Fine Jewelry of the American West from the makers of Vogt
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FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)
 

Preserving the traditional silver designs of the American West...
This web site displays only a few of the beautiful Elk Creek products that are available in finer western stores across the West. Our accessories are all fully hand engraved in solid sterling silver and 14 karat gold fill. By choosing Elk Creek Silversmiths you are assured of hand crafted quality in sterling silver.

What is the difference between a Hand Engraved and a Machine Stamped piece?
As the description implies, a fully hand engraved piece is one where an individual artisan carves out the engraved pattern into the silver. This is done "free hand" and requires a tremendous amount of skill and artistic talent. All Elk Creek Silversmith accessories are fully hand engraved.

A machine stamped piece, however, is placed into a large machine press and a pattern is mechanically stamped into the base metal. As a result each stamped piece looks identically the same, but does not exhibit the same luster and character as a fully hand engraved piece.

What is the difference between Solid Sterling Silver and Sterling Plate?
Sterling silver is a precious metal that is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. These other metals, usually copper, give sterling silver the luster and durability that make it one of the world's most popular precious metals. A solid sterling piece is nothing but sterling silver, through and through. All Elk Creek Silversmith accessories are made of solid sterling silver.

Sterling plate is an electrolysis finishing process where a non-precious base metal is coated with a very thin layer of sterling silver. This layer measures in millionths of an inch and does not possess the longevity and luster of a solid sterling product.

How do I clean Solid Sterling Silver?
The easiest and quickest way to polish an engraved solid sterling piece is to scrub it with baking soda and a toothbrush, and rinse under water. For smooth sterling pieces use sterling polishing cloths or a higher quality silver polish. All Elk Creek Silversmith earrings, barrettes, and bracelets are hand lacquered and should never need polishing.

I love Elk Creek! Where can I buy it?
Click on the following icon to find an authorized Elk Creek Silversmiths dealer near you.
 

 
How do I get my Elk Creek items repaired?
1. Either return the product to any authorized Elk Creek Silversmiths dealer or ship it directly to the Elk Creek offices at:

Elk Creek Silversmiths
1210 Commerce Ave., Suite 1
Woodland, CA 95776

2. Mark your box "REPAIR"
3. We recommend using UPS and to definitely INSURE YOUR PACKAGE.
4. Please include all of your contact information:
     telephone number, email address, return address, etc.
5. We will contact you to review cost of repair - if any, and a timeline for return.

Thanks for inquiring,
For the Vogt Family,
Casey Vogt