Learning by Designing, Volume 2

What is the best way to find out your ring size?

The best way to determine your ring size is to visit a local jeweler and have your finger professionally sized. Be sure to tell them the width of the ring you are ordering, as wider rings fit more snugly. For tapered rings, use the width at the back of the ring when determining your size.

For the most accurate fit, have your finger sized with a ring sizer that is the same width as the ring you are ordering. For example, measuring with a ¼ inch wide sizer for a 3/8 inch wide ring may result in a size difference of approximately ¼ to ½.

Can a ring be resized?

If a ring is slightly too tight or too loose and has no settings, inlays, or onlays, it may sometimes be possible to stretch or dome it slightly to adjust the fit. This should be done by a jeweler and often only takes a few minutes.

For larger adjustments, a jeweler will need to resize the ring by cutting the ring and adding or removing a small amount of metal, then soldering it back together. Many of our rings include a sizing gap at the back for this purpose.

Because every ring is different, we recommend consulting a professional jeweler before deciding on any resizing method.

Depending on your wrist size and how wide you prefer the gap to be, our bracelets will generally fit a wrist circumference ¼" (0.5 cm) smaller to ½" (1.3 cm) larger than the posted bracelet length.

Please note: These measurements are estimates, and we cannot guarantee a perfect fit. If you have any questions about sizing, please contact us, and we will be happy to help.

Paddles can be hung vertically, horizontally, or at an angle, depending on your space and preference.

Vertical hanging: In the gallery, we tie a black cotton string around the neck of the paddle, just below the handle, and hang it from a rubber-coated hook to protect the back of the handle. The handle is positioned at the top, with the tip pointing down.

Horizontal or angled hanging: A paddle can be suspended from the wall or ceiling using clear fishing line. Simply loop two lengths of fishing line around the paddle, one near each end, to hold it securely in place.

Wall-mounted holder: Some museums use a custom-made holder lined with felt to hold the paddle securely against the wall. A metal fabricator can make a holder to suit your preferred orientation. This is not a service we offer.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@spiritsofthewestcoast.com.

Argillite is a dense, black, carbonaceous shale known as kwawhlahl in the Haida language. It is found exclusively at a creek on Slatechuck Mountain (Tllgaduu randlaay) on Graham Island, the largest island in the Haida Gwaii archipelago.

Once the stone is cut from the hillside, it must be backpacked down the mountain on foot before it is carved. Argillite carvings have been prized around the world since the 1800s when the Haida began selling pieces to sailors. Today, Haida carvers continue the tradition.

For those who wish to know more about this beautiful and unique sculptural tradition, Carol Sheehan's book 'Breathing Stone' is an excellent resource on contemporary Haida argillite carving and is available in the gallery.

Please note, argillite is a fragile stone. Avoid knocking argillite against hard or sharp surfaces as it can scratch or chip. If handled with care, argillite pieces will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Abalone is a marine snail belonging to the family Haliotidae. Its common name comes from the Spanish terms aulón or aulone. Abalone is a distinctive shell that has long been valued for its iridescent colour and beauty.

For many First Nations peoples of the Northwest Coast, abalone is a valued material with cultural and ceremonial significance. It is often used to create objects of prestige and status, such as chiefs’ headdresses, bracelets, and earrings. Abalone shell is also used for intricate inlay designs, which can carry symbolic meaning.

Traditionally, abalone was obtained through trade with other coastal groups or by harvesting it from the rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest. The collection of abalone was considered a sacred activity by Indigenous peoples of the region.

In addition to its ceremonial and spiritual significance, abalone had practical uses. The meat was an important food source, while the shell was used to make tools such as knives, hooks, and needles.

Today, abalone continues to be an important part of Pacific Northwest Coast culture. Many Indigenous artists continue to work with abalone in contemporary art and cultural revitalization efforts. Abalone art and artifacts are also highly valued by collectors and museums.

Overfishing and poaching have reduced wild abalone populations significantly. Farmed abalone now supplies much of the abalone used commercially and provides a more sustainable option.

Jewelry containing abalone should be removed when showering. Avoid contact with soaps and chemicals, including polish, as they can dull the appearance of abalone.

Where Do We Ship?

We ship worldwide.

Free shipping is available on most items within Canada and the continental United States.

Shipping Times

Shipping times listed below are estimates for items that are currently in stock.

Delivery times do not include customs delays or unforeseen circumstances that are outside of our control, and may be longer for remote locations. 
All delivery estimates are approximate and not guaranteed.

If you have a specific delivery deadline, please contact us by phone or email before placing your order so we can confirm item availability and discuss shipping options.

Regular Shipping

Our standard shipping option includes tracking and insurance, and is free on most items within Canada and the continental United States. We work with several different shipping companies and couriers, selecting the best option based on the item ordered, its size, the delivery destination, and other factors.

Estimated standard delivery times are:

• Canada: 2—9 business days
• United States: 5—12 business days
• Europe: 6—35 business days
• Other international destinations: 6—35 business days

Express and Alternative Shipping Options

If you require faster delivery, courier service, or a different shipping option, please contact us for a custom shipping quote.

Estimated delivery times for expedited services are:

Priority™ Worldwide:

• United States: 2—3 business days
• Europe: 3—5 business days
• Other international destinations: 4—6 business days

International Parcel Surface:

• Up to 7 weeks

Production Time

Custom orders, made-to-order items, or pieces that are not currently in stock will require additional production time. Production time varies widely depending on the artist and complexity of the item ordered. Please contact us for an estimate of production time.

International Duties, Taxes, and Customs

International shipments may be subject to customs processing, import duties, taxes, brokerage fees, or other charges imposed by the destination country, depending on the type of item, declared value, and the customs regulations of the destination country.

The declared value of each shipment is determined in accordance with customs regulations.

As the buyer, please be aware of possible:

• Delays due to customs inspections
• Import duties and taxes
• Brokerage or handling fees payable upon delivery.

For more information, please contact your country's customs office.

United States Orders

As of September 2026, newly implemented U.S. tariffs have been incorporated into our USD pricing. Our U.S. prices include prepaid duties and tariffs (DDP — Delivery Duty Paid).