answer the questions I get asked most often, so you can shop with confidence and spend less time wondering about the details. Think of it as your jewellery shopping walkthrough, minus the annoying tutorial boss!
🛠️ What Kind of Metal Am I Actually Buying?
Not all shiny things are created equal! I work with several different metals, and each has its own personality, perks, and care requirements. The materials available depend on the design, so check the individual product listing to see which options are offered for your chosen piece.
✨ .925 Sterling Silver
A classic for a reason! Sterling silver is made from 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. It's a beautiful precious metal with a timeless shine, and if it develops natural tarnish over time, a quick polish with a silver cloth will usually bring that sparkle right back. Think of it as a magical artefact that occasionally needs a little maintenance.
🏺 Antique Bronze
Love that weathered, ancient-relic aesthetic? Antique bronze is made from approximately 90% copper and 10% tin, giving it a warm, old-world finish that's right at home in fantasy, medieval, and steampunk-inspired jewellery. Bronze naturally develops a patina as it ages, and it may temporarily leave a green mark on some skin. That's usually a harmless reaction between the copper, moisture, and your skin chemistry—not necessarily an allergy. Basically, your jewellery isn't cursed. It's chemistry!
⚙️ 316L Stainless Steel
For anyone who wants a durable, low-maintenance option, 316L stainless steel is a fantastic choice. It's tough, water-resistant, and doesn't tarnish like sterling silver. It's particularly handy for everyday wear when you don't want to spend your downtime polishing your loot. As with any jewellery, avoiding harsh chemicals and chlorine will help keep it looking its best.
👑 Solid Gold
For those ready to level up their jewellery collection, I also offer solid gold options on selected designs. Available gold choices include 10K, 14K, and 18K yellow, rose, or white gold. My gold jewellery is solid cast gold, never plated. Availability varies by design, so check the product listing for the options available.
The important bit: I don't use mystery metal alloys in my jewellery. Depending on the design, I work with .925 sterling silver, antique bronze, 316L stainless steel, and solid gold. No mysterious loot drops here!
🌿 Sensitive Skin? Let's Talk Metal!
If your skin tends to throw a tantrum around certain jewellery, you're definitely not alone. I avoid nickel, zinc, and cadmium in my jewellery, and sterling silver and 316L stainless steel are popular choices for people with sensitive skin.
That said, everyone's skin is different, and no metal can be guaranteed to suit absolutely everyone. If you know you react to a particular material, check the product details before ordering.
💚 Why Does Bronze Sometimes Turn Skin Green?
Ah, the infamous green mark! Copper in bronze can react with sweat, moisture, and the natural acids on your skin, leaving a temporary greenish mark. It's generally harmless and doesn't automatically mean you're having an allergic reaction. Washing the area and keeping your jewellery clean and dry can help.
✨ Will Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Yes, it can. Exposure to air, moisture, and body chemistry can cause sterling silver to darken over time. The good news is that tarnish is normal, and a silver polishing cloth will usually restore its shine. A little care goes a long way!
⚙️ Is Stainless Steel Easy to Care For?
Absolutely! 316L stainless steel is water-resistant and tarnish-resistant. You can generally clean it with mild soap and water, then dry it with a soft cloth. Even durable jewellery appreciates a little TLC, though, so avoid harsh cleaners and unnecessary exposure to chlorine.
🔨 Is Your Jewellery Handmade?
Yep! I design and make my jewellery in Montréal, Canada, using traditional jewellery-making techniques, including lost-wax casting. Each piece begins with a design idea and goes through the process of becoming a wearable treasure right here in my workshop.
Handmade jewellery has its own little quirks, too. Tiny variations in finish, patina, and natural gemstones are completely normal. Those details are part of what makes handmade pieces special—your jewellery gets its own character stats instead of being a perfectly identical clone from a factory.
📦 How Long Will My Order Take?
I know the feeling. You find the perfect pendant, ring, or pair of earrings, and suddenly you're checking the calendar like you're waiting for the next instalment of your favourite game series. I get it!
Many pieces are made to order, so production takes a little time. Here's the usual timeline:
Silver and bronze: approximately 1–2 weeks.
Stainless steel and gold: approximately 2–3 weeks.
Custom designs: approximately 2–3 months.
These are production estimates, not guaranteed delivery dates, and shipping time comes afterward. If you're ordering for a birthday, convention, anniversary, or other important event, please message me before placing your order. I'll do my best to help you figure out whether your treasure can arrive in time!
📸 Will My Jewellery Look Exactly Like the Photos?
Handmade jewellery isn't mass-produced loot, and that's part of the charm. Small variations in finish, patina, and natural gemstones can happen from one piece to the next. Natural stones, in particular, can vary in colour and clarity.
Your piece will follow the design shown in the listing, but it may have its own subtle differences. Think of it as a unique item with its own personality—not a bug, but a feature!
💍 Can I Customize My Jewellery?
Sometimes, absolutely! Depending on the design, I may be able to accommodate different gemstones, stone settings, or other modifications. I also offer hand engraving on many silver, bronze, and gold pieces.
Engraving usually adds approximately 5–8 business days to production time. Larger custom projects can take around 2–3 months, depending on the design and complexity.
Have an idea for a piece you'd love to see? Send me a message and tell me what you're imagining. I can't promise every idea will be possible, but I'm always happy to discuss what's feasible. Let's see what kind of side quest we can unlock together! 🐉
💎 Natural Gemstones or Sparkly Alternatives?
Both have their place in my jewellery collection! Natural gemstones can vary beautifully in colour and clarity, which means each stone has its own individual character. For designs that offer imitation birthstones, I use sparkling cubic zirconia (CZ).
Some designs let you choose your birthstone from the available options in the listing. If you're looking for a specific natural gemstone or colour and don't see it listed, feel free to ask. I may be able to help!
📏 How Do I Choose the Right Ring Size?
I use standard US/Canadian ring sizes. If you're unsure of your size, it's worth double-checking before placing your order. Ring sizing can be a little tricky, and guessing is a bit like trying to equip armour without checking whether your character can actually wear it.
If you need help figuring out your size, send me a message before ordering. I'll be happy to point you in the right direction!
⛓️ Do Pendants Come With Chains?
Chains are sold separately, so you can choose the style and length that work best for you. That gives you the freedom to match your pendant to your personal style, whether you prefer a delicate chain, something sturdier, or a particular length.
Have a look at the Chains & Engravings section of the shop to explore the available options. Just remember to add a chain to your order if you'd like one with your pendant!
🧼 How Do I Keep My Jewellery Looking Its Best?
A little care helps your treasure last longer. Sterling silver may need occasional polishing to remove tarnish. Antique bronze can develop a natural patina, and keeping it clean and dry may help reduce unwanted marks on your skin. Stainless steel is comparatively low-maintenance and can be cleaned with mild soap and water.
For all your jewellery, I recommend avoiding chlorine, harsh chemicals, and abrasive cleaners. When you're not wearing your pieces, store them somewhere clean and dry. Your jewellery doesn't need a magical preservation spell—just a bit of common sense and care!
🐉 One Last Thing Before You Begin Your Quest…
Whether you're shopping for a fantasy-inspired pendant, a meaningful gemstone ring, or a special gift for someone who has a suspiciously large collection of dice, swords, and shiny objects, I want you to feel confident about your purchase.
Every piece I make starts with an idea and a lot of hands-on work in my Montréal workshop. If you have questions about a particular design, metal option, ring size, or possible customization, please reach out before ordering. I'm happy to help you find the right treasure.
Thanks for supporting handmade jewellery and a small Canadian business. Every order means a lot to me, and I hope your new piece becomes a favourite part of your collection!
