Frequently Asked Questions
The House, our creations, and what to know before bringing one home.
THE HOUSE & ITS COLLECTIONS
01. What does “one of one” mean?
Every Paws & Pearls garment is an individual creation. Its particular combination of fabric, proportion, detail and handwork will never be reproduced exactly. The signatures of the House may return, but each piece has its own expression.
02. Can you recreate a garment that has sold?
The exact design will not be repeated. Future creations may share a colour, material or House detail, but each will remain individual.
03. What does “The Muse Wore It First” mean?
The Muse helps shape the garments through her coat, proportions, movement and comfort. She wears each creation first, before it becomes part of another small dog’s life.
04. Where are the garments made?
Paws & Pearls garments are designed and made in South Africa, developed individually within the atelier.
05. How often are new garments released?
Paws & Pearls introduces new creations through seasonal collections, but not necessarily every season. There is no fixed release schedule, and collections may vary in size. Each is developed at its own pace, with the individuality of every creation taking precedence over a set number of garments.
06. What is a Creation number?
The Creation number identifies an individual garment within the Paws & Pearls archive. It connects the piece to its design record and provides a clear reference when making an enquiry.
07. Why is my creation covered in dog hair?
Because The Muse Wore It First.
The Muse tries on and models our creations, and her spectacular coat occasionally leaves a little evidence behind.
Despite careful preparation, a strand or two of her glorious Pomeranian glitter may accompany your creation.
Please consider it a small, fluffy signature of her thorough involvement in our research and testing process.
MATERIALS, DETAILS & KEEPSAKES
08. What materials do you use?
The House works with materials including satin, tweed, lace, tulle and chiffon, alongside varied embellishments and hardware. Materials are chosen for their appearance, weight, movement and suitability for a very small wearer. Each creation’s page describes the materials used in that piece.
09. Why might you choose resin or acrylic instead of glass or crystal?
At this scale, even a little weight matters. A lighter embellishment may achieve the intended effect while better suiting the wearer. Beauty, comfort and suitability guide the choice.
10. What is the collection charm?
The collection charm is a small keepsake for the person sharing the collection with their dog. Its seasonal details reflect the collection, alongside a rose-gold P&P disk and a freshwater pearl. It forms part of the collection experience.
11. Can I buy a collection charm separately?
No. Collection charms are not sold separately. They form part of the collection experience accompanying a Paws & Pearls garment.
SIZING & SUITABILITY
12. Are your garments only for Pomeranians?
Paws & Pearls creates couture for toy and very small dogs. The Pomeranian’s coat, proportions and movement inform our design approach, but suitability depends on the individual dog and garment. Please consult the measurements and fit notes for the creation you are considering.
13. Is the same creation available in different sizes?
Each garment is made as a single piece in its stated measurements. It is not offered as a run of identical garments in different sizes.
14. How do I know whether a creation will fit my dog?
Each creation has its own measurements and fit notes. Compare these with your dog’s measurements, taking coat volume into account. If you need help, contact us with the creation’s name or number and your dog’s measurements.
15. Why do I need to provide my dog’s measurements and a photograph before purchasing?
These help us carry out a quick check for any obvious concerns about the fit and suitability of your chosen creation for your dog. Each piece has its own finished measurements, so this gives us an opportunity to flag a possible mismatch before you purchase. It is a preliminary check rather than a guarantee of fit.
16. What if my dog has a health condition that may affect wearing a garment?
Please let us know about any relevant health concerns or physical limitations when providing your dog's information. This helps us consider potential suitability concerns before purchase, although our assessment does not replace veterinary advice.
See [Sizing & Fit].
17. Do you offer alterations?
No. Each Paws & Pearls creation is offered in its finished measurements, and we do not offer alterations. Please review the measurements and fit notes before purchasing, or contact us for help assessing the fit.
18. What happens if the creation does not fit my dog?
Each creation is sold in its finished measurements, and our preliminary suitability assessment cannot guarantee a perfect fit. We do not offer alterations. Any applicable return rights remain unaffected.
See [Sizing & Fit] and [Returns & Exchanges].
WEARING, SAFETY & CARE
19. Are all the garments intended for the same kind of wear?
Each creation has its own character, materials and construction. Some lend themselves to quieter everyday moments; others feature more elaborate or delicate details. The individual page will explain the considerations relevant to that piece.
20. How do I put the garment on my dog?
Our garments use front or chest openings to make dressing easier around a full coat. Fastenings vary between creations, so follow the wearing instructions provided for your particular piece.
21. Can I attach a leash to the garment?
Some Paws & Pearls creations already have an integrated leash attachment fitted. Others are structurally prepared for a leash attachment, but one has not yet been added. For these creations, you may request an attachment at no additional cost.
Certain creations cannot accommodate a leash attachment due to their construction.
Please refer to the individual creation's description and wearing instructions to see which applies.
22. Will it cost extra to add a leash attachment to my creation?
No. If your chosen creation is suitable for a leash attachment, we can add one at your request at no additional cost.
23. How can I ensure my dog wears a Paws & Pearls creation safely?
Pet owners are responsible for the safe and appropriate use of garments on their dogs.
Always follow the individual wearing instructions supplied with your creation. Ensure the garment fits and is fastened correctly, supervise your dog while wearing it, and remove it immediately if it causes discomfort or restricts movement.
Pay particular attention to delicate embellishments and discontinue use if any component becomes loose or damaged.
Where a creation includes an integrated leash attachment, follow its specific instructions for use.
For further information, please see our [Sizing & Fit] and [Terms & Conditions] pages.
24. Does my creation come with care instructions?
Yes. Every Paws & Pearls creation is accompanied by an individual care instruction card.
As each garment contains its own combination of fabrics, materials and embellishments, its care requirements may differ. The accompanying card provides the specific cleaning and care instructions, including whether any embellishments are removable.
Please see our [Garment Care] page for further information.
25. How should I clean and store my creation?
Care depends on the garment’s fabrics, construction and embellishments. Follow its individual care instructions, including any guidance for detachable details. If you are unsure about a cleaning method, contact us before proceeding.
PURCHASING & DELIVERY
26. Do you accept commissions?
No. Paws & Pearls does not accept commissions. Each creation is developed individually within the atelier and offered as part of a collection.
27. Can I reserve a creation?
No. Paws & Pearls does not accept reservations.
28. Can I purchase a creation from an archived collection?
If a creation from an archived collection has caught your eye, please contact us to enquire about its availability. If it has already found a home, it is no longer available, and its exact design will not be repeated.
29. How will my creation be delivered?
We ordinarily use The Courier Guy for deliveries within South Africa. Where an alternative delivery service is necessary, arrangements will be discussed individually with the buyer.
International purchases are considered on a case-by-case basis, with payment and shipping arrangements agreed upon before a purchase is finalised.
Please see our [Shipping & Delivery] page for further information.
30. Is delivery included in the price?
Yes. Standard delivery within South Africa is included in the price of every Paws & Pearls creation.
International delivery arrangements and costs are discussed individually.
For more information, please see our [Shipping & Delivery] page.
AFTER PURCHASE & PRIVACY
31. Can I cancel my purchase?
Customers may request cancellation by contacting Paws & Pearls. The arrangements depend on the order's status and applicable consumer rights, including statutory cooling-off provisions.
32. Can I exchange my creation for another?
Because every creation is one of a kind, an identical replacement cannot be provided. Any applicable rights to a return or other remedy remain unaffected.
33. What if my creation arrives damaged or defective?
Please contact us with your order details and photographs of the concern. We will assess the matter in accordance with applicable consumer legislation. As each creation is unique, identical replacements are not possible.
34. Do you offer a repair service?
Repair requests are considered individually. Whether a repair can be undertaken depends on the availability of suitable materials, the work required and the cost involved. Please contact us with details and photographs of your creation so that we can assess the request.
35. How is my personal information, including photographs of my dog, used?
Information supplied during enquiries and purchases is used for purposes such as assessing garment suitability, communicating with customers and processing orders.
See [Privacy Policy].