Frequently Asked Questions
PAYMENTS:
What forms of payment do you accept?
Credit Card and PayPal: We accept most Credit Card or PayPal.
Check: To pay by check, send your check made out to TRIBAL MUSE in US dollars to:
TRIBAL MUSE
507 High Point Drive
Mount Dora, FL 32757
USA
If paying by check, your order will be shipped as soon as your check clears. If a check payment has not been received within 14 days from the date of purchase, the order will be cancelled.
Telephone Orders: Sorry, we are unable to take telephone orders at this time.
Cash: Please do not send cash for making Tribal Muse purchases.
Why was my credit card payment declined?
Credit Card payments may be Declined for no apparent reason.
- Sometimes International (non-USA) Credit Cards are not recognized by the processing bank. For International purchases, or any declined purchase we recommend using your PayPal account.
- Credit Cards may also be declined if the address or phone number submitted at Checkout differs from those that your Credit Card company has on file for you. If this happens, please check your bank records or consider using your PayPal account.
Does Tribal Muse charge sales tax?
Tribal Muse does not charge sales tax, except for purchases made in Florida, USA. Individuals or businesses with resale numbers will be exempted from sales tax by sending an email to wholesale@tribalmuse.com that includes the business name, contact information, and resale number.
Who pays International Customs charges?
Customers assume responsibility for all customs charges and additional fees for shipping and/or importation internationally.
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SHIPPING:
How much do you charge to ship?
Shipping charges are based on the weight, size, distance shipped, and shipping option you select. You can see the actual Shipping charges on the Tribal Muse Checkout page before you make your purchase with our Shipping Cost Estimator. If you decide not to buy, do not complete the Checkout process and you will not be charged.
Do you charge Handling Fees?
A Handling Fee of $0.10 is charged for each item purchased. It is included as part of the shipping total and is non-refundable.
How long will it take for my order arrive?
Shipping times vary depending on the shipping option you select, distance shipped, and customs procedures, if being shipped Internationally. You will be sent a tracking number so you check with the US Post Office (USPS) to see the progress of your parcel.
International Shipments may experience additional delays. Many countries require that Jewelry be shipped only via Registered First Class Mail. Although this is the safest way to ship, it is very slow, and can take from 2-8 weeks Internationally, or longer. Where Insured Priority Mail is allowed Internationally, we use that method which is usually faster. Please note that your customs office may delay shipments longer, especially for items that originated in areas of current political unrest.
Do you ship to my country?
Tribal Muse ships worldwide virtually everywhere the US Post Office (USPS) and United Parcel Service (UPS) ship. Some countries may have restrictions about what can be imported, and we would be unable to ship those items to you accordingly.
Will my order have a tracking number?
Your tracking number will be sent to you via separate email from the US Post Office (USPS) or by United Parcel Service (UPS), whichever shipper you selected with your order.
Can I ship to someone else?
Yes, just enter the name and address of the person that you want your purchase shipped to in the “Shipping Address” section during checkout.
What shipping companies do you use to ship?
Tribal Muse ships via United States Postal Service (USPS).
How are items identified on International Customs Forms?
All International shipments are marked as “Merchandise” on International Customs Forms.
How often do you ship?
Tribal Muse ships minimally twice a week from Orlando, FL 32757.
Where is my order?
Please check the tracking number that was emailed to you with the shipping vendor you selected, either United States Postal Service (USPS) or United Parcel Service (UPS).
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RETURNS:
Can I return purchases?
If you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, you can return your item(s) within 14 days of receipt (as noted on tracking) for a refund of the purchase price (excluding handling and shipping charges).
Refunds are credited back to the account you used for purchase, after we have received the item(s) back in the same condition as sent to you, including without any odors (such as perfume, smoke, etc.) or indications that they have been worn. Please note that jewelry that has been altered in any way, including but not limited to the removal of patina and resizing cannot be returned for refund. Items on discounted 20% or more are priced for clearance and are non-returnable, as are Items identified as non-returnable in their descriptions.
A 10% restocking fee is charged on all returned items to defray the actual costs incurred in receiving, sanitizing, and processing the item(s) back into inventory. Please wrapped return item(s) so that they are well padded and do not move around in the return parcel. Returns are processed within 3 to 5 days after we receive them.
Mail or ship your return item(s) to:
TRIBAL MUSE
Attn: A. Litton
507 High Point Drive
Mount Dora, FL 32757
USA
Customers assume the costs for return postage by a secure, traceable, insured method. Sorry, we cannot accept COD returns. For any questions on returns, please email us at
returns@tribalmuse.com.
Can I exchange items?
Tribal Muse is not currently able to process direct exchanges. To complete an exchange, please return the original item(s) to receive your refund, and place a new order for your desired selection(s).
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SHOPPING:
Will “SOLD” items be available again?
Not usually. Since many of our items are antique or one-of-a-kind, they cannot be replaced, and those items will not be available again once they are sold. We do not disclose prices or additional information for any items that have been sold as a courtesy to our customers.
Do you have other items that are not shown on your website?
Yes. We have many items in our warehouse that are not shown on our website. Please email service@tribalmuse.com and let me know what you are interested in. If I have it, I’ll send you a photo and pricing info as soon as I am able.
Shopping Cart
Your Shopping Cart List is automatically saved for 90 days. Items in the shopping cart, however, are still available for purchase by others during that time.
Wish List
Your Wish List is your personal list of items, and is yours to keep for as long as you like. Items in your wish list are still available for purchase by others, however.
Do you have a Lay Away (ON HOLD) program?
Yes. If you would like to put an item on Lay Away (ON HOLD), please email service@tribalmuse.com with the item number or description and we'll put it ON HOLD for you for 14 days free of charge.
Discount Coupon and Gift Card or Certificate Codes.
Enter your coupon or gift certificate code into the coupon code box during Checkout and your discount will be automatically applied to your purchase. Please be sure to check our Tribal Muse Blog for occasional monthly discount coupons.
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EXTRA SERVICES:
Gift Cards and Certificates
Purchase Tribal Muse Gift Cards (Certificates) online by selecting the denomination you prefer and putting it into your shopping cart. The recipient will receive their Gift Card (Certificate) in the mail (along with a note from you if requested). The recipient will also receive an email with their Gift Coupon Code number so they can begin using it right away. Please be sure to include the recipients email when purchasing Gift Cards (Certificates). Gift Cards (Certificates) never expire.
Gift Wrapping
Whenever possible, your items normally arrive boxed and/or attractively packaged at no extra charge. Very large items are usually sent in large fabric drawstring bags.
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TRIBAL JEWELRY CONSIDERATIONS:
Why is Tribal Jewelry different from Department Store Jewelry?
Tribal Jewelry is handcrafted jewelry made by local artisans or crafts people using traditional materials, designs, and methods that may seem quite primitive. These pieces are frequently quite old and have been exchanged through many hands over time.
Handmade Tribal Jewelry may be deliberately asymmetrical in shape, and might even have missing stones, signs of wear, incomplete patterns, broken parts, or appear dirty from years of wear. Many of these pieces have traveled around the world from village to village, and generation to generation and these irregularities are part of their unique charm, heritage, and value.
We sell our old and vintage tribal pieces with their patina (if any) intact, since collectors value it so highly. If desired, patina can usually be removed with a mild jewelry cleaner or a damp cloth that has been lightly moistened with warm soap and water. Never use harsh solvents, tumblers, or ionic cleaners. Items with the patina cleaned away by the customer are non-returnable.
Where does Tribal Jewelry come from?
Tribal Jewelry pieces are individually crafted by an actual person who lives in the region from which it came. Because Tribal Jewelry was so often used in trade, pieces are sometimes described as belonging to the location where they ended up, rather than where they were originally made (for example, as with many African Trade Beads).
Tribal Muse does not own nor sell any archeological relics or items deemed National Treasures, as such articles rightfully belong to the people of the country where they were found.
What is the difference between Tribal Jewelry and Ethnic Jewelry?
On the Tribal Muse website, Tribal Jewelry refers to jewelry made by indigenous people using local materials, designs, and methods. These pieces can be quite primitive and frequently have wear patterns indicative of their old age.
Ethnic Jewelry is more recently crafted jewelry, either hand or machine made, that replicates many of the traditional Tribal Jewelry attributes. Ethnic Jewelry is more contemporary, and often has a modern finish, while still capturing the essence of ancient tribal pieces.
How do I clean my Tribal Jewelry?
Clean Tribal Jewelry very carefully. Because of craftsmanship, materials, and age, it has a certain fragility and should be treated very gently. It is generally safe to clean Tribal Jewelry using a soft cloth moistened with a little mild soap and warm water. Never put Tribal Jewelry in a Tumbler or Ionic cleaner.
For discolored metals, we use Maas products to clean them, with exceedingly good results. Many people, of course, like Tribal Jewelry just the way they find it, preferring to keep its unique age patinas, discolorations, and idiosyncrasies intact.
Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry carefully using a mild silver cleaner, such as Wright’s. Dry thoroughly before storing. Store in clear plastic or paper bags with each piece individually wrapped in acid-free tissue to prevent contact with other jewelry. Many people add anti-tarnish strips to their cleaned Sterling Silver pieces to further retard tarnishing when stored.
Jewelry Precautions
As a general rule, do not wear strong scents with any jewelry, and be sure to apply perfumes and/or sprays before you put on your jewelry. Always remove your jewelry before sleeping or participating in sports or other strenuous activities. Do not submerge your jewelry in any liquids or solvents. Keep jewelry out of reach of children and pets, and never put it in your mouth.
Is Tribal Jewelry Fair Trade Jewelry?
Our contemporary Tribal and Ethnic Jewelry is exclusively Fair Trade Jewelry whenever available. Tribal Jewelry that was handcrafted before the Fair Trade identifier began, however, cannot accurately be labeled Fair Trade.
Tribal Muse does not own nor sell any archeological relics or items deemed National Treasures, as such articles rightfully belong to the people of the country where they were found.
Do you appraise jewelry?
No. Although I enjoy seeing pictures that people send of their collections, I do not appraise jewelry.
Appraising and pricing jewelry can be very challenging and requires special licensure. You might consider consulting a reputable organization such as the American Gem Society or the International Society of Appraisers for appraisal guidance.
Please note: As a courtesy to Tribal Muse customers, I do not disclose prices or additional information for any items that have been sold.
Do you buy private jewelry collections?
No. Tribal Muse does not buy items from private jewelry collectors, nor do we sell on consignment. I do enjoy seeing images of private collections that people send, though, so feel free to share your photos with me anytime.
Allergies?
Metals used in jewelry making are always an alloy, or combination of two or more metals. Even Sterling Silver is 92.5% Silver and 7.5% Copper (100% Silver is too soft for jewelry making). Other jewelry metals, especially those used in vintage pieces, may be alloys that include nickel, copper, zinc, and other metals.
If you are allergic to any of these metals, you should probably avoid vintage jewelry or jewelry with unknown metal content. Alternatively, some people find success by applying an invisible paint-on Jewelry Shield or clear nail polish to cover the back surface of the jewelry piece that touches the skin. Although many swear by this technique, there are individual differences, and we make no guarantee that using those products will prevent reactions if you happen to be allergic. Generally, our new and contemporary jewelry is nickel, lead, and cadmium free. Please see the specific item’s description on our website; if metal content information is known, we include it there.
Please see our separate About Tribal Jewelry section on our Tribal Muse website for more detailed information on this fascinating topic.
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WHOLESALE:
Can I purchase Wholesale?
For a Tribal Muse Wholesale Account, please email your name, store name, and a copy of your resale certificate or business license to wholesale@tribalmuse.com. Be sure to register on Tribal Muse too, then we can change your customer status to "Wholesale." Once approved, prices in our Wholesale category will be visible to you.
Do you have a Wholesale minimum purchase amount?
Not at this time.
Do you offer payment schedules?
No. Tribal Muse invoices must be paid in full prior to shipping.
Do you send free jewelry samples?
No. Tribal Muse does not send free jewelry samples, especially since so much of our jewelry is antique or one-of-a-kind and cannot be replaced.
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MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have other questions or comments, please contact us below. It may take me a few days to get back to you, but I do respond personally to all inquiries. Thank You for visiting us at Tribal Muse.
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