Charm Jewelry FAQ | Your Questions Answered | Pretty Pickie

Charm Jewelry FAQ

Find answers to all your questions about Pretty Pickie's charm jewelry, customization process, and our unique Charm Bar experience.

About the Charm Bar Experience

What is the Pretty Pickie Charm Bar? +

The Pretty Pickie Charm Bar is a unique jewelry customization experience where you can create personalized charm bracelets or necklaces that tell your story. We offer over 350 different charms and premium chains, allowing you to design a piece that's truly one-of-a-kind. Our charm stylists guide you through the process, helping you select charms that represent your personality, interests, or special moments.

How much does the Charm Bar experience cost? +

Our standard Charm Bar Experience costs $45 (plus tax) and includes:

  • A premium stainless steel chain of your choice
  • 6 charms from our curated collection
  • Access to our special collection of complimentary charms
  • Expert styling assistance
  • Take-home packaging

Additional charms are available starting from $3.50 each, allowing you to further customize your piece.

Do I need an appointment for the in-store Charm Bar? +

Walk-ins are always welcome at our River Park Shopping Center location! However, if you'd like to guarantee a specific time slot, especially during busy periods, we recommend booking an appointment through our website. A $20 booking deposit is required to secure your spot, which will be applied toward your purchase when you visit.

We're open daily from 11am to 7pm, making it convenient to stop by whenever inspiration strikes!

Book Your Visit

How long does the Charm Bar experience take? +

The typical in-store Charm Bar experience takes approximately 30-45 minutes. This includes:

  • 10-15 minutes to browse and select your charms
  • 15-20 minutes for assembly and styling
  • 5-10 minutes for finishing touches and care instructions

The process may take longer if you're creating multiple pieces or visiting with a group. We encourage you to take your time and enjoy the creative process!

What's the difference between the in-store and mobile Charm Bar? +

Both experiences offer the same high-quality chains and access to our 350+ charm collection, but they differ in setting and pricing:

In-Store Charm Bar:

  • Individual experience for $45 per person
  • Walk-ins welcome or book ahead
  • Located at our River Park store
  • Complete the same day

Mobile Charm Bar:

  • Group experience that comes to your location
  • $360 base package for 8 guests ($40 each additional)
  • Perfect for parties and special events
  • Full setup brought to your space
  • Exclusive host benefits
  • 2-hour custom experience

About Our Charms & Materials

What types of charms do you offer? +

We offer an extensive collection of over 350 charms across diverse categories, including:

We also offer travel charms, sports symbols, birthstones, crystals, faith symbols, food icons, and many more! Our collection is regularly updated with seasonal and limited-edition designs.

What materials are your chains and charms made from? +

We use high-quality materials that are both beautiful and durable:

  • Chains: Premium stainless steel, gold-filled, or sterling silver options
  • Charms: 18k gold plated or stainless steel with tarnish-resistant finishes
  • Crystals & Stones: Genuine crystals and glass elements in select charms

All our materials are lead-free and nickel-free, making them suitable for sensitive skin. Our gold plating uses a thicker layer than standard costume jewelry for improved durability.

How durable are the charm bracelets and necklaces? +

Our charm jewelry is designed for everyday wear with proper care. The stainless steel chains are highly resistant to tarnishing and breaking. The gold-plated components will maintain their luster if kept away from water, perfumes, and lotions.

The jump rings used to attach charms are securely closed during assembly to prevent loss. However, we recommend checking connections periodically, especially for frequently worn pieces.

With proper care, your charm jewelry can last for years while maintaining its beauty.

Are your charms waterproof? +

Our stainless steel charms are water-resistant and can handle brief exposure to water. However, for gold-plated charms, we recommend:

  • Removing jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising
  • Keeping away from perfumes, lotions, and chemicals
  • Avoiding hot tubs, pools, and salt water

Water exposure, particularly chlorinated or salt water, can accelerate tarnishing and potentially damage the finish on your charms. For maximum longevity, we recommend removing your charm jewelry during water activities.

Can I add or change charms after purchase? +

Absolutely! One of the best features of charm jewelry is its adaptability. You can:

  • Add new charms to your existing piece anytime
  • Swap out charms for different occasions
  • Rearrange your charms whenever you wish
  • Transfer charms between different chains

Visit our Charm Bar anytime to add new charms, or use our DIY Assembly Guide to make changes at home. We also sell jump rings separately if you need extras for your modifications.

What are jump rings and how are they used? +

Jump rings are small metal circles used to attach charms to your chain or bracelet. They have a small opening that allows them to be opened with jewelry pliers, passed through both the charm and chain link, and then closed securely.

At Pretty Pickie, we use premium quality jump rings that are properly sized for each charm to ensure security and an attractive appearance. Our stylists carefully close each jump ring to prevent charm loss.

If you're interested in learning how to work with jump rings at home, check out our DIY Assembly Guide for detailed instructions!

Care & Maintenance

How should I care for my charm jewelry? +

To keep your charm jewelry looking beautiful for years to come, we recommend the following care routine:

Do Don't
Store in a jewelry box or pouch when not wearing Expose to water, especially pools, hot tubs, or salt water
Put jewelry on after applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray Wear during exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating
Clean gently with a soft jewelry cloth Use chemical jewelry cleaners or abrasive materials
Check jump rings periodically for security Pull or tug forcefully on charms
Remove before sleeping Stack with heavier jewelry that might cause tangling

With proper care, your charm jewelry will maintain its beauty and sentimental value for years to come.

What if a charm falls off? +

While our stylists carefully secure each charm, occasional mishaps can happen. If a charm becomes detached:

  • Bring your piece back to our store, and we'll reattach the charm free of charge
  • If you have the tools at home, follow our DIY Assembly Guide to reattach it yourself
  • If the charm is lost, you can purchase a replacement (prices start at $3.50)

We recommend checking your jump rings periodically, especially if you wear your charm jewelry frequently. A simple visual inspection can help prevent charm loss.

Can my charm jewelry be cleaned? +

Yes, gentle cleaning is recommended to maintain the beauty of your charm jewelry:

  1. Use a soft, dry jewelry cloth to gently polish the chains and charms
  2. For stainless steel pieces, you can use a slightly damp cloth if needed
  3. For stubborn tarnish, a tiny amount of mild soap in water can be used (only for stainless steel items)
  4. Pat dry immediately and thoroughly with a soft cloth
  5. Allow to air dry completely before storing

Avoid using harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or jewelry dips, as these can damage the finish on your charms. For gold-plated items, dry cleaning with a polishing cloth is the safest method.

Will my gold-plated charms tarnish? +

Gold-plated items can eventually show signs of wear and tarnishing, though our 18k gold plating is more durable than standard costume jewelry. The timeline depends on several factors:

  • Frequency of wear (daily vs. occasional)
  • Exposure to moisture, chemicals, and lotions
  • Body chemistry (some people's skin oils may accelerate tarnishing)
  • Storage conditions

With proper care, gold-plated charms can maintain their luster for many months to years. If tarnishing does occur, gentle polishing with a jewelry cloth can often restore the shine.

Mobile Charm Bar Service

How does the Mobile Charm Bar work? +

Our Mobile Charm Bar brings the entire charm jewelry experience to your location! Here's how it works:

  1. Booking: Secure your date with a $100 deposit
  2. Planning: We'll discuss space requirements and guest count
  3. Setup: We arrive 30 minutes before your event to create a beautiful display
  4. Experience: Each guest selects their chain and charms with expert guidance
  5. Creation: Our stylists assemble each piece on-site
  6. Completion: Guests leave with their finished jewelry and care instructions

The standard experience lasts 2 hours, though additional time can be arranged. We bring everything needed, including display cases, tools, and our full charm collection!

What's included in the Mobile Charm Bar package? +

Our comprehensive Mobile Charm Bar package ($360 base price for 8 guests) includes:

  • Complete mobile setup and professional display
  • Professional charm stylists
  • Premium stainless steel chain for each guest
  • 6 charms per person from our 350+ collection
  • Access to complimentary charm collection
  • Assembly tools and supplies
  • Jewelry packaging
  • Setup and cleanup
  • Interactive charm guide books
  • 2-hour event duration
  • Special host-exclusive charm

Additional guests can be accommodated at $40 per person. We also offer travel within 15 miles of our location at no extra charge (additional mileage fees apply beyond this radius).

What space requirements are needed for the Mobile Charm Bar? +

To set up our Mobile Charm Bar comfortably, we need:

  • A well-lit space, approximately 8'x10' minimum
  • 1-2 sturdy tables (we can bring tables if needed)
  • Access to the space 30 minutes before the event for setup
  • Ideally, access to electrical outlets
  • Enough room for guests to move around comfortably

We're adaptable and can work with various spaces including living rooms, patios, conference rooms, and event venues. During our pre-event consultation, we'll discuss your specific space to ensure an optimal setup.

How far in advance should I book the Mobile Charm Bar? +

We recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Popular dates (especially weekends and holiday seasons) often book up quickly.

For special occasions like bridal showers or corporate events, booking 3-4 weeks ahead is ideal to ensure availability and allow time for proper planning.

A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due 7 days before your event.

Book Mobile Charm Bar

What events are best suited for the Mobile Charm Bar? +

Our Mobile Charm Bar creates memorable experiences for a wide range of events:

  • Bridal Showers: Create matching bridesmaid gifts or keepsakes
  • Birthday Celebrations: Unique activity for milestone birthdays
  • Corporate Events: Creative team-building or client appreciation
  • Girls' Night In: Elevate your gathering with a creative activity
  • School Events: Fundraisers or graduation celebrations
  • Holiday Parties: Seasonal charm-making with festive designs
  • Fundraisers: Unique experience that supports your cause

Any event where you want to provide a creative, interactive experience that results in a meaningful keepsake is perfect for our Mobile Charm Bar!

DIY & Customization

Can I make my own charm jewelry at home? +

Absolutely! While many customers enjoy the guided experience at our Charm Bar, you can also purchase supplies to create or expand charm jewelry at home:

DIY assembly is perfect for adding new charms to existing pieces or creating completely new designs at your convenience.

What tools do I need to work with charm jewelry? +

To work with charm jewelry at home, you'll need a few basic tools:

  • Two pairs of jewelry pliers (chain nose or flat nose pliers work best)
  • Jump rings (small metal circles that connect charms to chains)
  • Good lighting to see the small components clearly
  • Optional: Bead mat or soft cloth to prevent charms from rolling away

These basic tools make it easy to add, remove, or rearrange charms on your jewelry. If you're interested in more advanced customization, we offer jewelry tool kits in our store.

Can I mix and match chains and charms from different collections? +

Yes! Mixing and matching is encouraged and one of the joys of charm jewelry. You can combine:

  • Different metal finishes (gold and silver tones)
  • Various charm themes (zodiac with initials, nature with birthstones, etc.)
  • Charms from different collections on the same piece
  • Transfer charms between different chains and styles

Our charm stylists can provide suggestions for beautiful combinations, or you can follow your own creative instincts to create a truly unique piece that reflects your personal style.

Do you offer custom or personalized charms? +

While we don't create fully custom charms from scratch, we do offer several personalization options:

  • Initial charms: A-Z letters available
  • Number charms: 0-9 digits for important dates
  • Birthstone charms: Representing all birth months
  • Zodiac signs: All astrological symbols

For special events or bulk orders, we may be able to source specific charm designs with sufficient advance notice. Please contact us directly to discuss your personalization needs!

Ready to Create Your Charm Story?

Visit our Charm Bar in-store or book a mobile experience for your next event!

Book Your Charm Bar Experience

Purchasing & Policies

Can I purchase charms without visiting the Charm Bar? +

Yes, you can purchase individual charms, chains, and supplies through our website or in-store without participating in the full Charm Bar experience. This is perfect for:

  • Adding to your existing charm collection
  • Replacing a lost charm
  • Creating DIY projects at home
  • Sending charm gifts to friends and family

Browse our online charm collection to shop individual items, or visit our store to see the full selection in person.

What is your return policy for charm jewelry? +

Due to the personalized nature of charm jewelry, assembled pieces from the Charm Bar experience (in-store or mobile) are not eligible for return or exchange. However:

  • Unused, unopened individual charms or chains purchased online may be returned within 14 days
  • Defective items may be exchanged within 30 days of purchase
  • Booking deposits for the Mobile Charm Bar are non-refundable but may be rescheduled with 7+ days notice
  • In-store Charm Bar booking deposits can be applied to future visits if rescheduled 24+ hours in advance

For specific return inquiries, please contact us at hello@prettypickie.com or text us at 559-825-7259 with your order details.

Do you offer gift cards for the Charm Bar? +

Yes! Charm Bar gift cards make perfect presents for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Our gift cards:

  • Can be purchased in any amount (minimum $20)
  • Are available both in-store and online
  • Can be used for the Charm Bar Experience or individual purchases
  • Never expire
  • Can be delivered digitally via email or as a physical card

Gift cards are especially popular for tweens, teens, and anyone who loves creating personalized jewelry. The recipient gets to enjoy both the creative experience and a beautiful keepsake!

Can I bring a group to the in-store Charm Bar? +

Absolutely! We welcome small groups (2-6 people) at our in-store Charm Bar. For the best experience:

  • Book appointments in advance to ensure we have enough space and stylists
  • Consider visiting during weekday afternoons for a more relaxed experience
  • For groups of 7+ people, we recommend our Mobile Charm Bar service

Groups of friends, family outings, or small celebrations are perfect for our in-store Charm Bar. Each person creates their own unique piece while enjoying the shared creative experience!

Do you ship charm jewelry internationally? +

Currently, we ship individual charms and chains to customers within the United States. Our Mobile Charm Bar service is available throughout the Central Valley region.

If you're interested in international shipping for a specific charm or collection, please contact us directly at hello@prettypickie.com to discuss available options and shipping costs.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help! Reach out to our charm specialists:

  • Visit Us: River Park Shopping Center (next to Me-n-Ed's Pizza)
  • Hours: Open daily 11am-7pm
  • Text: 559-825-7259
  • Email: hello@prettypickie.com

Follow us on social media for the latest charm releases, styling inspiration, and special events!