FAQ's
Are all your items vintage?
Almost everything we offer is vintage...it's our specialty. On occasion, we search out contemporary findings with a vintage feel to make it easier to use our vintage items. We will always note if an item is old or not, actually vintage or made to look so.
Where can I find your items?
We are now selling on Etsy as VintageDesignSource, and welcome verified wholesale buyers there and in our brick and mortar store in Fullerton, CA. Follow us on Instagram as @gildingvintage to see what's new, stay on top of restocks and limited edition items. Contact us via convo on Etsy to place and order, text us at 714-349-2069, or email us at vintagedesignresource@yahoo.com for assistance.
If I like an item I order, will I be able to get more?
Many times, yes. When we land on something good we try to get as much as possible in stock. We work with warehouses back East and buy in quantity, both to negotiate price and guarantee more inventory. We have also moved more into using our vintage inventories to create unique items that you will find nowhere else, and now control our own casting and replication, plating and finishes, as well as the manufacture of Japanese baroque pearls to augment our own collection of vintage Miriam Haskell pearls.
If something is marked sold out on Etsy, can I get more?
We can, and do sell out quickly on some items, but just because the site says it's sold doesn't mean there isn't more to go back up for sale. Don't hesitate to contact us to check on the availability of any item. We'll be happy to check our brick and mortar inventory and our production schedule to see when items will be back in stock. If you anticipate needing quantities of any item, please let us know so we can get that into the production queue or guarantee availability of limited vintage items.
How do I achieve the patina effect on the silver and bronze antiquities?
By using our patina solutions for each metal finish (brown patina for brass, bronze and copper; gold and silver darkener for our sterling plated metals), you can achieve a vintage look on your castings. Instructions are on each bottle for how to use the patina, but we do recommend buffing the metals with fine grade steel wool (#0000) to give you the contrast your desire. Still have more questions? Feel free to email us: gildingthelilyvintage@yahoo.com
Do you actually make your custom chains - or are they imported?
Our chains are made on premises by hand. We design the patterns and source the materials we use: vintage glass pearls, vintage bead caps, select Czech glass, semiprecious stone beads, vintage wood and glass, chain and metal beads. Are designs cannot be duplicated, and are found only in our store and on our site. Chain are kept in production as long as possible, sometimes retooled, and eventually retired. Listings will note if any given design is a limited production run.
Do you have a store or studio I can come visit?
Gilding the Lily is our brick and mortar store in southern California, which stocks not only vintage jewelry supplies, but also a huge inventory of vintage ribbons, trims, laces, and appliques, as well as buttons, papers, vintage holiday, German glass glitters, crepes and Dresdens. Gilding is located in the historic downtown district of Fullerton, California, in a 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival hotel known as the Villa del Sol. Our store is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 to 6 pm. Sunday and Monday by request. Call us at 714-349-2069 to arrange a visit.
Do you sell wholesale to the trade?
We welcome wholesale applications to our site. You may apply for wholesale access by clicking on the wholesale link and submitting your business name, contact information, and your seller's permit or NTTC (Non-Taxable Transaction Certificate) for your state. We will contact the department of revenue in your state to verify your status before activating your account. Our brick and mortar store in California services all accounts, wholesale and retail. Retail orders inside California will be subject to state sales tax.
I want to order a large quantity of an item...is this possible?
Depending on in-stock availability and the ability to order more if any given item, we can accommodate special requests. Items that we replicate may be special ordered; items we create from vintage components are available as long as those components are in stock. When we do land on something special, we tend to scoop it all up, which improves our ability to produce our designs for a longer period of time.
What if I receive a defective item?
Please notify us as soon as your receive your package, and we will take steps to remedy the problem immediately.
