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Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Yes. Every stone we work with is carefully and responsibly acquired by Andrew Dunloy, our artist and stone cutter. Many of our materials come from private collections or estate sales of lapidaries and geologists, allowing us to preserve rare, high-quality specimens while honoring their legacy.
In addition, Andrew and our small team of gem and mineral hunters personally hand-dig and harvest stones in the wild forests of the Pacific Northwest. Often, nature itself leads the way — landslides and fallen trees reveal hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered. All materials are legally and respectfully gathered, ensuring that each piece you hold carries not only beauty, but integrity.
At Lost Ancients Jewelry, every stone is treated with the utmost care and respect. We combine time-honored lapidary techniques with both antique and modern equipment — including trusted names like Lortone, Hilquist, Diamond Pacific, MaySaw, and Highland Park.
The process begins with precision slicing, often using auto-feed saws, to reveal the hidden beauty within each mineral. From there, slabs are flat-lapped to remove saw marks and carefully sanded, starting with an 80–120 grit and progressing through to 600–1200 grit. Finally, each piece is buffed with tin oxide, creating a smooth, glass-like finish that highlights the natural mysteries of the stone.
When we craft cabochons for jewelry, we select shapes from the polished slabs using a wet trim saw. Each piece is then secured to a copper post, allowing Andrew to shape and polish it with the highest level of control. Through a series of diamond-impregnated steel and plastic abrasive wheels, the stone is brought to life, then finished on a leather buff with cerium oxide for a radiant, mirror-like shine.
We love sharing this process — you can even watch some of our videos online to see the journey from raw stone to finished treasure. And if you have questions along the way, we’re always happy to answer them.
Yes — creating custom jewelry is one of our greatest joys. Whether you bring us a clear design idea or just a spark of inspiration, we’ll work together to transform your vision into a timeless piece of wearable art.
Our designer, Andrew, has created hundreds of custom works — each one carefully drawn, designed, and handcrafted into a talisman or adornment that reflects the wearer’s unique story. You’re welcome to guide the design process yourself, or allow Andrew to take the lead and create something truly one-of-a-kind just for you.
To begin, simply fill out the custom order form on this page. Once we receive your request, we’ll schedule a video consultation to discuss your ideas, explore design possibilities, and plan the creation of your piece.
Please note:
- A $250 deposit is required to book your consultation. This fee is applied to the cost of your finished piece and is non-refundable if you decide not to move forward.
- All custom orders include up to three design revisions to ensure your piece feels perfect before fabrication.
Each of our creations is carefully described so you’ll always know exactly what you’re receiving.
- Rough specimens are stones left in their natural state — raw, untouched, and full of earth’s original character.
- Polished pieces have been shaped and buffed to reveal a smooth, glass-like surface that highlights the stone’s inner beauty.
- Cabochons are specially cut and polished stones, designed for setting into jewelry.
We invite you to browse our collections like a gallery of nature’s treasures — whether you’re seeking raw specimens, shimmering polished slabs, or finished jewelry-ready cabochons, each piece is clearly labeled and ready for you to explore.
Our inventory is always evolving — each new season and adventure brings fresh treasures to the forefront. We regularly add new slabs, crystals, and jewelry to our shop on a weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis, so there’s always something new to discover.
Because every piece is one-of-a-kind, many items find their new homes quickly. Once sold, they become part of our history and won’t be restocked in the same form. We encourage you to check back often so you don’t miss the piece that speaks to you.
Absolutely! The best way to stay updated is to join our mailing list — subscribers receive first access to new releases, restocks, and special announcements.
You can also follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes glimpses of our process, previews of upcoming pieces, and real-time updates when new treasures become available.
✨ Join us and never miss the moment when your next stone, slab, or jewel comes to life.
Lost Ancients Jewelry is lovingly brought to life by Andrew Wilson Dunloy and Charlotte Elizabeth Lavina Brown — two artists, partners, and dreamers doing their best to add more beauty, light, and meaning to the world.
The two met at what can only be described as the Universe’s perfect timing — a destined crossing of paths that sparked both love and purpose. Together, they discovered a shared fire that touches every facet of their lives: family, art, creation, and connection.
Lost Ancients Jewelry was born from that fire — a heartfelt dream turned living art. Each piece we create is an offering of love to the world, a reminder that beauty still thrives where darkness once rested.
Welcome to our dream made tangible — Lost Ancients Jewelry, created in love and shared with you.
Check out our About Us section for more.
FOR JEWELERS & MAKERS
Nearly all of our stones and minerals are completely natural — just as they were found in the earth. At Lost Ancients Jewelry, we only pass along materials that meet the same standards we use in our own work.
Our gems are hand-mined, not dynamited or pneumatically extracted, which helps preserve their natural structure and minimize fractures or stress lines. This gentle approach allows each stone’s true energy and beauty to remain intact.
For certain delicate materials — such as heirloom turquoise or precious opals — we may use a natural backing to provide extra strength and stability. This ensures your jewelry remains durable and ready to be worn and cherished for a lifetime, dancing in both daylight and moonlight.
Absolutely! Creating matched pairs and custom shapes is one of our favorite parts of the craft. If you see a material you love but need it in a specific size or cut, simply reach out with your dimensions or design details.
Andrew will personally preview the stone and custom cut it to your specifications — whether you’re envisioning a perfect set of earrings, a striking centerpiece, or beautifully balanced accent stones. Each cut is made with care, precision, and a deep appreciation for the creative process you’re part of.
Our polished slabs are finished with great care and precision. Each piece is ground and smoothed through multiple grit stages, moving gradually from coarse to fine before being brought to a brilliant finish.
We typically work up to 800 grit, then polish using aluminum oxide, tin oxide, and cerium oxide — achieving a luminous, glass-like surface that reveals the stone’s natural depth and beauty.
✨ Every finish is done by hand, ensuring each slab reflects light — and craftsmanship — in its truest form.
At this time, we don’t offer wholesale or bulk pricing. Every stone and piece we share is hand-selected, individually cut, and crafted with care — making each one a unique work of art rather than a mass-produced item.
That said, we love working with fellow makers and jewelers. If you’re looking for specific materials for an ongoing project, feel free to reach out to us at info@lostancientsjewelry.com. We’re always happy to explore how we can support your creative vision.
Each stone begins its transformation in our studio using trusted lapidary tools, including an 8-inch Lortone, a MaySaw arbor, and a modified Highland Park unit. With these, Andrew masterfully cuts, shapes, and polishes every cabochon to reveal the natural artistry hidden within the stone.
Through careful grinding, smoothing, and fine polishing, each piece is brought to a luminous finish — one that mirrors the stone’s innate landscapes and highlights its most captivating features. The result is a polished brilliance that feels both ancient and alive.
Shipping & Returns
At this time, we ship within the United States and Canada only. We’re currently working toward expanding our reach worldwide so that collectors and creators everywhere can enjoy our pieces.
✨ Stay tuned — we look forward to sending our treasures across the globe soon. Sign up for our mailing list and we'll let you know as soon as we do.
We take great care in preparing every order, from packaging to postage. Most orders are processed within 3–7 business days before being shipped via USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate (within the U.S. and Canada).
Please note that we do not ship on weekends or holidays — and from time to time, our team is out in the wilderness mining new treasures (where Wi-Fi is as rare as the stones we find!).
Once shipped, you’ll receive a tracking number so you can follow your order’s journey from our hands to yours.
Yes — every order is carefully and securely packaged to ensure your treasures arrive safely and beautifully. Each piece is custom wrapped and cushioned to prevent damage during transit.
We take pride in making the unboxing experience feel special — because we want you to feel the same joy opening your parcel as we did uncovering the stone itself. Your new piece has traveled far and been handled with care every step of the way.
Because each stone and jewelry piece is one-of-a-kind, we’re unable to accept returns or exchanges at this time. However, if your order arrives damaged or if there’s a problem with your shipment, please contact us right away — we’ll do everything we can to make it right.
✨ Our goal is for every customer to feel as delighted with their piece as we felt creating it.
If your item arrives damaged, don’t worry — it’s fully insured for its retail and shipping value. Simply contact us as soon as possible with photos of the damage, and we’ll guide you through the next steps to file a claim or arrange a replacement where possible.
We handle each situation with care and want you to feel confident knowing your purchase is protected from our hands to yours.
Yes, absolutely — and we encourage it! If you place multiple orders around the same time, we’ll gladly combine them into a single shipment whenever possible.
We believe in reducing waste and saving on unnecessary shipping costs, so stacking your treasures together helps both the planet and your pocket. If you’d like to combine orders, just leave us a note at checkout or send us a quick message after purchasing.
CUSTOM ORDERS & REQUESTS
To begin your custom creation, simply submit your design request through our Custom Orders page. Once we receive your form, we’ll reach out to schedule a phone or video consultation with our designer, Andrew, to discuss your ideas and bring your vision to life.
✨ Every custom piece begins with a conversation — your story, your stone, your design.
At this time, we don’t offer reservations for pieces. Because many of our creations are one-of-a-kind, items are available on a first-come, first-served basis once they’re listed in the shop.
We recommend keeping a close eye on our social media and joining our mailing list for early access and announcements — that way, you’ll never miss the moment your next treasure becomes available.
✨ When a piece calls to you, answer quickly — the rare ones never stay long.
Yes, we do — and it’s one of the most meaningful parts of what we create. We’re honored to collaborate on custom commissions for wedding jewelry, memorial pieces, altar stones, and other sacred works of art.
Each project begins with an in-depth conversation about your vision and intention. From there, Andrew will help design and craft a piece that carries deep personal significance — a creation infused with meaning, memory, and spirit.
In addition to his work as a jeweler and lapidary artist, Andrew is also a master craftsman, with years of experience in home renovation and custom fabrication. His background in woodworking and metalwork allows him to build not only jewelry, but unique art pieces, sacred displays, and altar creations that blend beauty, structure, and soul.
✨ To begin your custom commission, reach out through our Custom Orders page — we would be honored to bring your vision to life.
Yes — we’re happy to work with your personal stones whenever possible. Cutting and setting customer-supplied material is something we proudly offer at Lost Ancients Jewelry.
To begin, simply send us an email with details and photos of your stone. From there, we’ll discuss your vision, review the material, and determine the best way to bring your idea to life.
✨ Every stone has a story — we’d love to help you turn yours into a timeless piece of art.
MYSTICAL & CARE
Crystals love to be tended to — just as they hold energy, they also need time to release and renew it. You can cleanse and recharge your stones in several simple, sacred ways:
- Ocean water baths: Saltwater restores and purifies natural minerals. (If you’re inland, a gentle sea-salt soak works beautifully too.)
- Full moon exposure: Place your stones under the light of the full moon to refresh their energy and reconnect them to nature’s rhythm.
- Smoke cleansing: Use sage, incense, or sacred herbs to gently waft purifying smoke around your crystals.
✨ A gentle reminder: not all stones enjoy water. Selenite, malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and opal are best kept dry, as water can dull or damage their surfaces.
Each method offers its own kind of renewal — choose the one that feels right for you and your stone. With care and intention, your crystals will continue to shine and support you for years to come.
Some of our stones can be gently washed or rinsed, but not all crystals are suited for long soaks or direct contact with water. Gems like opal, malachite, and turquoise are more delicate and can be damaged by moisture or cleaning products.
When it comes to crystal-infused water or elixirs, there are two main approaches — each with its own purpose and level of safety:
- The Direct Method This approach involves placing the crystal directly into the water, allowing a more immediate energetic transfer. It’s best reserved for hard, non-toxic stones that are not soluble, such as clear quartz or amethyst. Always research your specific stone first, as some minerals can dissolve or release trace elements when submerged.
- The Indirect Method For crystals that are soft, soluble, or potentially toxic, use an indirect infusion. Place the crystal in a smaller glass container or separate vessel, and set that inside your main water jar. This way, the stone’s energy can still infuse the water without any physical contact — keeping the water safe and uncontaminated.
Many practitioners enjoy aligning their infusions with natural rhythms — leaving their crystal water under sunlight for a day to charge it with vitality, or under the full moon to absorb lunar calm and reflection. The process can be as intuitive as it is traditional; trust what feels right to you and your intention.
✨ When in doubt, choose the indirect method. It’s the gentlest way to honor both your crystals and your wellbeing.
Yes — every stone we offer has been cleansed and charged beneath several full moon phases before it ever reaches your hands.
We see this as an essential part of our craft: infusing each crystal and piece of jewelry with positivity, clarity, and loving intention. This ritual ensures that every gem arrives to you energetically balanced and ready to be part of your journey — a vessel of light, art, and ancient Earth magic.
✨ From the soil to the sky, every piece is prepared with care, reverence, and purpose.