Frequently Asked Questions

Sara Handmade Jewellery is at Shop 2, 130 Terralong Street, Kiama NSW 2533 — in the heart of Kiama's main street, a short walk from the harbour. The studio is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am–3pm. Online consultations via FaceTime, Zoom, or WhatsApp are available for clients anywhere in Australia.

The studio is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am–3pm. After-hours appointments are available on request — contact Sara to arrange a time that works for you. The studio is closed Sunday and Monday, though Sara is happy to take online consultations on those days by arrangement.

Walk-ins are welcome during studio hours. For a design consultation — where you'll look at stones, discuss your brief, and begin the design process — an appointment is recommended so Sara can give you her undivided attention. All consultations are complimentary and obligation-free.

Absolutely. Many clients make the trip from Sydney (approximately 1.5 hours), Canberra (approximately 2.5 hours), the Southern Highlands, and Wollongong. Kiama is a beautiful drive and many clients combine the visit with a day on the South Coast. For those who prefer, video consultations are just as productive for initial design conversations — and Sara can ship securely anywhere in Australia.

Yes — Sara regularly conducts consultations via FaceTime, Zoom, and WhatsApp. These work well for initial conversations, design briefs, and follow-up reviews of 3D renders. For gemstone selection, Sara can prepare a curated shortlist based on your brief and share high-quality photographs and video of each stone.

Your first consultation is a relaxed, no-pressure conversation. Sara will listen to your brief — however vague or detailed it is — show you relevant stones and design references, and help you think through the key choices: metal, stone, style, and setting. At the end, she will give you a clear sense of what is possible within your budget. There is no obligation to proceed and no fee for the consultation.

Completely. Many of Sara's clients arrive with nothing more than a feeling, an occasion, or a vague idea — and that is entirely fine. Sara is experienced at drawing out what a person responds to, and the consultation process is designed to help you discover what is right for you. Come with images that appeal to you, or just come with an open mind.

Before any crafting begins, Sara creates a detailed 3D digital render of your piece. This allows you to see how the design looks from all angles, review proportions, and request changes before any gold is cast or any stones are set. It removes all guesswork from the process and is included as part of Sara's standard design service.

Most custom pieces take 4–8 weeks from initial consultation to delivery, depending on design complexity and whether gemstone sourcing is involved. Sara will give you a clear timeline at your first consultation. Rush commissions may be possible depending on current workload — contact Sara to discuss your deadline.

Every piece is individually designed by Sara and crafted by skilled artisan jewellers she has worked with over many years. The process involves hand-setting stones, hand-finishing surfaces, and careful quality inspection at every stage. No mass production, no catalogue pieces, and no two pieces are ever identical.

Yes — jewellery remodelling is one of Sara's most popular and personally meaningful services. Bring your inherited or unworn pieces to a consultation. Sara will assess the stones and gold, discuss design options with you, and credit the value of your existing materials toward the new piece. The result is something new that carries the story of what came before.

Your gold is weighed and assessed, and its value is applied directly to your commission. Stones are evaluated for their suitability in the new design — some may be re-set as centrepieces, others used as accents, and where stones are not suitable for re-use, Sara will tell you honestly and suggest alternatives. Nothing is discarded without your explicit agreement.

Yes — this is a common and particularly meaningful commission. Sara has combined the diamonds from three inherited rings into a single new design, merged stones from a necklace and a brooch into one pendant, and remodelled entire estates into a cohesive set of wearable pieces. Bring everything to your consultation and Sara will talk through what is possible.

It often is — particularly if your existing pieces contain quality stones or a meaningful weight of gold. The value of your materials is credited toward the commission, which can significantly reduce the net cost. Sara is transparent about the credit calculation so you always know where the numbers stand. Learn more on the remodelling page.

Every piece is unique, so pricing varies considerably depending on metal type, stone choice, and design complexity. As a general guide, bespoke engagement rings typically start from $2,500. Sara provides transparent, itemised quotes — you see exactly what you are paying for — with no hidden costs and no obligation to proceed. The consultation itself is always complimentary.

Not always. Mainstream retail jewellery carries significant mark-ups for brand overhead, store fitouts, and sales commissions. Sara's pricing reflects the actual cost of materials and skilled labour — without those mark-ups. For comparable quality, bespoke jewellery is often competitively priced. And what you get in return is a piece designed exclusively for you.

Payments are securely processed via Stripe, which accepts all major credit and debit cards. Bank transfer is also available for larger commissions. Sara typically requires a deposit to confirm a commission, with the balance payable on completion. Full details are discussed at your consultation.

For larger commissions, Sara is open to a structured payment arrangement. This is discussed on a case-by-case basis — please raise it at your consultation and Sara will work out what is practical for both parties.

Sara works primarily in 18ct yellow, white, and rose gold, and platinum. Premium sterling silver is available for appropriate commissions. She sources through ethical supply chains and can advise on the most suitable metal for your design, lifestyle, and budget. Read more on the gold, platinum, and silver guide pages.

Yes. Sara uses GIA-certified diamonds for commissions where certification is required. She can source stones across a range of cuts, colours, and clarity grades, and will show you multiple options within your brief and budget. GIA reports are provided with the finished piece.

Yes. Sara sources from trusted dealers she has known and worked with for many years, with full treatment disclosure on every stone. She has particular relationships with suppliers of Australian sapphires, Burmese stones, and Sri Lankan gems — and sources with provenance documentation where available.

Yes — gemstone sourcing is one of Sara's particular strengths. If you have a specific stone in mind — a certain colour of sapphire, a particular cut of tourmaline, or an Australian opal — Sara can search her wholesale network and present options. Learn more on the gemstone sourcing page.

Yes — all domestic shipping within Australia is complimentary and sent via fully insured, tracked courier. International shipping is available at a flat rate of $60 AUD and is also fully insured.

Ready-made pieces are dispatched within 2–3 business days and typically arrive within 7 days within Australia. Custom and bespoke pieces require their standard production time (4–8 weeks) plus delivery. Sara keeps you updated throughout and will confirm the expected completion date at your consultation.

Online purchases include a complimentary one-time resize of up to three sizes within 30 days of receipt. A printable ring sizer is available on request. For custom commissions, Sara confirms your ring size precisely before production begins — preventing the need for resizing.

Custom and bespoke pieces are made to order and cannot be returned or exchanged due to change of mind. Ready-made items may be returned within 14 days if unused, unworn, and in original packaging with proof of purchase. Sara complies with all Australian Consumer Law requirements. Full details are on the privacy and returns page.

Yes. Every piece includes a 12-month manufacturing warranty covering craftsmanship defects — loose settings, broken clasps, or issues arising from the making rather than from wear. Normal wear and accidental damage are not covered, but Sara's annual check service is designed to catch and address wear before it becomes a problem.

Yes. Sara's studio handles all types of jewellery repair — claw re-tipping, stone replacement, clasp replacement, polishing, rhodium re-plating, and more. Annual check-ups are recommended for pieces worn daily, particularly engagement rings and pieces with claw settings. Contact the studio to book a repair assessment.

For most pieces, warm soapy water and a soft brush (a dedicated jewellery brush or old toothbrush) is effective and safe. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for set pieces — they can loosen stones over time. Avoid steam, bleach, chlorine, and harsh chemicals. If in doubt, bring the piece to Sara for a professional clean.

Yes — Sara strongly recommends insuring bespoke and fine jewellery. Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may include jewellery cover with a schedule item, or specialist jewellery insurance is available. Sara can provide an appraisal certificate for insurance purposes on request.