FAQs
All Nozomi Project donations (receipted by Team Expansion, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization) go to the Nozomi Project women and the continuation of the Nozomi Project. All gifts given in addition to, or instead of, the suggested gift donation are tax-deductible. You can visit Team Expansion's site here: www.teamexpansion.org/
Please note: Our jewelry is all made from used pottery -- most of which were in the earthquake and tsunami. While we have tried hard to choose pieces that make a beautiful piece of jewelry, there is the chance your piece could have small scratches or signs of wearing from the pottery's previous life.
Q: How much is shipping?
We ship worldwide! International Airmail shipping is: $0 - $49.99 is $4.50; $50 - $99.99 is $6.50; Over $100 - FREE SHIPPING! All shipping in Japan is $5.00. If you are using a US credit card/Paypal and you would like your gifts sent to a Japanese or different address than your Paypal listed address, please make a note in the comment section or send an email with the address you would like to use.
Q: How long will it take for me to receive my gifts?
Orders are processed within 1-2 business days (we are closed for business on Monday). Airmail from Japan usually arrives in the United States and Canada between 7 and 21 days.
Q: What if I want to receive my gifts faster?
If you would like to have your order delivered by international express mail, please select Express shipping under the Gifts/Additional Donations (Express mail from Japan to the U.S. usually arrives in four to five business days). Besides the speed in arrival time, express shipping also allows us to track and insure your purchase.
Q. How do I pay for jewelry if I live in Japan?
There are several options. If you have a credit card or Paypal account, these will work fine and your credit card company will do the yen conversion for you, as necessary. If you want your order sent to an address different than your mailing address, please make a note of the different shipping address in the comment section. Those living in Japan can also pay by postal money order, or 銀行振り込み(ゆうちょ銀行. Choose this option when you check out. At this point, you will need to figure your total based on our Japanese jewelry suggested donations (listed here) and include 500 yen for shipping costs (over 10,000 yen and shipping is free!). Then please pay at the post office or a convenience store within two business days. We will ship your order once we receive it, but we are counting on our Japanese customers to pay us promptly. Here is the information you need to make a postal payment:
銀行振り込み(ゆうちょ銀行）：
口座名：ノゾミプロジェクト
記号:18120
番号:36894331
Address: Nozomi Project
Ibarazu 2-2-21
Ishinomaki, miyagi
986-0041
Q: What happens if my necklace breaks?
Even though these pieces of pottery have survived a tsunami, they are still fragile and need to be handled with care to avoid chipping or breaking. If the shard should come loose from the silver or gold bail, you can reapply it with epoxy or bond glue or send it back to us and we will repair it for free (we cannot reimburse you for the shipping costs to send it to us, but we will pay for the shipping to return it to you). If any piece is broken in the mail; if another part of your jewelry should break; or if you have any additional concerns, please email us at support@nozomiproject.com.
Q: How should I take care of my silver jewelry?
We recommend keeping your jewelry in the small ziploc bags that we send them in. This will help prevent tarnishing.
How do I care for the kimono Bands of Love?
All of the bracelets are re-engineered from kimonos. Some of the fabric is old; please wear the bracelets with this in mind. Continual submersion in water could cause some fabric colors to bleed and/or weaken the seams.
Q: Is there any concern about radiation?
Ishinomaki is three hours north of Fukushima and is NOT in the radiation zone so there are no concerns about radioactive materials.
Q: Who benefits from the funds and support received by the Nozomi Project?
All funding received will go to the Nozomi Project women and the continuation of the Nozomi Project. Team Expansion (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization) is receipting the gifts for the Nozomi Project.
Q: Who is responsible for import taxes?
There should not be any import taxes on your gifts. The receiver will be responsible to pay any import tax in the unlikely case of larger gift orders being taxed.
Any additional questions can be sent to us at support@nozomiproject.com
