Question 1

How do you say Zhoosh and what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Say "shush" but with a Z! Pronounced \ZHOOZH (with the “OO” as in “good”)\, zhuzh sounds onomatopoetic, with a resemblance to other sound-effect words, such as whoosh.

Zhoosh means to make more exciting, lively, or attractive e.g. "These earrings are a cool way to zhoosh up my outfit!"

Question 2

What is polymer clay?

Accepted Answer

According to sculpey.com:

Polymer clay is a popular medium for making jewelry, beads, charms, figurines, picture frames and other handmade creations. You can make just about anything you can dream up with polymer clay. It’s also great for covering and decorating other objects made of glass, wood, metal or some plastics. You can easily turn any object into a one-of-a-kind gift with polymer clay!

Polymer clay is a synthetic type of modeling clay. The primary ingredient is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) base. Other ingredients like fillers, pigments and bendable plasticizers are added to create the finished product.

These components work together to give polymer clay its flexibility, texture, softness and vibrant color. Polymer clay remains pliable until it’s baked in the oven. Your polymer creations will cure at a much lower temperature than natural clay, so there is no need for a kiln. The finished product is rigid and firm.

There you have it!

Question 3

Why are so many of your items limited edition? Why are there so few in stock?

Accepted Answer

Great question!

This is the nature of handmade jewellery, especially with polymer clay (the predominant medium used to create Zhoosh items).

In its most basic form, the clay is conditioned and then rolled out to create a 'slab'. The slab is then decorated and 'cut' using clay cutters. Sometimes the slab can only be created once due to what designs are on hand, what colours are available and the way it is uniquely mixed that ONE particular time.

So, if you like an item, don't waste time, make sure to purchase it there and then. You may never see it again.

Question 4

Are your earrings heavy?

Accepted Answer

No! The best thing about polymer clay is that it is very light! Most of the weight will come from any jewellery charms. Once you try polymer clay, you will be pleasantly surprised and never look back!

Question 5

What are the metal components of your jewellery made from?

Accepted Answer

All of Zhoosh's earring fixings are made from stainless steel unless stated otherwise. stainless steel is classed as hypoallergenic, and most of the population can wear stainless steel comfortably. However, know your own limits - some people can't wear stainless steel, or can only wear them for a few days before their skin needs a break. Please read my blog post on this topic for more detail and contact me if you require any further information.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say Zhoosh and what does it mean?

What is polymer clay?

Why are so many of your items limited edition? Why are there so few in stock?

Are your earrings heavy?

What are the metal components of your jewellery made from?