Frequently Asked Questions

What is our experience at Chaya Studio? What are we capable of?

At Chaya Studio, we have twelve years of jewelry design and manufacturing experience. We can create almost any idea into reality. Our design team is innovative, creative and excited to work with you. We excel at thinking outside the box to create compelling designs for your ideas. In addition, our list of technical skills is extremely long. If there is a specific goldsmith or stone setting technique you are curious about, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our published portfolio on the site is only a fraction of what we are capable of.

How is the jewelry created?

We begin our process with detailed models and/or drawings and the highest quality materials available. From here, we create our jewelry through two goldsmithing traditions: hand fabrication and casting. Hand fabrication is the process of creating with metal completely from scratch. A cast piece is first created from wax and then cast into metal. All of our stones are set by hand and all of our finishes are done by hand. All jewelry is taken through a thorough inspection before it is sent from production to packaging.

Where does our inspiration come from? What is our design process like?

Our inspiration for designs comes from a variety of sources. However, we often approach our designs from a spiritual perspective. We are passionate about making distinct, meaningful, artistic jewelry. Our designer lines are beautiful adornments that carry a story. We hope our jewelry will make a positive impact in your life through our balanced approach to form and content.

Our custom design jewelry begins with a thorough inquiry into who the person is who will be wearing the piece. This information is a significant factor in the design process. All of our custom work carries a story that is personal for each client.

What kind of materials do we use?

We predominantly work in 18K yellow gold, 18K palladium white gold and sterling silver but we have no limits. We also work in a myriad of other materials such as platinum, 14k white and yellow gold, steel, bronze, plastic, found objects, glass, feathers and mixed media. We also use precious and semi-precious stones, loose cut and bead cut. We have a variety of high-end gem and diamond dealers available to meet our design needs.

What is involved in the custom design process?

Please visit our custom design process page to read more about this part of our business.

How do I order Chaya Studio jewelry?

You can order our jewelry on-line through Paypal or you can call us at 207-831-5477 and place an order over the phone. Please visit Purchasing & Policies for more information regarding orders.

Once I order some jewelry, how long does it take to get it?

Since all of our jewelry is handmade in our shop, In Stock inventory is limited. Once you have placed your order, it will immediately go into production. If your item is not In Stock, delivery will take 4-6 weeks. All items that are available from our In Stock inventory will be delivered within 5-10 business days. Custom orders generally take about 6-8 weeks. A rush can be put on any order for an additional fee. A rush order is placed at the front of the production list. The additional cost will vary. Please contact us for more information.

When I am in Portland, Maine can I visit Chaya Studio's workshop and gallery?

Absolutely, please come visit our location in Portland, Maine! We do not operate like a traditional store so visits are via appointment only. Please contact us and we will gladly arrange a time for you to come by and receive a private viewing of our designer lines and get a personal tour of our production facility. Come see where the magic happens!

Is Chaya Studio jewelry available for wholesale accounts?

Yes, our jewelry is available for wholesale accounts! Please contact us by e-mail or call 207-831-5477 for more information.

What exactly is the I Ching: Book of Changes?

The I Ching: Book of Changes was first written in the dawn of history as a book of oracles, intended to help people with spiritual guidance. This book of wisdom originated over 3,000 years ago and is now considered one of the most important books in the world's literature.

How does the I Ching work?

Eight trigrams were conceived as images of all that happens in heaven and on earth. These trigrams represent continual transition, one changing into another just as the continual transition in the physical world. The trigrams are read two at a time, turning them into one of 64 hexagram combinations.

What do the trigrams and hexagrams mean?

I have chosen some website links that you can access to help you better understand this incredible book of divination...

Sacred Texts I Ching
I Ching on the Net
What is the I Ching?
Wikipedia The I Ching
I Ching Wisdom

What if I would like to learn more about this fascinating book of wisdom?

A variety of translations are available for purchase. My favorite version is: The I Ching or Book of Changes translated by Richard Wilhelm and Cary F. Baynes. There are many different translations available but this is one of the most respected versions.

Now that you know a little more about the I Ching, here is a quick link back to our designer line I Ching Discovery...

I do not live in the United States. Can I still purchase Chaya Studio jewelry?

Yes, Chaya Studio jewelry is available for purchase outside of the United States. Please contact us for more information.

 

Please visit our online Jewelry Gallery where you can shop
for your favorite Chaya Studio designs!