FAQs
What is Breastmilk Jewelry?
Breastmilk jewelry is a type of keepsake made from dried and preserved breastmilk, formula, “simulation” milk, or even no milk at all. These keepsakes can include hair, dried/ground placenta, umbilical cord, or ashes. You can also add flowers, crushed birthstone, opalescent flakes, mica powder (color), shimmer, and more. Memorialize your breastfeeding or motherhood journey, animals who have crossed the rainbow bridge, and those special to us who have passed on.
What metals do you have available?
We offer 14K Gold Filled, 14K Gold Plated, and Sterling Silver. No solid gold at this time. Hopefully in the future!
What is the difference between Gold Filled and Gold Plated?
Gold plating is made of a thin layer of 14k gold applied to sterling silver, using a process called electroplating. This provides a gold finish at a lower cost than solid 14k gold but may be susceptible to wear and tear, potentially exposing the base metal over time. Can range from months to years.
Gold-filled jewelry features a thick layer of 14-18k gold bonded to a base metal (sterling silver), using heat and pressure. The gold layer is much thicker than in gold plating, making it less prone to tarnish and wear. Can last years to a lifetime!
***Please note when choosing Rose or Yellow Gold-Plated Jewelry-plating is a thin layer of the color metal that can wear off over time. Durability is determined by how often the piece is worn and body chemistry. Please be aware of this risk when purchasing a plated setting.
How do I care for my jewelry?
a. Always remove jewelry before washing hands, cleaning, showering/bathing/swimming, prolonged sun/UV exposure, using chemicals, or applying and using any soaps/lotions/perfumes/hair products/oils, smoking, etc.
b. Try to avoid bumping, scratching, and sleeping in jewelry.
c. Do not submerge pieces in water. They are all water resistant, NOT waterproof.
d. Keep jewelry stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing in high humidity places such as the bathroom.
e. Tarnishing is normal. Use a soft silver polishing cloth to clean your jewelry.
f. Careful not to use cloth on plated items frequently, as it can strip the plating.
g. Do NOT use jewelry/tarnish cleaner on breast milk stones.
*Breastmilk jewelry is water resistant, not waterproof
*Following these steps increases the life and condition of your breastmilk stone
How do I ship my milk or other inclusions?
Once your order you will receive an email with detailed instructions and a shipping address.
Breastmilk
Measure 15mL or ½ ounce of milk in a measuring cup or with a syringe. Ship your thawed/room temperature breastmilk in a brand new, sealed breastmilk storage bag, and then place it into a second breastmilk storage bag. Milk can be expired or frozen, but please ensure it is thawed before bagging and shipping. Breastmilk with mold cannot be used. Write your name and order number on the outside bag. Place into a small bubble mailer and send.
Formula
1 scoop in a Ziploc bag and then into a second Ziploc to prevent leaks.
Hair
A lock of hair (20-25 pieces) at 1-2in long. Bind hair with an elastic or piece of thread if possible. Place lock or hair into a paper towel or tissue and wrap up. Place in a Ziploc bag. Label bag with name and order number.
Umbilical Cord
Send a small portion of fully dried stump in a Ziploc. Label bag with name and order number.
Placenta
One cap placed in a Ziploc bag. Label bag with name and order number.
Cremation Ashes
1/2 tsp double bagged in Ziplocs. Label bag with name and order number.
For all other inclusions, please email me and I will give you specific instructions for your keepsake. With the exception of breastmilk, I will return any unused inclusions with your keepsake.
**Do NOT send me the last of your inclusions, as they are irreplaceable. I am not responsible for inclusions being lost or damaged in transit.
How long will it take to receive my keepsake?
The standard processing time for our breastmilk jewelry is 6 to 8 weeks from the date we receive your inclusions. This time may vary depending on complexity of the piece or artist’s workload.
Can I return or exchange my piece?
I will not accept returns or exchanges under any circumstances after your order is placed due to the custom nature of keepsake jewelry.
Each piece is exclusive as all inclusions (breastmilk, ash, dried flowers, etc.) are unique. Settings are custom ordered, and we do not keep stock inventory. No two pieces will ever look alike. There will always be slight variation to each piece which can include but not limited to purity, bubbles, evidence of handcrafting, stones not sitting completely flush on the setting, and other minor imperfections. These are all within normal limits of handcrafted jewelry. By making a purchase with Milk & Orchids you agree that your jewelry piece will not be 100% perfect or without any flaws.
Again, no returns of any kind including buyer's regret, the "wrong piece" being ordered, or regret of choices that you made in the design process.
**Please inspect your jewelry upon receiving it and contact us immediately if the item is defective or damaged. If a setting is defective upon receipt or the keepsake stone appears to have major faults, you have 5 days to email me photos with your concerns. It is up to Milk & Orchids to determine whether the flaw is normal or abnormal.
How do I know what ring size to order?
If you do not know your ring size, we recommend going to a local jeweler to be properly sized. Unfortunately, not all ring setting sizes are universal. If you are in between sizes, size up instead of down to ensure fit.
What do you do with my unused preserved breastmilk?
We will store preserved milk for one year from the date of purchase in case you want to order an additional piece in the future.
Will my jewelry look exactly like the photo of the piece I purchased?
No! Each piece is unique to you. No two pieces will look alike. You make each stone a one of a kind creation with your inclusions and additions.