Frequently Asked Questions

Silicon Masters creates upcycled jewelry and art from authentic semiconductor components — silicon wafers, IC chips, and photomasks — handcrafted in Silicon Valley. Below you'll find answers to our most common questions about materials, ordering, shipping, and care.

Products & Materials

What is upcycled jewelry and why is it sustainable?

Upcycled jewelry uses materials that would otherwise be discarded, like components from the semiconductor industry. At Silicon Masters, we take materials like silicon wafers, raw integrated circuits, and lead frames and transform them into wearable art. This process promotes a circular economy — by choosing upcycled pieces, you're supporting a zero-waste approach and wearing a genuine piece of tech history.

Are the chips and silicon wafers in the products real?

Yes. Every piece of jewelry and art features authentic integrated circuit (IC) chips, semiconductor packaging, or silicon wafers. These materials are upcycled directly from the technology industry to create one-of-a-kind tech art.

How pure is the gold found in your jewelry?

The gold is 99.9% pure or better (often referred to as 24-karat equivalent).

What company manufactured the ceramics for the jewelry?

The ceramic packages in our IC chip jewelry are manufactured by Kyocera Corporation, the global leader in technical ceramics. Kyocera pioneered the multilayer ceramic technology used in modern high-end electronics, ensuring exceptional durability and finish quality in every piece.

Where do you get the IC chips used in your jewelry and displays?

We cut every IC chip from real production silicon wafers using a diamond dicing saw at our facility in Silicon Valley.

Where do you get your wafers from?

We sourced our 2 and 3 inch wafers from a Silicon Valley company that wanted to recycle unused wafers. Our 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12 inch wafers come from local companies that specialize in recycling and reusing semiconductor wafers.

What is the age range of your wafers?

Our oldest wafers date back to the 1960s in 2 and 3 inch sizes. Our newer 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12 inch wafers come from current production.

What sizes of silicon wafers are available?

Our collection includes a range of silicon wafer sizes, from 50mm (2 inch) to the industry-standard 300mm (12-inch) wafers. We also offer "Evolution" displays that showcase the progression of wafer technology over time.

Do you know which company made the wafers?

We do not know the exact origin of each wafer because we source them through recyclers. Many wafers come from large manufacturers such as TSMC, Samsung Foundry, UMC, and GlobalFoundries.

Where does your pure silicon come from?

We source our pure silicon directly from a manufacturer in Silicon Valley. The silicon in the bottle is crushed material from a silicon ingot.

What is a silicon ingot?

A silicon ingot is a massive, single-crystal cylinder of ultra-pure silicon that serves as the raw material for nearly all semiconductor chips.

Do you also offer silicon tops and tails?

Yes. Silicon tops and tails are the end portions cut from a silicon ingot before wafer slicing begins — they're a unique, raw piece of semiconductor history. Contact us if you're interested in adding them to your collection.

Where are these items produced?

Every item is handcrafted in Silicon Valley, California. We take pride in sourcing and assembling our tech-themed art and jewelry in the heart of the global semiconductor industry.

What is a photomask, and why is it unique?

A photomask is a high-precision glass plate used in photolithography to "print" circuit patterns onto silicon wafers. We offer authentic photomasks used in IC production as rare, collectible desk or wall art.

Custom & Personalized Orders

Do you offer customized gifts for events and trade shows?

Yes — we offer fully customized products with your company logo and slogan. Options include key chains, lapel pins, NFC tags, refrigerator magnets, bookmarks, and fully custom designs. Contact us to discuss your event needs. Looking for a gift for one engineer? Visit our gifts for engineers guide.

Do you offer corporate gifts?

Yes. We specialize in tech-focused corporate gifts, ranging from framed wafer displays to unique desk accessories. These are ideal for company milestones, executive gifts, or semiconductor industry events. Contact us directly for bulk orders or custom corporate packages. For individual gift ideas, see our gifts for engineers guide.

Do you work with educational institutions?

Yes — we offer customized programs for universities and schools, supplying unique educational items at discounted pricing. Contact us to learn more about what we can create for your institution.

Do you do custom engraving of wafer frames?

Yes. We engrave the backing that holds the wafer using a laser — not printing — so the result is permanent and precise. You choose any text or graphics for your order. Contact us for details.

Do you offer gift wrapping or gift messages?

Yes — we can include a handwritten gift note with your order at no extra charge. Just add your message in the notes field at checkout. Our pieces ship in packaging that reflects the care that goes into making them, so they arrive ready to give.

Shipping & Orders

Where do you ship?

We ship to customers across the United States and to a wide variety of international destinations. We have shipped to 29 countries and counting.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is free for all orders delivered within the U.S. For international orders, shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on the destination and weight of the package.

How long does shipping take?

Standard U.S. orders typically arrive within 5–10 business days. Expedited options are available at checkout. International shipping times vary by destination — most orders reach Europe and Australia within 10–20 business days. You'll receive a tracking number by email once your order ships.

Can I request expedited or rush shipping?

Yes. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout for U.S. orders. If you need a piece by a specific date — for a conference, milestone gift, or event — reach out before ordering and we'll do our best to accommodate. Note that custom and engraved orders require additional production time regardless of shipping speed.

What is your return or exchange policy?

We want you to love your piece. If you're not satisfied, we accept returns within 30 days of delivery for items in their original, unworn condition. Custom or personalized orders — including engraved frames and corporate gifts — are final sale. To start a return or exchange, contact us with your order number and we'll take care of you.

Can I find your products elsewhere?

In addition to this store, a curated selection of our products is available through our Etsy shop and at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California.

Care & Maintenance

How should I care for my silicon jewelry?

To maintain the appearance of the IC components and settings, avoid exposing jewelry to harsh chemicals, perfumes, or prolonged submersion in water. Clean gently with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Is your jewelry hypoallergenic? What metals are used?

The IC chips and silicon wafer components themselves are inert and non-reactive. The metal findings — clasps, bails, and settings — used in our jewelry are sterling silver or stainless steel. If you have a known metal sensitivity, please reach out before ordering and we'll confirm the exact materials in the specific piece you're considering.

What kind of frames are used for the wall art?

Our wafers are professionally framed using high-quality materials, including real or tempered glass, to protect the wafer and maintain the clarity of its iridescent patterns.

Sustainability

What does "upcycled" mean in the context of your products?

The semiconductor manufacturing process creates materials that are often discarded despite their intricate beauty. We rescue these components — such as lead frames, IC packages, and wafers — and give them a new life as jewelry and art, reducing waste in the tech industry.

Fashion & Styling

How do I style an IC chip necklace with a modern outfit?

Styling an IC chip necklace is all about the contrast between high-tech and high-fashion. For a clean, minimalist look, pair a single pendant with a neutral-toned tee or mock-neck sweater to let the geometric patterns and metallic traces stand out. For a professional setting, layer over a crisp white button-down or tuck under a tailored blazer for a subtle "geek-chic" edge that doubles as a conversation starter. Because these components are naturally iridescent, they catch the light best against darker fabrics like charcoal or navy.

Where can I buy semiconductor-themed earrings and pendants?

You can find our full collection of semiconductor-themed jewelry directly through our official website at siliconmasters.co, as well as our curated storefront on Etsy. Every piece is handcrafted in Silicon Valley from genuine upcycled semiconductor components. For curated recommendations, see our gifts for engineers guide.