FAQs

Shipping and Customs

Free shipping on all orders worldwide. I post items using Australia post. Items below $100 are posted without tracking - please upgrade shipping to add this. Items not marked as "made to order" are ready to ship. Please check your individual items details, some made to order pieces can be 1-4 weeks before shipping.  

I am a one person operation so will package ready to ship items and have them in the post in a day or two depending on my schedule.  Any delays I will let you know.  If you need an item asap let me know and I can send it express post.  Insurance or signature on delivery on request. Postage can take 2-6 weeks internationally so please allow for this.

International orders may be subject to sales taxes, customs charges and import taxes – please contact your local customs department to check the current rates.  These are the customers responsibility.

Some international orders now require me to collect tax, to keep this simple and allow me to still ship internationally I am using my Etsy store who collect the correct taxes on my behalf.  I will contact you if I need to change your order. (This also saves you any unexpected taxes on the items arrival.)

Payments

All credit card transactions are done securely through Shopify which uses Stripe – I do not receive any card details.  Please see the Stripe website for their privacy policies.

Packaging

All items are sent in branded Sinead Buckney boxes using minimal plastic and packaging.  Any problems on arrival please let me know as soon as possible.  Gift wrapping and handwritten messages can be done on request.

Returns

If your order does not live up to your expectations, please get in touch at sinead@sineadbuckney.com to let me know and I can fix the problem or fully refund the item.  Please contact me within 14 days of delivery and return items within 30 days.  Returning of items is your responsibility including the insurance of the item.  Bespoke orders cannot be refunded but I will work with you to resolve any problems and rework designs.  You are part of the whole process to ensure agreement on all design aspects.  Rings can be resized for a small fee.

Repairs

I will gladly take your Sinead Buckney piece and repair or replace it if there are any faults.  General wear and tear at minimal charge.  Items can always be returned for a clean and polish.  Other repairs as quoted.  I will restore / replace to as close as I can with my current facilities to make the piece.

Commissions, bespoke, your gems and gold

I welcome custom orders. I can create pieces using your gemstones and gold or source some for you.  I am happy to offer any advice for repairs and help with designs / help you start the process.  

Repairing / altering your own jewellery

I understand the enormous sentimental value of jewellery and that something of little monetary value can in fact be priceless to you.  I love a challenge and to problem solve, so if you have been told no elsewhere, show me and I can give you suggestions and alternatives, or point you in the direction of someone who knows more!

Rings Sizes

The best way to accurately measure your ring size is to visit a jeweller and have them measure you, taking into account the thickness and style of the band you are interested in.  Rings can differ vastly in how they feel being worn depending on band width and the profile of the inside, if they are worn alongside other rings etc.  Your fingers can vary with warm and cool weather so remember to factor this in also.  For more tips on finding out your ring size, see the blog post I wrote here.

Necklace sizes

The most common necklace lengths is 45cm (18").  All my pendants come on a 45cm chain as standard.  Please let me know if you prefer longer or shorter and I can change it over.  I also use cable neck wires for some larger pendants.  These have a twist catch.  I choose the chains for their durability and resistance to breaking.  You can see different lengths worn in this blog post here.

Accessible clasps / Findings

I make all the pieces myself and know everyone has individual preferences.  I can make chains easier to open and close with a variety of clasps – larger, magnet, hook.  I can change ear hooks to clip ons, screw ons, threaded earring posts for security, use soft earring backs or sleeper hoops.  Stainless steel findings or Platinum for hypoallergenic or sensitive skin.  For custom orders, Arthritic joint friendly rings.  I can also adapt existing jewellery you have.

Privacy

I will never share any information you provide me with, with anyone.  My website has spam protection and secure encryption for all information submitted.  I use cookies and use google analytics.

Care of jewellery, cleaning

Most of my pieces come with a matt finish which is best maintained with a polishing cloth or silver dip. (Never use with pearls and soft stones). Rings and around gemstones are very effectively cleaned with a toothbrush and warm soapy water.  Store jewellery so it is not scratching against other pieces (in your provided pouch!). Silver does oxidise especially when exposed, so store in a box.  Matt finishes on the pieces can become more polished with wear.  Return your pieces for free refinishing or I can suggest ways to restore the finish (Such as using a green scourer).  Silver is soft and will get scratches, most of which can only be removed with a polishing machine.

I make my jewellery with the intention for it to be worn everyday.  I make it durable and settings secure – if your piece has exceptions to this I will let you know special care advice.  Take your rings and jewellery off when doing heavy work with your hands, and activities that might damage them.

Jewellery checkups

It is a great practice to get into having your rings checked by a jeweller every few years.  I can always have a quick look at any pieces for no charge.  Settings do wear over the years and claws can get caught.  (If you feel your ring catching, bring it to get checked). It is much better to catch a loose setting before losing a stone.

Gold Plating and Gold fill.

Gold plating on silver (Vermeil) is a different process to the hard plating found on costume jewellery.  It will wear off, especially on rings and where things rub or contact.  Polishing a piece will wear the plating but if cared for, it will last. I no longer offer pieces in gold plate as I don't feel it is a lasting option.  

My gold pendants are all solid.  The bracelets and chains are gold filled unless you add on a solid gold option.  Gold fill is a thick solid gold layer over base metal, and very durable.

I do not rhodium plate my white gold pieces as I prefer the natural gold colour and want you have a piece that is low maintenance.

Mailing list

I don't send many emails, only a few a year.  Subscribing to my list ensures that you are the first to know about new pieces and special offers, without the fear of missing them on social media. Sign up at the bottom of this page.

If you want more updates and behind the scenes then please follow me on Instagram and Facebook.  You can unsubscribe easily from my mailing list at any time.

Wholesale orders

I am always open to new stockists who think my work suits their premises.  Please get in touch for wholesale prices.

Using images

Please feel free to use any images from my site as long as you credit my work (and the photographer) and link to my website or instagram account @sineadbuckney.

Our planet

I try to have as little environmental impact with my business as possible.  Using minimal chemicals, avoiding disposable plastics, using minimal and reusable packaging and recycling metals.

Can’t find something?

I often have new pieces that haven’t been added to my shop yet, so if you have seen something at a show or on Instagram / Facebook that you can’t find on my site, please get in touch as it’s likely I just haven’t got round to photographing and adding it.

Out of stock

If the item you want is out of stock – please email me at sinead@sineadbuckney.com and I will let you know when the item is likely to be restocked – and send it to you first!