FAQ

Are your pieces really one of a kind?

Yes — completely. Every piece is made once, by hand, in my studio in Switzerland. When a piece is sold it is gone. There is no such thing as identical pieces in my work. What you see is what exists.

What are your pieces made from?

Each piece is built around a real stone or another material — chosen by hand, often sourced from collectors and stone hunters I know personally. The settings are made from my own proprietary combination of sculpt material, worked entirely by hand. Chains, clasps, and ear posts are metal components; ear posts are always 935 silver. Some pieces are finished with copper,bronze , silver or gold plating- which I do by myself. 

Because the settings are not cast or stamped metal, no two pieces have the same surface, texture, or finish. That is intentional.

What does 'wearable art' mean, exactly?

It means the piece was conceived and made as an object with artistic integrity -  not as a product to be manufactured and sold in volume. It has a point of view. It has a making process. It has a story. It can be worn, and wearing it changes how you move through the world.

It is also not fragile in the way you might expect from the term 'art object.' Whilst still fragile in it's own way, these pieces are made to go places.

Do you take commissions?

Rarely, and only when the right stone and the right conversation present themselves at the same time.  It can be difficult for creativity to flow when there are expectations for the outcome. That said, if you are interested, reach out directly at hello@lisamariearmstrong.com and tell me what you have in mind. I cannot promise that I will take the project on, but I do read every message and will respond to you.

Where do your stones come from?

From many places — and never from a catalogue. Some I have collected myself over decades, from the Oregon coast, the shores of Santa Barbara, the Alps. Others come from stone hunters and collectors I know personally: people who find things through relationship and knowledge rather than industrial sourcing. Some come from specialist dealers I have worked with for years.

Provenance matters to me. I can speak to the origin of most of the stones I work with.

Are the stones treated or enhanced?

I always note any treatment in the individual piece description. Most of the stones I work with are untreated. Where a stone has been heat-treated or surface-finished, I will say so.

Can I request a specific stone or type of piece?

You can express a preference when you reach out, and I will let you know if something in my current stock is available or if I'm planning future sourcing. I cannot guarantee I will make exactly what you want— but I am always listening to client wishes. Please note that the stones will be interpreted into art through my creative expression without external input. If the finished work speaks to you, then it was meant to be.

How does purchasing work?

Each available piece is listed in the shop with its full story, stone details, dimensions, and photographs. When you purchase, the piece is packed in its velveteen and box with a handwritten note, certificate of provenance and sent directly from my studio.

Because everything is one of a kind, there are no restocks. If a piece is listed, it is available. If it is gone, it is gone.

What is the price range of your pieces?

Pieces range from approximately CHF 600 for smaller pieces to CHF 950 and above for significant necklace pieces. Price reflects the lifetime of acquired knowledge and skill, sourcing the stones and vintage components, the hours of work, and the singularity of what you are holding.

These are not mass-produced objects. The pricing is proportional to that.

Do you offer payment in installments?

For pieces above CHF 500, I am open to a two-part payment arrangement if you reach out before purchase. The piece ships after the final payment has been made. Be aware that on cancelled payment plans there is a fee of 100 CHF for the lost opportunity to sell to potential clients  Please contact me at hello@lisamariearmstrong.com to discuss.

Can I buy a piece as a gift?

Absolutely. At checkout you can include a personal message, and I will write the note accordingly. The packaging is already gift-ready. If you would like the piece shipped directly to the recipient, please note the delivery address at checkout.

That said: make sure that who you are buying the piece for is a fan of my work. This work is very specific and does not speak to everyone. If you aren't sure, please contact me and I would be happy to advise you.

Gift certificates are also available.

Where do you ship to?

I ship internationally. For deliveries outside of Switzerland and the EU, please contact me prior to purchase for the shipping fees. All pieces are sent tracked and insured from Switzerland. Delivery times vary by destination — typically 3–5 days within Europe, 7–14 days for international orders. You can find more information in my terms and conditions. 

How is the piece packaged?

Every piece leaves my studio in its velveteen pouch, inside its box, with a handwritten note, the printed care guide and the Certificate of Procurement. It is packed to travel safely. For sculptural pieces with significant height or protruding crystal points, additional padding is added.

The box is the right home for the piece. I recommend keeping it.

What if my piece arrives damaged?

Please photograph the packaging and the damage immediately and email me at hello@lisamariearmstrong.com within 48 hours of receipt. I will respond quickly and find a resolution. I have never had a piece arrive broken, but if it does, we will work together to solve the issue.

How do I care for a sculptural piece like this?

A full care guide comes with every piece, and is available to download on the website. The one rule that matters above all others: the piece goes on last — after perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics — and comes off first. That single habit will protect it more than anything else.

Some of these pieces are heavier  and some of them are also long. Use care when bending and leaning over. The stone could hit a surface and break. I cannot repair broken stones and it is not covered under warranty. Use lots of care when wearing your piece.

Can I get my piece repaired?

If something happens to your piece — a stone comes loose, a setting is damaged — please reach out before you attempt any repair yourself. Depending on the nature of the damage, I may be able to restore it. Please email me with a photograph and a description of what happened. Please see my terms and conditions for more details.

Will the metal change color over time?

Yes — and this is intentional. Vintage bronze and copper chains develop a natural patina over time. This is not damage. It is the piece evolving. I consider it part of the piece's life, not a flaw in it.

What should I avoid when wearing the piece?

Water, perfume, lotions, hairspray, cosmetics, acetone, alcohol, and extreme heat. Also: sports, swimming, bathing, sleeping, and any activity where the piece might catch, snag, or receive impact. Some pieces have pointed crystal structures — be aware of this when embracing people or bending over.

What is the Collector's Circle?

The Collector's Circle is my private subscriber community — the people who hear about new pieces first, before anything goes public. It is also where I share stories from the studio, the thinking behind specific pieces, and the occasional glimpse into work in progress.

I also inform you about my upcoming events and special conditions for my circle of art loving friends.

How do I join?

Via the sign-up form on the website or through the link in my Instagram bio. You will receive a series of 5 emails over the course of 1 month, including a special gift and then occasional, unhurried correspondence from the studio. I do not send noise.

I read every message and respond personally. Please write to me at:

hello@lisamariearmstrong.com

Or find me on Instagram: @lisamariearmstrong.jewelry

lisamariearmstrong.com