General
Breast milk jewelry is a unique form of jewelry that incorporates a small amount of a mother's breast milk into the design. The breast milk is typically preserved and encased within resin to create a personalized and meaningful piece of jewelry. This type of jewelry serves as a sentimental keepsake, symbolizing the bond between mother and child during the breastfeeding journey.
At Milk Stone, we have the expertise to work with a variety of inclusions and materials to craft unique and stunning pieces of jewelry. Our selection includes ashes, sand, breast milk, clothing, flowers, umbilical cord, placenta, crystals, gold flake, silver flake, opal flake, glitter, colorful pigments, and more! Here is the specified quantity required for each inclusion:
- Breast Milk (15ml)
- Special flowers that have been pressed or dried before sending (1 petal of each flower being sent). Please note that some flowers may fade over time.
- Clothing (half an inch square)
- Pregnancy test cap (one cap)
- Sand or dirt from special locations (1 tbsp)
- Ashes (1 tbsp)
- Formula (1 tbsp)
- Placenta (1 placenta pill or dehydrated/crushed placenta)
- Umbilical cord (cut off some of the stump, ensure it is dried and crushed before sending)
- Hair (1 inch lock of hair per piece; additional hair may be required for the moon phase necklace)
To ensure a smooth process, kindly refrain from sending us the last of your inclusion items, such as breast milk, placenta, umbilical cord, etc. In the rare event that items are lost in transit, having a backup is always advisable. Thank you for entrusting us with your precious materials for your custom jewelry creation.
Each piece of jewelry, including rings, earrings, and necklaces, is uniquely crafted by our metal smith artist, Melanie Malia. Melanie is extensively trained in creating DNA jewelry, using a special process to preserve your breast milk. The Milk Stone Jewelry pieces are lovingly encased in resin to ensure longevity and prevent molding or yellowing over time.
Nestled in a serene, rural Pennsylvania town, Milk Stone offers a tranquil setting for our craft. We proudly provide international shipping for your convenience.
Certainly! If you have a specific design in mind, please feel free to include details in the notes section and attach a photo of either a hand-drawn and colored design or an image from online that inspires you.
Please note that while we will strive to replicate the design to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee a 100% likeness. Each piece will be crafted uniquely for you. As a small, family-owned business, we currently do not offer custom metal smithing designs.
Due to the preservation process, we cannot ensure that the color of your final milk stone will precisely match the shade of the breast milk you provided.
To enhance a more uniform appearance, we offer the option to include a white pigment or pearl shimmer. It's worth noting that most milk stones naturally have a white or off-white hue.
We only need 15ml of breast milk, which amounts to one tablespoon. This quantity is ample for creating your unique piece of jewelry and for preserving some breast milk for any future pieces you may want.
If you are only able to send 5-10ml of breast milk, that is perfectly acceptable too, and we can still proceed with that amount.
Note: It's recommended that you do not send us the very last of your breast milk, as there is a possibility of packages getting lost during transit.
We store your processed breast milk and any additional inclusions for future purchases, unless you request otherwise. Additionally, please note that we return ashes to you. As a returning customer with your breast milk on file, you will receive a 10% discount coupon towards your next purchase.
Order
The current estimated delivery timeframe is typically between 6 to 20 weeks from when we receive your breast milk and inclusions. Kindly monitor the order status page for further updates.
The countdown for crafting your jewelry begins upon receiving your keepsake in the mail, not when you place your order online. For instance, if you ordered your jewelry two months ago but only sent your keepsake two weeks back, the crafting time will still be 6-20 weeks after we receive your breast milk and inclusions. To ensure a speedy service, it is advisable to send us your inclusions promptly after ordering your keepsake.
There is no set timeframe for mailing your breast milk and inclusions to Milk Stone. However, the sooner you send us your precious items, the sooner you can expect to receive your jewelry. Your waiting period commences only upon our receipt of your breast milk and inclusions by mail.
As the breast milk will not be consumed, it is permissible to send expired breast milk, breast milk stored in the freezer for extended periods, or breast milk expressed directly from the breast. Refrigeration is not required during shipping. However, if you are sending frozen breast milk, kindly thaw it before sending it out.
Requesting a signature upon delivery is not advisable, as we receive mail at a P.O. box. If a signature is required, please be aware that the package will be sent back to you, and we will not be able to receive it due to our P.O. box address. Opt for package tracking and regularly check our order status page for updates on received inclusions. It is your responsibility to monitor your inclusions using your order number. If your inclusions do not reflect on the updated page, they will be promptly posted the following week. For any concerns, please contact us at hello@milkstone.co. Kindly refrain from sending the last of your breast milk or inclusions, as there is a risk of items getting misplaced during transit. Thank you for your cooperation.
Should you need to update your address after placing an order, please feel free to reach out to us at Hello@milkstone.co.
In the event that you forget to update your address and your jewelry is subsequently mailed to an incorrect destination, kindly note that we cannot be held responsible for such occurrences. Rest assured, should such a situation arise, we will address and resolve it on a case-by-case basis to the best of our ability.
When selecting a ring, it is crucial to ensure absolute accuracy in determining your ring size. Once your order has been placed, adjustments to the ring size are not possible. Thus, it is highly recommended to have your ring finger professionally sized by a reputable jeweler. It is not advisable to have your ring finger sized immediately after giving birth, within the first 6 months postpartum, during pregnancy, or while menstruating.
If you provide an incorrect ring size, we do not recommend resizing the ring as doing so may compromise the integrity of your jewelry. Please note that our ring sizes adhere to the standard US sizing guidelines. For international customers, we recommend consulting a professional jeweler to convert your size to the corresponding US measurement.
Unfortunately, once an order has been processed, electronic changes cannot be made. However, we may be able to assist you with alternate solutions if we are contacted within 24 hours of your purchase. Should you encounter any challenges, please reach out to us at Hello@milkstone.co.
We recommend taking the time to ensure that your order is accurate and reflects your preferences before submitting it.
We will prioritize the completion of whichever item is finished first and may consolidate orders for shipment, depending on the items included. Please note that shipping costs for combined orders will not be refunded. If you wish to have your orders consolidated, please reach out to us at hello@milkstone.co.
Before placing your order on Milk Stone's website, please provide detailed descriptions of your desired jewelry piece in the notes section. Additionally, you have the option to attach a hand-drawn and colored image or a reference photo from the internet depicting your vision for the jewelry. Once the order is confirmed, it cannot be modified electronically. Please ensure the accuracy of your order before finalizing it. If any changes or adjustments are necessary, please contact us at hello@milkstone.co.
Certainly. Every month is associated with a specific flower and birthstone that can be included in your customization. The exception is April, which traditionally features a diamond but will be substituted with cubic zirconia instead. You may indicate whether you prefer a birth flower or birthstone to be incorporated into your order.
Product Care
Treating your breast milk jewelry like a precious heirloom piece is crucial for its care and longevity. Please adhere to these guidelines to ensure the lasting beauty and quality of your cherished jewelry.
1. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and heat, as all resins can yellow when subjected to these elements.
2. Store your jewelry in an airtight container, wrapped in fabric, and placed in an airless ziplock bag if not worn regularly. Do not mix with other jewelry items.
3. Refrain from using water or harsh chemicals to clean your jewelry. Instead, gently wipe the milk stone with a dry flannel and use a silver or gold polishing cloth for metal tarnishing.
4. Handle your jewelry delicately to prevent scratches, as resin can scratch when encountering hard surfaces.
5. Steer clear of creams, perfumes, lotions, and other cosmetics, as direct contact can damage the jewelry.
6. Minimize exposure to water and condensation to maintain the piece's shine and beauty over time. Remove jewelry while showering, swimming, doing dishes, or engaging in strenuous activities.
7. Keep your jewelry off during rigorous activities or under conditions where tiny particles, like sand, may become trapped in the piece, as this can damage delicate designs and settings.
8. Keep your jewelry away from children and pets to prevent accidental damage.
By following these care instructions, your breast milk jewelry can be treasured and enjoyed as a special keepsake for a lifetime.
If the resin on your jewelry becomes dull or scratched, please don't hesitate to contact us at hello@milkstone.co. We offer refinishing services at a nominal cost to restore the shine and quality of your piece.
With proper care according to our instructions, your piece should have a lasting quality that can withstand a lifetime.
We use UV resin which is specifically designed not to yellow. However, it is important to adhere to the care instructions as there is a risk of resin yellowing if not maintained properly, as with any type of resin. If your piece happens to yellow or lose its shine due to prolonged use, we offer repair services at a cost to restore its original beauty.
For more information or to inquire about repair services, please contact us at hello@milkstone.co.
Repairs
Over time, with regular wear, you may desire a refresh for your Milk Stone piece. This typically involves a sanding and polishing process to revitalize your milk stone and restore its shine and smooth texture, especially if your piece has been worn frequently.
Due to everyday wear and tear or not following care instructions, resin can develop scratches and lose its glossy finish. However, this is completely normal and correctable! If you would like a repair of your piece, please reach out to us at hello@milkstone.co.
Discounts
As a valued returning customer, we are excited to extend a 10% discount on your next order! Additionally, we frequently host giveaways and run special promotions on all our social media platforms. Make sure to stay tuned for upcoming offers and events.
We understand that this situation can be frustrating. Once an order has been placed, we are unable to provide refunds for any differences related to a code.
Cancellation
Orders can be canceled within 24 hours of purchase for a refund, subject to a cancellation fee of $50.00. If the cancellation request is made after the 24-hour window, a store credit will be issued instead.
Shipping
When an order is placed, an email confirmation will be sent with specific instructions on sending your inclusions to us. Here are the guidelines to follow:
1. You are responsible for covering the shipping costs for sending your inclusions to us.
2. Avoid selecting signature upon delivery, as our P.O. Box cannot accommodate signed deliveries.
3. The mailing address for your inclusions will be provided in the confirmation email.
Note: Please do not send Milk Stone the last of any of your inclusions in the rare event that mail gets lost.Only ashes will be returned with your order, while any remaining inclusions will be carefully preserved and stored for potential future pieces at your request.
Sending Breast Milk
- Put 15ml into a breast milk storage bag and make sure it is sealed properly.
- Take that bag and place it in another breast milk storage bag.
- Take that bag and place it in yet another breast milk storage bag.
- Label the third exterior breast milk storage bag with your full name and order number. Please do not label the interior bags. In case the breast milk leaks through the first and second bag the ink won't leach into your breast milk.
- If you are sending any other inclusions with your breast milk they need to be in a separate bag that is also labeled with your name and order number.
- This can be sent in a normal letter envelope or small bubble wrapper. No need to send in an extravagant package.
Sending Hair
- Please send a thick lock of hair or whatever you feel comfortable parting with.Â
- Take the lock of hair and tie a string around it. Â
- Wrap that in a little piece of tissue and put that in a ziplock bag.
- Label with your name and order number
Sending Flowers
- Please ensure that your flowers are fully dried before sending to prevent mold.
- To dry your flowers, gently sandwich them flat between two layers of paper towels and place them inside a book or heavy object for pressing. Another method is using silica gel, which can be purchased on Amazon, though it is a pricier option. Alternatively, you can hang the flowers upside down to dry in sunlight. While this method may cause slight color fading over time, rest assured that your flowers will be preserved in UV resin to maintain their beauty. Please note that some minimal fading may occur naturally as part of the preservation process.
- To ensure accurate preservation, kindly include at least one petal from each flower you wish to have preserved. You may select from our birth month flower options during checkout or provide your own meaningful blooms for us to work with. For safe shipment, sandwich the petals between paper towels and place them in a labeled ziplock bag along with your name and order number. When sending in breast milk along with the petals, we recommend placing them in separate bags to prevent any potential leakage from affecting the other inclusions. This precaution ensures the integrity of your cherished pieces in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Sending Ashes, Soil, Sand or formula
- Please send at least 1 tablespoon in a ziplock baggie.
- Please label the outside of your baggie with your name and order number.
Sending Placenta
- If using a capsule please provide one or two.
- If not already encapsulated please ensure the placenta is fully dried by using a dehydrator or oven. Once completely dry please crush before sending.
Sending Umbilical Cord Stump
- Please cut a little piece off of the umbilical stump. Ensure that it is completely dried before sending.
- Cut into small pieces and place in a ziplock bag.
We offer worldwide shipping. Please select the appropriate international shipping option at checkout. Please note that duties and taxes may be applied to international orders. It is the responsibility of the recipient to handle any applicable fees upon delivery. Milk Stone is not liable for these charges.
Returns
Should your keepsake be returned to Milk Stone due to being undeliverable, we are more than willing to resend it; however, please note that the second shipping cost will be at your expense. It is crucial that a correct address is provided if the initial delivery was unsuccessful. Given that the keepsake is custom-made for you, please be aware that refunds will not be issued in the event of non-delivery.
Thank you for choosing Milk Stone for your unique handmade products. As each piece is crafted with care and individuality in mind, we do not offer exchanges or refunds, as no two items will be identical to any reference images provided. Our creations are designed to embrace slight imperfections such as air bubbles, and variations in milk colors, ensuring a one-of-a-kind piece exclusively for you. In the rare event that your item is faulty or exhibits a manufacturing defect, we do offer refunds to rectify the situation. Please bear in mind that natural variations in color and texture do not qualify as defects. Should you require assistance or encounter any issues, please don't hesitate to reach out; we are committed to making things right. Rest assured, we document each piece before shipping for quality assurance.
To ensure a smooth transaction, please finalize your order details before checkout, as changes cannot be accommodated once the order is processed.
Additionally, we recommend consulting a professional jeweler to obtain an accurate ring size, as we do not facilitate exchanges for different sizes post-purchase. Keep in mind that obtaining a size during pregnancy, menstruation, or within six months postpartum may lead to inaccurate measurements due to weight fluctuations.
Thank you for your understanding and support of Milk Stone's unique creations.