FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PEWTER
Does the pewter you use contain any lead or nickel?
No. The pewter alloy, which we make our creations from, is called Britannia metal, which is completely lead-free and nickel-free. We are very aware of the health risks associated with both lead and nickel, so avoid those two metals, at all costs.
Is Britannia metal a precious metal?
Britannia metal is 92% tin (the rest being copper and antimony). Although tin is actually classified as a precious metal (tin is the 4th most precious metal in common usage, after platinum, gold and silver), it can at least be considered a “semi-precious” metal.
Will my Chantal Mayer pewter jewellery tarnish?
Britannia metal does not tarnish black, like sterling silver does. Like all metals, pewter does oxidise when exposed to air and the elements. However, unlike some other metals, pewter oxidises very slowly and evenly. This gentle change imparts a warm and natural patina to your jewellery, that adds much to its charm.
How do I care for my pewter jewellery?
Pewter is susceptible to corrosion, so be sure to keep your pewter jewellery away from corrosive chemicals like household cleaners (especially ones that contain ammonia), nail polish remover and salt water… so take off any pewter pieces before swimming, showering, washing dishes etc.
Pewter, being a relatively soft metal, retains a polished surface longer if it is not worn while engaging in activities that can be hard on it, such as sports, heavy cleaning, or work that is tough on hand/wrist jewellery (eg. gardening).
How do I clean my pewter jewellery?
Pewter is easy to care for and requires very little to keep its original finish, if worn responsibly.
If your piece gets dirty, simple cleaning with warm water and a gentle soap (like Sunlight dish-washing liquid) is generally all that's needed. Dry with a soft cloth.
If you feel your finish needs to be polished, determine which type of pewter finish your piece has, then follow the tips below.
Polished pewter jewelry is smooth and shiny. Choose a gentle, brass polish (NOT silver polish, which contains ammonia!) when the finish needs brightening up.
Satin pewter jewelry has a matte finish. When necessary, you can use super fine steel wool or NEW, CLEAN Scotchbrite (the green, scouring pad side of a dish-washing sponge), buffing lightly in the direction of the grain. Only do this if needed, though. These pieces can usually go a year or more without needing any buffing, and buffing too often can wear away at your piece.
How do I place an order and pay?
You can place an order directly on our website by using the shopping cart facility, and pay with your VISA or MASTERCARD card. Browse through our products, select the product you want and click the “add to cart” button. You will be given options to continue browsing through other products, and you may add as many products as you wish. When finished browsing, click the “checkout” button. You will be prompted for delivery and payment details.
Your order will be processed and shipped within a day after confirmation of payment, provided the following day is not a weekend or public holiday.
How do you ship my order?
PAYMENT:
You can place an order directly on our website by using the shopping cart facility, and pay with your VISA or MASTERCARD card. Simply browse through our products, select the product you want and click the “add to cart” button. You will be given options to continue browsing through other products, and you may add as many products as you wish. When finished, click the “checkout” button. You will be prompted for delivery and payment details.
Your order will be processed and shipped after confirmation of payment has been received.
SHIPPING:
We deliver worldwide.
FREE SHIPPING within South Africa!
We use a to-door delivery service.
The shipping rates offered for international orders are for a parcel less than 0.5kg. Should you wish to place a large order, please send us a direct mail to info@chantalmayer.com and we will quote you for the order and shipping accordingly.
Please note that we do NOT send to postal addresses. We ONLY send to PHYSICAL addresses.
We will send you the tracking number via email. Please provide both your phone number an email address as both are required by the courier, to ensure that you receive your parcel in the shortest time possible.
We do everything we can to make sure your order gets to you as soon as possible.
For local deliveries: normally within 2 days (from date of dispatch) for main centers, and up to 5 working days (from date of dispatch) for outlying/rural areas.
For international deliveries: 5 - 10 working days (from date of dispatch).
IMPORTANT: We cannot guarantee that you will or will not be charged any customs taxes or duties. Any customs or import duties are charged once the parcel reaches its destination country.These charges must be paid by the recipient of the parcel. This applies only to international orders.
Do you do custom work?
We’re sorry but we never do custom work involving only one piece. The set-up process for a single item is too expensive! If you’d like to purchase our goods in large quantities or need multiple items for a special project or event, please contact us, with your information, at info@chantalmayer.com and we’d be happy to discuss it with you.