FAQ

Do you take credit cards?
Yes, all major credit cards are processed through PayPal.

Does Alaska Boro need to know my credit card number?
All credit card transactions are handled by PayPal. Alaska Boro has NO access to your credit card information.

Is there an up charge for using PayPal?
The price listed in the shopping cart is the price that you will pay.

Is insurance required?
Insurance is not required. However, Alaska Boro will NOT replace any item/s that are lost, damaged or missing if insurance is not purchased.

Can I return an item?
Any undamaged or unused item can be returned as long as the return post mark is within 30 calendar days of when the item was received.

When items are shipped is there a delivery conformation?
All shipped merchandise is tracked by the US Post Office as to time and date of delivery.

Will you accept worn or damaged beads for a full refund?
Only unused and undamaged glass is accepted for refund within 30 calendar days.

One of my beads broke?
Alaska Boro will replace the item without cost provided that the damage was not done through carelessness. You pay shipping to Alaska Boro and Alaska Boro will return a new similar bead back to you without cost.

Will a replacement boro bead look the same as the replaced bead?
Boro is a unique medium. The bead will look similar, but will not be an exact match.

Can I return a product without notification?
All returns must be authorized first. Please email or phone to obtain a return authorization number.

Some beads are marked "clear encased". What does this indicate?
Some beads are made with a heavy outer coating of clear glass over a central color core. Thus providing a desirable lens effect which magnifies the core color and increased depth perception.

Why are beads listed in MM?
It is common practice for lampwork bead makers to use the metric system for bead size measurements. Here is a listing using US coins measured in millimeters for size comparison.

Dime - 17.91 mm
Penny - 19.04 mm
Nickel - 21.25 mm
Quarter - 24.08 mm

Keep in mind that a bead will look larger than an equivalent coin due to the bead's thickness and mass.

The colors are close but not the same as on your website.
Each computer monitor is different so it is impossible to display colors that are exact. The best that can be done is to come close. If a bead does not match your needs, please return for a refund or credit within the thirty day grace period.

The beads have such intense colors.
These colors are generated through the use of Borosilicate glass that makes up the bead. In addition, each bead is photographed using light sources that simulate how the bead will appear if viewed in direct sunlight. The colors are intense and seemingly ever changing with streaming sunlight.

How much do I get back for a returned item?
You will receive your full purchase price minus the cost of shipping and any purchased insurance.

When returning an item do I pay for shipping and insurance?
The cost of shipping and insurance is your responsibility. Items shipped but not received can not be credited as returned.

Can an item be returned using UPS or FedEx.
The choice of a return carrier is totally up to you. USPS was chosen, as in many cases, it is the least costly alternative. Using USPS First Class Package rate is a good choice for low weight items under 13 ounces.

How much is insurance?
The insurance rate is based on the dollar amount of the order. As an example, for a $35 dollar order it is $1.75.

Is there an up charge on USPS insurance?
The rate you pay is the same rate that Alaska Boro pays to the US Postal Service.

How are your beads shipped?
Beads are shipped using USPS First Class Package rate for shipments up to 13 ounces. If over 13, then USPS Priority mail will be used. Delivery conformation is used for both shipping methods.

Is there a handling fee?
Alaska Boro has no handing fee. Shipping costs are set at a flat rate per order plus any purchased USPS insurance.

How long will it take to get my order?
Packages, on the average, to the lower 48 take four business days from date of shipment depending on location. USPS lists a shipping time range of 2 to 5 days.

How long does it take to process and order?
Most orders go out the next business day, longer on weekends. If ordered on Saturday or Sunday expect shipping on Monday or the next business day if a holiday.

Can more than one listed bead be purchased?
All beads are unique and are considered in the same realm as works of art. Only one of a kind is available in most cases. However, it is possible to special order a 'set' of beads that look the same for a jewelry creation that may require 3 to 7 beads.

Can beads be picked up at your lampwork studio?
Individuals living in Anchorage may stop by the studio to pickup beads. Shipping and handling charges do not apply for local pickup. Please email Alaska Boro so that beads of interest, can be removed from inventory.

How long are beads held for local pickup?
Beads will be taken out of inventory for a maximum of 24 hours from the time of email receipt.

Are you really located in Alaska?
Yes, Alaska Boro is located in Anchorage, Alaska. The land of the 'last frontier'. All boro glass beads are hand torched one at a time in our Alaskan torch room.

If I have a question, how can I contact you?
At the bottom of each page is link that will generate an email. Or phone us at 503-741-9626.