About Us

Thank you for your interest in Bittersweet Beads.
 
Bittersweet Beads is an online jewelry store based in Chicago, IL, created by Mary Ann and John Tunnell.  Mary Ann is an artist and art therapist, while John has an extensive background in business and management.

Mary Ann’s identity as an artist formed at an early age.  Whether it was painting, printmaking or 3-dimensional work, she has always had an urge to create.  Mary Ann studied art in college and earned a BFA, with a concentration in painting, from Miami University.  Interested in the therapeutic and healing aspects of art, she went on to earn a MA in Art Therapy from the University of Illinois.  For Mary Ann, art is a natural way of exploring and expressing herself and as an art therapist, Mary Ann helps others to use the creative process to get to know themselves.
 
Bittersweet Beads was born out of Mary Ann’s passion for making jewelry and her desire to connect with others through her art. After many years of giving her jewelry as gifts, and occasionally selling it, she and her husband, John, combined their efforts to begin their own business.  Guided by the materials and her creative process, Mary Ann creates jewelry that is visually exciting, innovative and expressive, in order to help others celebrate their own unique beauty and sense of style.

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Gift Certificates:
Not sure what you are looking for? Be sure that they get the gift that they want, purchase a Gift Certificate! Gift Certificates are available in different amounts and may be used at any time to make purchases from www.bittersweetbeads.com. The Gift Certificate code is entered as a form of payment at checkout and may be used all at once, or with several purchases. Balances carry over until they have been used. Gift Certificates are good for one year from date of issue. Gift Certificates may be sent via email or regular mail- it's your choice. Unfortunately, Gift Certificates may not be applied toward past purchases and coupon codes are not applicable with a gift certificate purchase. ORDER A GIFT CERTIFICATE NOW

Customer Service:
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed! Our customer service goal is simple: We are committed to providing our customers with total satisfaction. Our mission is to provide a selection of original handmade jewelry of exceptional quality and design.  Please feel free to contact us at anytime. All comments and questions are welcome!

Materials:
Bittersweet Beads uses sterling silver and 14K gold filled findings, semiprecious gemstones, Swarovski crystals, lamp worked glass, carved bone and shell.

Delivery:
Items are shipped within 1-3 days of purchase. Custom Orders may take a few days longer depending on the design and feedback process. We use United States Postal Service Priority Mail to ship our packages. Receive FREE SHIPPING on every order within the U.S. Please contact us before placing orders to be shipped outside of the U.S.

Payment:
Bittersweet Beads accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Your payment information is collected using SSL secure technology. We ship all orders when payment is successfully processed.

Return Policy:
We hope you enjoy what you have purchased from Bittersweet Beads. However, if you are not completely satisfied, we are happy to offer a refund or exchange of any items within 15 days of the date of delivery. Please email us at customerservice (at) bittersweetbeads (dot) com to request a return or exchange. Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable.

When returning your package, please include the following:

(1) A copy of/ original invoice.

(2) The unworn merchandise in its original condition and packaging.

(3) The reason for your return.

Please ship your return using a padded envelope or box, and use an insured shipping method such as UPS so that you have a record of your return. Bittersweet Beads is not responsible for lost items.

Repair Policy:
If you receive a damaged product, please contact us within 15 days of receiving the product so that we may repair it at no charge to you. If it is after 15 days of receiving your purchase, repairs will be subject to availability of materials and type of repair. Please email us with your problem, and we will be happy to quote you a repair fee, if applicable.

Returns, Exchanges, or Repairs may be shipped to:
Bittersweet Beads
4309 N. Richmond St., #1N
Chicago, IL 60618