Frequently Asked Questions

  • Polymer clay is a modelling clay that is shaped by hand and hardened in a home oven. It comes in hundreds of colours and can be mixed, layered, and textured endlessly, which is what makes it so special to work with.

    People are often surprised by how lightweight polymer clay is. It is also durable, so it is perfect for making earrings and other jewellery pieces.

  • Most pieces in my shop are ready to ship and will be on their way to you within a few days of your order. Once they are gone, they are gone; I work in small batches and don't always remake the same piece.

    If you have spotted something on my Instagram that is no longer available, feel free to get in touch and I will let you know if I can make something similar. I can't always promise it (Some pieces are made from scraps of scraps of scraps, which makes them truly unrepeatable!) but I will always be honest with you about what is possible.

  • My pricing is based on two things: materials and time.

    Some materials cost more than others: gold-filled findings for example are pricier than gold-plated, and I always try to be transparent about what you're getting.

    Time is the other factor. Some designs need to go through the oven twice, some require me to suit up in protective gear to apply resin. Some extra steps are reflected in the price.

    This is why two pieces that look similar might not be the same price, and why a smaller piece can sometimes cost more than a larger one. It's the process, not the size, that determines the price.

  • I don't take fully custom orders from scratch, but if you have seen an existing design in my shop and would love it in a different colour, I am very happy to try! Please get in touch before placing your order.

    A couple of things to know: because my pieces are handmade, results will always vary slightly and I cannot guarantee an exact match to anything you have seen. I will always send you photos before your order is finalised so you can approve it first. Depending on the colour or effect you are after, I may need to do several tests to get it right, which could affect the price and turnaround time. I will always be upfront with you about this.

  • The earrings themselves are made from polymer clay, sometimes finished with a polyurethane varnish or UV resin coating for durability and shine. Sometimes, they are left natural where no sealant is needed.

    I use stainless steel as my standard metal, which is gentle on sensitive ears. Some pieces also feature gold plated stainless steel or brass findings; this will always be clearly stated on each product listing.

    If you need a specific type of finding such as gold filled, I am happy to source this for you. Please note this will affect both the price and the turnaround time, as I order findings specifically for each request.

  • With a little love, your earrings will last a long time! Here are a few simple tips:

    • Keep them away from water, perfume, and lotions.

    • Don't sleep or shower in them.

    • Store them somewhere dry, ideally in the pouch they arrive in.

    • Handle them gently, polymer clay is durable but not indestructible!

  • I currently ship within the UK only. I use Royal Mail for all deliveries and will share tracking information where available.

    I can hand deliver your order if you live close to me (Leamington Spa, Warwickshire).

  • Because earrings are a hygiene item, I am unable to accept returns or exchanges unless your item arrives faulty or damaged. This will always be clearly stated at the point of purchase.

    If your order arrives damaged, please take photos of both the item and the packaging and get in touch with me as soon as possible. I will always do my best to find a solution, whether that is a replacement or a refund, because I know how disappointing it is when something goes wrong with an order you were excited about.

    If your item is faulty due to something on my end, return postage will be covered by me.

  • Yes! Just let me know at checkout or drop me a message and I will add a personalised note to your order. All Hope & Clay pieces are packaged with care anyway, so they always make a lovely gift.