Packaging Instructions

Thank you for trusting Roots & Gems with your treasured keepsakes. Every inclusion we receive is handled with the utmost care and respect. Please follow the instructions below to help ensure your materials arrive safely and can be processed without delay.

Breastmilk Packaging Instructions

• Send 1 ounce (30 mL) of fully thawed breastmilk for up to three jewelry pieces.
• Place the breastmilk in three sealed zip-top bags to help prevent leaks.
• Clearly write your full name and order number on the outermost bag.
• If you are sending milk from different pumping sessions or different children, clearly label which milk belongs to each jewelry piece.
• Please do not send your last supply of breastmilk. While every precaution is taken, unexpected accidents can occur during shipping or processing.

Shipping

U.S. Customers

• Ship using a USPS Small Flat Rate Box whenever possible.

International Customers

• Ship using any sturdy shipping box.

For all shipments:

• Do not require a signature upon delivery.
• Include your full name and return address.
• Keep your tracking number until your order has been completed.

Roots & Gems cannot be responsible for inclusions that are lost, delayed, or damaged while in the care of the shipping carrier.

Hair Packaging Instructions

• Send approximately 1 inch (2–3 cm) of hair.
• Secure the hair with a small elastic band or string before packaging.
• Place the hair in its own sealed zip-top bag.
• Clearly label the bag with your full name and order number.

Failure to package the hair securely may cause strands to separate due to static electricity, making it more difficult to work with.

Unused hair will not be returned unless requested before production begins.

Please do not send your only or last lock of hair.

Ashes Packaging Instructions

• Send approximately 1 teaspoon of ashes for each jewelry piece.
• If you have less than this amount, please contact us before shipping.
• Place the ashes in three sealed zip-top bags and securely tape the outer bag.
• Clearly label the package with your full name and order number.

Unused ashes will be returned with your completed jewelry unless you request otherwise.

Please do not send all of your ashes.

Shipping

U.S. Customers

• Ship using a USPS Small Flat Rate Box.

International Customers

• Ship using a sturdy shipping box.

Please:

• Do not use regular envelopes or padded mailers.
• Do not require a signature upon delivery.
• Include your full name and return address.
• Keep your shipment tracking information.

Roots & Gems is not responsible for inclusions that are lost, delayed, or damaged during transit, and shipping costs cannot be reimbursed for carrier-related issues.

Canadian Orders

We recommend shipping with Canada Post or FedEx.

Please include a note with your breastmilk stating:

"Of Human Origin. For Therapeutic Use Only."

When completing the customs declaration:

• Mark the package as a Gift.
• Declare a value of $1 USD.
• Describe the contents as "Jewelry Making Material."

Customers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, brokerage fees, or import charges imposed by their country.

Processing Your Inclusions

Every inclusion received by Roots & Gems is carefully labeled and handled throughout the creation process.

Any unused breastmilk is respectfully discarded after your jewelry has been completed. Unused hair and ashes are handled according to the instructions outlined above.

We treat every keepsake with the same care and respect we would give our own family's treasured memories.

Important Information

Please remember:

• Never send your last supply of breastmilk, your only lock of hair, or all of your ashes.
• Carefully follow the packaging instructions to help prevent delays or damage during shipping.
• Packaging instructions will also be included in your order confirmation email for your convenience.
• While we take every possible precaution, Roots & Gems cannot be held responsible for loss, delay, or damage caused by shipping carriers or other third parties.

Thank you for choosing Roots & Gems.

It is our honor to preserve your most meaningful memories and create a timeless keepsake that you and your family can cherish for years to come.