1. What is the definition of fused glass?
2. I thought glass was clear. How do you get the bright colours?
3. Are the edges sharp?
4. What are the metal components made from?
5. I would like to purchase some jewellery as a gift. Can you send it directly to the recipient?
6. Are all of the items always available?
7. How long will my items take to arrive?
8. Surely glass is very fragile. Won't the jewellery break?
9. What is a Swarovski Crystal?
10. I am a trader and would like to stock your jewellery. Do you have a trade price list?
11. I don't want to pay over the internet. Can I order any other way?
12. Do you have a showroom or shop?
13. What if I don't like the jewellery I have purchased?
14. I'm on the large side. Will the jewellery fit me?
15. What makes some of the glass iridescent?
16. Can you post the jewellery to anywhere in the world?

What is the definition of fused glass?
Fused - joined or combined, united by melting
Glass - Substance consisting of metal silicates or similar compounds
Small pieces of coloured glass are heated in a kiln at around 680 degrees centigrade. This fuses the separate glass pieces together.

I thought glass was clear. How do you get the bright colours?
We use a special sort of Art Glass called Spectrum. It is designed for fusing so is an ideal type of glass to use for our jewellery. We use plain colours, such as the inky black of the Golden Collection, and streaky, swirly colours, best shown in the Pure Collection.

Are the edges sharp?
No, the heating process also softens the sharp edges of the glass so they are rounded and therefore safe to use for jewellery.

What are the metal components made from?
Most of the metal components are silver plated or gold plated (see individual item descriptions). The exceptions are steel coil necklaces and leather necklaces.

I would like to purchase some jewellery as a gift. Can you send it directly to the recipient?
Yes, just put the recipient's details in the delivery address section on the checkout page. You can even write a personal message which will be included in the parcel.
Each order will be sent to one address, so if you would like to take advantage of our discounts and purchase several items as gifts for different people, we'll send the jewellery to you.

Are all of the items always available?
We aim to keep all of our items in stock. However, as they are handmade we may occasionally temporarily run out of certain items. If this is the case with your order we can either:
a. Place items on back order and send them when available (post free)
b. Send you a close substitute of equal or greater value (based on other items ordered)
We will contact you if any part of your order is not available.

How long will my items take to arrive?
We will post most orders within 5 working days (please allow a little extra time for large orders and before Christmas!). We will contact you when your order has been despatched. Delivery times depend on location and type of postage chosen, but will generally be within 3 days of posting in the UK and Western Europe, and 5 days for the rest of the world. Most parcels will require a signature, so please give a delivery address where there is likely to be someone around when the postman calls!

Surely glass is very fragile. Won't the jewellery break?
Glass is actually very strong. We have tested all of our jewellery in various ways and it should be absolutely fine in normal use. We even put the jewellery through a washing machine cycle and it was perfectly OK, although we wouldn't recommend trying this at home!! Glass does have a brittleness to it, so please try not to drop or throw your jewellery. In the unlikely event that a Swarovski crystal or any fixing becomes detatched from the fused glass piece, it can be re-attached using a small amount of 2 part epoxy adhesive, which is available from most hardware stores.

What is a Swarovski Crystal?

I am a trader and would like to stock your jewellery. Do you have a trade price list?
We offer generous discounts of up to 60% when you order larger quantities of jewellery. These discounts are available to anybody, and all payments must be made with order.
There are no minimum quantities for any design, so you can stock as few or as many designs as you like while still benefiting from our discounts.
Please contact us if you would like to stock any special jewellery in non-standard sizes, colours etc.

I don't want to pay over the internet. Can I order any other way?
Yes, you can pay by cheque or postal order, payable to Purdy Glass & Mirror Designs. Currency must be in UK Pounds Stirling. Orders will be sent after the cheque has cleared.
You should complete the online ordering process as normal, including your details and choice of postage type, then print out your order confirmation email, or the invoice linked in the email, and send it with your payment to Purdy Glass & Mirror Designs, 34 Cooden Sea Road, Little Common, East Sussex, TN39 4SJ, England.
Alternatively, collect your order from us, and pay by cash or cheque in our shop. Again, you should place your order through this site, and we will inform you when it is ready to pick up.

Do you have a showroom or shop?
Yes, on the south coast of England. It is well worth a visit as it not only stocks the ranges displayed on this site, but also loads of one-off designs, and other fused glass jewellery in colours and styles not available anywhere else. Also on display are fused glass pictures, handmade contemporary leaded mirrors and windows, plus other beautiful products from British craftworkers. For more information see the About Us section or visit our sister site www.glassandmirrordesigns.com.

What if I don't like the jewellery I have purchased?
Most people are delighted with the jewellery. However if you're not happy with yours then just send it back to us in original condition within 10 days of receipt, together with a copy of the delivery note with the returns section completed. We will refund the cost of any pieces returned, when we have received and inspected them (see Terms & Conditions for more details).
FOR HYGIENE REASONS, EARRINGS FOR PIERCED EARS MAY NOT BE RETURNED ONCE THE TAMPER-PROOF SEAL HAS BEEN BROKEN, UNLESS FAULTY.

I'm on the large side. Will the jewellery fit me?
The rings are adjustable so should fit all sizes. For necklaces, if you feel that a 16" chain will be too short for you, then we can swap any of the standard necklace fittings for an 18" chain at no extra cost. Please request this in the notes section during checkout.

What makes some of the glass iridescent?
The iridescent glass has a special coating of metallic crystal which is flash-fired at more than 1000 degrees. The effect is similar to petrol on water, with a swirling spectrum of metallic purple, gold, blue and green across the surface of the glass.

Can you post the jewellery to anywhere in the world?
Yes, we can. Most orders are sent with Royal Mail. Goods will be sent via International Signed For Airmail. Please see our rates on the Postage & Shipping page.
Exceptions are Libya, which has no signed mail facility, and the French Southern and Antarctic territories, which have no airmail service. Please contact us before ordering if you live in these areas or are unsure about postage.
In some countries there may be a customs clearance fee. Please contact your country's customs office for further details.