FAQ
About Our Products
Q: What materials do you use?
A: We primarily work with glass (pâte de verre) and silver 950, along with silk cord. Some pieces in other series use brass, wood, acrylic, or copper (for enamel work). Material details are listed on each product page.
Q: What is silver 950?
A: Silver 950 is an alloy with 95% silver content — higher purity than sterling silver (925). It is softer and easier to hand-form, while still maintaining strength through work-hardening. Silver 950 has been traditionally used in Japanese metalwork, and we use it for most of our jewelry.
Q: How is the glass made?
A: We use the pâte de verre technique: crushed glass is packed into a plaster mold and fired in a kiln, then cut and polished after cooling. For the CAIRN and HENGE series, we cut the fired glass block to reveal unique internal patterns. For the INWATER series, we use recycled glass and a process called devitrification, where the glass crystallizes during firing to create a distinctive semi-opaque texture. All glass is made by hand in our studio.
Q: What is devitrification?
A: Devitrification is a phenomenon where glass crystallizes during heating and cooling, changing from transparent to semi-opaque. The distinctive bubble-like texture of the INWATER series comes from intentionally harnessing this process.
Q: I have a metal allergy. Can I wear your jewelry?
A: Our jewelry uses silver 950, but allergic reactions vary by individual. Please check the material details on each product page. If you have concerns, please contact us through the contact form.
Q: How should I care for my jewelry?
A: Glass: Avoid impacts and sudden temperature changes. Wipe with a soft cloth and store away from direct sunlight. Silver: Minimize contact with water, sweat, cosmetics, and perfume. Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing and store away from direct sunlight. A silver polishing cloth will restore shine.
Q: Can rings be resized?
A: We offer rings in specific sizes (Japanese ring sizes). Please refer to the ring size chart page, which includes Japanese, US, UK, and EU size conversions. For pendants, chains and cords include adjustable clasps or sliders. For other sizing questions, please contact us.
Q: What does "one-of-a-kind" mean?
A: Nearly all Gleichenia jewelry is made individually by hand. Small air bubbles within the glass, subtle variations in color, and slight surface irregularities are natural characteristics of the making process. Each piece has its own unique appearance.
Q: Does the product look the same as the photo?
A: Yes — we ship the exact piece shown in the photo (since each is one-of-a-kind). However, glass can appear slightly different depending on lighting and background, as its transparency and color shift with the environment.
Ordering
Q: How do I place an order?
A: Click "Add to Cart" on the product page, then proceed to checkout from the cart page.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB), Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay.
Q: I haven't received my order confirmation email.
A: Please check your spam folder. If you still can't find it, please contact us through the contact form.
Q: Can I cancel or change my order?
A: We may be able to accommodate changes before shipping preparation begins. Please contact us as soon as possible through the contact form.
Shipping
Q: How much is shipping?
A: Flat rate of ¥770 (tax included) for all domestic (Japan) orders.
Q: How long does delivery take?
A: We typically ship within 3–5 business days of order confirmation. Delivery may take a few additional days depending on location.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: We do not currently offer international shipping. Delivery is available within Japan only.
Q: Can I change the delivery address?
A: Yes, if the order hasn't shipped yet. Please contact us as soon as possible through the contact form.
Q: Can I specify a delivery date or time?
A: We are unable to accommodate delivery date or time requests at this time.
Returns & Exchanges
Q: Can I return a product?
A: We accept returns of unused, unopened items within 14 days of delivery. Please contact us through the contact form to arrange a return.
Q: Can I exchange a product?
A: We offer exchanges for defective items or shipping errors (same product only). Please contact us within 7 days of delivery.
Q: When are returns or exchanges not accepted?
A: Returns and exchanges cannot be accepted in the following cases: change of mind, used items, items received more than 14 days ago, or items damaged through customer handling.
About Gleichenia
Q: What is Gleichenia?
A: Gleichenia is a Tokyo-based contemporary jewelry unit by Kanako Ikegaya (jewelry artist, University of the Arts London, Wimbledon) and Yu Ikegaya (jewelry artist, University of the Arts London, Chelsea). We create one-of-a-kind jewelry and objects by hand, primarily using glass and silver.
Q: Where does the name come from?
A: Gleichenia is the botanical name of the urajiro fern (Gleichenia japonica). The urajiro has paired leaves, symbolizing how two perspectives — art and design — come together in our work.
Q: Do you have a physical store?
A: We do not have a permanent retail location. We hold exhibitions and pop-up events regularly — check our journal or Instagram (@gleichenia_jewellery) for updates.
Other
Q: Do you offer gift wrapping?
A: Gift wrapping is not available at this time. We will announce when this service becomes available.
Q: Is your jewelry a good gift for birthdays or anniversaries?
A: Yes — since each piece is one-of-a-kind and handmade, many customers choose our jewelry as a special gift.
Q: Do you accept custom orders?
A: Depending on the request, we may be able to accommodate custom work. Please contact us through the contact form with details.
Q: How long does it take to receive a reply?
A: We typically respond within 2–3 business days. If your inquiry is urgent, please let us know.