Q: Is the Perpetua Jewel™ for anyone?
A: Yes. The DNA of all of us, people and pets, can be preserved in Perpetua Jewels. See the DNA Collection Page for sample suggestions from people and animal companions.
Q: Can the DNA inside a Perpetua Jewel™ be used for cloning or DNA testing?
A: The transformation of DNA into a Perpetua Jewel™ makes it unsuitable for these purposes.
Q: What kind of sample is required?
A: DNA from dogs and cats can be purified from a cheek swab, a few tufts of fur, or a small (1 ml) blood sample. DNA from horses is purified from pulled mane or tail hairs or a small blood sample. DNA from birds or reptiles is purified from a single drop of blood. DNA can also be found in bird feathers.
Q: Is there really enough DNA in these samples to be visible?
A: A 1 ml blood sample from a mammal (or a drop of blood from a bird or reptile) contains enough DNA for a Perpetua Jewel™. DNA from hair or cheek swabs is augmented by botanical DNA. The botanical DNA acts as a lattice, supporting and volumizing the DNA without interfering with the sample DNA’s unique properties.
Q: Where exactly is the DNA in the Perpetua Jewel™?
A: The DNA is the colored material supported on the wire helix. Purified DNA passes thru a stage where it appears almost like egg white. At that stage it binds an iridescent pigment and is wound around a wire helix. After setting it is immersed in clear protective resin and displayed in a glass vial.
Q: Can I put more than one DNA sample into a single Jewel?
A: Yes. DNA samples can be purified together and enhance with a single color. There is no additional charge for combining 2 samples. Contact us regarding additional cost for combining more than 2 samples.
Q: My pet has passed away. Is it too late to have a Perpetua Jewel™ made?
A: If your pet has just passed your veterinarian can contact us for sample suggestions and it is still possible to take a cheek swab within a few hours. If you kept some fur from your pet, it is possible to purify very small amounts of DNA from it; we recommend combining it with a sample from another companion or yourself. Cremated ashes can be combined with DNA from another pet or person to make a Memorial Jewel™. Many clients use their own DNA for this purpose.
Q: What about people that have passed away. Is it too late to have a Perpetua Jewel™ made?
A: Small amounts of DNA can be purified from a sample of hair. We recommend combining it with another sample; many clients use their own DNA for this purpose. Cremated ashes can be combined with DNA from another person to make a Memorial Jewel™. Again, many clients use their own DNA for this purpose.
Q: How fragile is the Perpetua Jewel™?
A: The outer vial of the Jewel is glass, with all the advantages and disadvantages of glass. The glass may crack if dropped on or bumped against a hard surface. The acrylic resin inside the vial will keep the glass and DNA Helix in place but prevents the DNA Helix from being recovered and placed in a new vial. For that reason Perpetua retains a portion of the purified DNA and can replace the Jewel at the current retail price.
Q: Is the Perpetua Jewel™ waterproof?
A: The setting on the glass vial is not intended as a water-proof seal. Also, if your Jewel has a leather cord component it will harden with exposure to water. For these reasons we recommend that you remove your Jewel for bathing, showering, or swimming.
Q: What warranty does Perpetua offer?
A: With the exception of cracking or breakage of the glass vial (mentioned above), Perpetua will repair or replace manufacturing faults free of charge up to 1 year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not include damage caused by improper handling, lack of care, accidents, or normal wear and tear. Breakage or cracking of the glass container can’t be repaired . Perpetua retains a portion of the purified DNA for replacement at the current retail price.
Q: Does Perpetua have a refund policy?
A: We are happy to refund your entire payment prior to beginning production of your item. Due to the custom nature of the Jewel, full refunds are not available once your DNA sample has been purified and your item is in process. If you are in any way dissatisfied with your finished Jewel, Perpetua will work with you to replace it. This may require submission of a new DNA sample.
Q: How long will it take to receive my Perpetua Jewel™?
A: We generally ship your finished item(s) approximately two weeks after receiving your sample(s). Keep in mind that holiday times are busy and may have longer turn-around times. Please factor in mailing times if you need your Perpetua Jewel™ for a special event.
Q: How do I receive a DNA collection kit?
A: When you order online we automatically send a DNA Collection Kit comprised of a cheekswab and Sample Information Form. If you don’t receive it within 1 week please email. If you are submitting another type of sample (fur, blood, ashes) you don’t have to wait for the DNA Collection Kit but it is helpful if you download, print, and fill out the Sample Information Form and send it along with your sample.
Q: Do I have to order online?
A: No, you can email and request a Kit, Sample Information Form, or just ask for more information.