Overview

Last updated: November 2026

By placing an order, booking a consultation, or commissioning a piece through Sara Handmade Jewellery, you agree to these terms. They sit alongside your rights under Australian Consumer Law, which these terms cannot limit or exclude.

Short version: Every piece Sara makes is handcrafted for you. We stand behind our work. Bespoke pieces cannot be returned for change of mind, but we will always make things right if something goes wrong with the craftsmanship.

A.S Gem Trading Pty Ltd (trading as Sara Handmade Jewellery) is registered in New South Wales, Australia (ABN 67 630 331 083). Our studio is located at 2/130 Terralong Street, Kiama NSW 2533.

Bespoke commissions

Bespoke and custom work is the heart of what we do. Each piece is designed and made specifically for you, which means no two pieces are identical, and finished pieces cannot be re-sold.

The design process

Your commission begins with a complimentary consultation, in person at the Kiama studio or via video call. During this meeting Sara will discuss your ideas, your budget, and the stones or metals you have in mind.

Once we have an agreed direction, Sara will prepare a 3D design for your review. You have the opportunity to request changes at this stage. Once you approve the design in writing, fabrication begins. Changes to the design after this point may not be possible and may incur additional costs.

Bespoke timelines

Most bespoke commissions take between four and eight weeks from design approval to completion, depending on complexity and stone availability. Sara will give you an estimated completion date at the start of your commission. Unforeseen delays (stone sourcing, specialist fabrication) are sometimes unavoidable. We will keep you informed if anything changes.

No change-of-mind returns on bespoke work

Because bespoke pieces are made to your specifications, we cannot accept returns or offer refunds for change of mind. This includes changes of mind about the design, the metal, the stone choice, or the ring size after fabrication has begun.

If a piece does not match your approved design or has a manufacturing defect, your rights under Australian Consumer Law apply in full. See the Quality Guarantee section below.

Deposits & payment

Deposit

A 50% deposit is required to begin a bespoke commission. This deposit covers design work, stone sourcing, and the initial stages of fabrication. It is non-refundable once fabrication has begun.

If you decide not to proceed before design approval and before any materials have been ordered, we will discuss a partial refund of the deposit on a case-by-case basis.

Balance payment

The remaining balance is due before your piece is collected or dispatched. Sara will contact you when the piece is complete.

Payment methods

We accept bank transfer, credit card (via Stripe), and cash at the studio. Payment details will be provided on your invoice. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars and include GST where applicable.

Pricing

Bespoke commissions start from approximately $2,500. Quoted prices are estimates until a final design is approved. Metal and stone prices can fluctuate; Sara will notify you of any significant change before proceeding.

Quality guarantee

Sara stands behind every piece she makes. Each item leaves the studio only after a thorough quality check.

Manufacturing warranty

All pieces carry a 12-month manufacturing warranty from the date of collection or delivery. This covers defects arising from the making of the piece: faulty settings, structural failures, broken solder joins, and similar craftsmanship issues. It does not cover damage from wear, accidents, or misuse (see Wear & Tear below).

This warranty is in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law, not instead of them.

Australian Consumer Law guarantees

Under Australian Consumer Law, you are entitled to a remedy if a piece:

  • has a defect that was not disclosed before purchase
  • does not match its description or the approved design
  • is not of acceptable quality

Depending on whether the issue is a major or minor failure, the remedy may be a repair, replacement, or refund. We will assess each situation fairly and work with you to find the right outcome.

Natural variation

Handmade jewellery has natural variation that is part of its character. Precious metals are malleable; natural gemstones have inclusions, colour variation, and surface characteristics that make each stone unique. These are not defects. Sara will always describe the stones and materials she uses, and you are welcome to view them before work begins.

Wear & tear

Jewellery worn every day will show signs of age over time. This is normal and not covered by warranty or consumer guarantees.

What is not covered

The following are considered normal wear and tear, not manufacturing defects:

  • Scratches, scuffs, and surface dulling on metals
  • Bent or slightly misshapen claws from everyday knocks
  • Discolouration from contact with chemicals (perfume, cleaning products, chlorine)
  • Stone chips or cracks resulting from impact
  • Lost stones where claw damage was caused by wear rather than a manufacturing fault

We are always happy to assess a piece if you are unsure whether an issue is a manufacturing fault or wear. Send us a photo and we will give you an honest answer.

Caring for your piece

Sara provides care instructions with every piece. Following them will help your jewellery stay beautiful for a long time. Regular professional cleaning and an annual check on stone settings is something we recommend for any fine jewellery worn daily.

Repairs & third-party work

Sara offers repair and restoration services for pieces made in the studio as well as inherited or third-party jewellery. Repair assessments begin with a consultation.

Third-party chains and components

When a commission involves components not made by Sara (chains, clasps, existing settings, or stones supplied by the client), those components are assessed on their own merits. Sara will advise you on condition and suitability before proceeding. Existing components that show wear or structural weakness are your responsibility; Sara takes reasonable care with them but cannot warranty components she did not make.

Work on existing pieces

When we work on an existing piece (remodelling, resizing, stone replacement), we will give you a written quote before any work begins. Estimates are based on the piece as inspected; unforeseen complications may affect the final cost, and we will always discuss these with you before proceeding.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any disputes that cannot be resolved between us directly are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.

Nothing in these terms limits your rights under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) or other applicable Australian legislation.

Updates to these terms

We may update these terms from time to time. The current version will always be on this page. Continuing to use our services after an update means you accept the revised terms.

Questions & contact

If you have questions about anything in these terms, or want to discuss your commission or a concern about a piece, please get in touch:

For unresolved consumer law concerns, you can contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or NSW Fair Trading.