Frequently Asked Questions

Every Maison Char piece begins with a hands-on making process. I primarily work directly in wax, building and shaping each design before it is transformed into precious metal using the lost wax casting process.

Once cast, the piece returns to my studio where I individually refine, finish, polish and set gemstones by hand.

Because of this process, subtle variations and traces of the maker’s hand are part of the character of Maison Char jewellery.

Ready to Ship pieces have already been made and are available exactly as shown.

Made to Order pieces are existing Maison Char designs that are made especially for you, often with choices such as metal, ring size or gemstone.

Bespoke pieces begin with you. We work together to create something specifically for you from your idea, story, gemstone or brief.

Ready to Ship: Dispatch in 2–4 business days.

Made to Order: Approximately 3–5 weeks.

Chains: Approximately 1–2 weeks.

Bespoke pieces generally take approximately 4–6 weeks following final design approval and payment.

Many Maison Char designs can be made in sterling silver, 9ct yellow gold, 9ct rose gold or 9ct white gold.

Available options will be shown on each product page. If you have something else in mind, please get in touch.

Absolutely. Gemstone selection is one of my favourite parts of creating a piece.

Depending on the design, you can choose from available gemstones or I can source options specifically for you. For bespoke work, I’ll share suitable stones with you for approval before proceeding.

Potentially. Please contact me with photographs, dimensions and any information you have about the stone.

Not every gemstone is suitable for every setting or jewellery design, so I’ll need to assess it before confirming whether I’m comfortable working with it.

Yes. You don’t need to arrive with a professional jewellery design.

You might have a drawing, photograph, gemstone, symbol, story or simply an idea. We’ll work through the design together and I’ll keep you involved as it develops.

Not necessarily — and that’s part of what makes it yours.

Maison Char jewellery is made and finished by hand. Organic textures, borders and other handmade elements will naturally vary slightly from piece to piece.

The overall design and character will remain consistent, but no two handmade pieces will ever be completely identical.

Studio Samples are pieces created during experimentation, development or refinement of a technique that don’t quite meet the standard I’d normally release as a full-price Maison Char piece.

They’re still wearable and any known imperfections will always be clearly disclosed. They’re offered at a reduced price rather than being discarded.

I’d strongly encourage customers to have their finger professionally measured by a jeweller before ordering a made-to-order or bespoke ring.

Sometimes, but not always. It depends on the design, metal, setting and amount of resizing required.

Contact Maison Char before ordering if you’re unsure of your size. Made-to-order and bespoke rings are created specifically to the size requested, so accurate sizing is important.

If your ring size has changed since you placed your order, resizing can usually still be arranged, but it will incur an additional cost.

Contact Maison Char with photographs of the piece and a description of what has happened. I’ll assess whether I’m able to repair it and provide options where possible.

All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and include GST. If you’re paying from overseas, you’ll be charged in AUD and your bank or PayPal will convert the amount to your local currency at their exchange rate. PayPal shows you the converted amount before you confirm your payment.

Yes — complimentary Sydney CBD collection is available by appointment on selected weekdays, from an agreed public meeting location. Once your order is ready, I’ll contact you to arrange a time and place. Please bring photo ID matching the name on your order; if someone else is collecting on your behalf, they’ll need to be authorised with me in advance and bring their own photo ID. Simply select Sydney CBD Collection at checkout — pricing is the same either way.

All Australian orders are sent with tracking and Australia Post Extra Cover, which protects your parcel against loss or damage in transit. Orders over A$500 are also sent with signature on delivery, so please make sure someone can receive it.

If anything does go wrong, get in touch as soon as you can and we’ll sort it out together. This doesn’t affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Yes, to selected destinations.

International customers may be required to pay import duties, taxes or customs charges when their jewellery enters their country. These charges are the customer’s responsibility.

Avoid exposing jewellery to harsh chemicals, chlorine and abrasive products. Remove jewellery where appropriate before swimming, exercising or undertaking activities that could damage the piece.

Gemstones vary considerably in hardness and durability, so specific care instructions may also be provided with your piece.

For fuller guidance, see my Jewellery Care page for everyday care and cleaning, and the Gemstone Guide for how to look after each stone — both are coming soon.