Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled our most commonly asked questions here. If there is a question we have not answered send us an email at nadinesuzannejewellery@gmail.com

Sand Cast Jewellery

  • Sand casting is an ancient technique of making jewellery that originated in ancient China and Egypt and is still commonly used today. This process is the technique of using jewellers sand such as Delft clay, Red clay or /and beach sand is used to create a mould. An impression is then made using a wax model or any small hard object such as a shell, existing ring, twig, button etc. Molten metal is then heated and poured into the mould forming a solid sterling silver or gold piece. These moulds can only be used once which makes each piece truly one of a kind.
  • There are so many reasons I love and prefer sand casting over more traditional methods. The main reason is that I can cast my jewellery in-house as opposed to sending wax models off to a casting house. This also gives me the opportunity to repurpose heirloom, broken or jewellery that doesn't suit peoples current style. Sand cast jewellery has such a beautiful and unique texture that is unique to that piece. I love organic objects such as shells and using this process you can sand cast these objects and pick up quite a lot of detail.
  • You can purchase the complete list of Nadine's tools here in the shop.
  • You can personalise your piece by including sand from a sentimental location, ashes from loved ones or pets, birthstones or by remodelling sentimental, heirloom, unworn or broken jewellery.

Custom, Bespoke & Remodel

  • The design consultation is a dedicated, one-on-one session with Nadine. The fee reflects the time, care, and creative expertise involved in developing your piece. If you choose to proceed, the $100 will be credited toward the final cost of your jewellery. This approach allows each project to be given the attention it deserves, while creating a considered and personalised experience.
  • The exact amount of gold and silver needed will not be known until the wax model is carved. For Sterling Silver: a good amount of metal to have is between 10-15g for a ring and 20g plus for a bangle. For Gold: This all depends on what carat gold you have. The higher the carat the less volume you have to work with For example a wax model that weighs 0.5 grams would need 6 grams of 9 ct gold and a 18ct would be 8.5 grams You will also need additional amount of gold or silver on top of that to cast the piece with. This would be an additional amount of 10 grams for Sterling Silver and 5 grams for Yellow 9ct gold.
  • If you don’t have enough metal fresh casting grain can be added and is charged per gram.
  • All gemstones that have been removed if not being used in the design are sent back to the client. For any metal left over there are a few options 1. You can sell it to Nadine and offset the cost of the remodel. 2. We send it back to you, the client. Nothing is kept.
  • Nadine has a number of gem and diamond suppliers and she will source any stones or diamonds you are after. If you have stones or gems you want included that you already own, you can mail them and she will use them instead. 
  • Absolutely!
  • Nadine would purchase the item and have it delivered to the workshop. The cost will be added to your final invoice total.
  • Sand casting with platinum requires a lot of heat, so while Nadine can work with it, the process looks a little different to her regular pieces. She creates the wax model and it gets sent off to a casting house, basically a production house with the ability to heat the metal to the required temperature. After that Nadine receives it back and she continues to work on the finishing touches and any stone settings. Another reason is that any piece created with platinum can't be made with recycled platinum; it has to be new metal, so it's less forgiving towards mistakes.
  • We specialise in solid precious metals only, including: Sterling Silver (925) 9ct Gold 14ct Gold 18ct Gold These metals are chosen for their durability, beauty, and ability to age gracefully over time. To maintain integrity in both craft and environmental impact, we do not work with: Gold plating Silver plating Gold-filled materials Base metals or costume alloys Plated and filled materials can wear down over time, cannot be reliably repaired, and often contribute to unnecessary waste. By focusing on solid metals, each piece remains truly enduring and can be reworked or remodelled in the future rather than discarded.
  • The current turn around time is between 2-12+ weeks depending on materials required, complexity of the piece etc. 
  • Custom jewellery is a custom version of a design that is already offered with minor tweaks such as band width, shape, gemstone etc you will be shown 2 versions of the new design.  Bespoke jewellery is a completely new design, this involves quite a bit of time designing, creating a new wax model and sourcing gemstones. You will be shown multiple versions in wax until you are happy with the final design before the item is cast in metal. For bespoke pieces I encourage sending inspiration pictures and your own drawings of what you want the piece to look like. Please note I will not copy another artist or jewellers work.With both custom and bespoke jewellery you will be heavily involved in the design process throughout the whole process with photo and video updates. 
  • The way this works is when you send the gold or silver I will asses it and have it tested and a price will be offered that reflects the current price. For example the current buy back rate for 9ct yellow gold is $64 per gram and sterling silver $2.30 per gram CURRENT PRICE 20th DECEMBER 2025 - This price fluctuates and changesThis is paid to you as credit for your , made to order, ready to ship, custom piece, store credit or cash (deposited via bank transfer, PayPal or pay ID)
  • Please note that all bespoke orders are handmade to your specifications and involve significant time and materials. If you choose to cancel your custom order after work has commenced—such as wax modelling, design sketches, or multiple design revisions—your deposit will not be refunded. This policy covers the time, resources, and creative effort already invested in your piece.We appreciate your understanding and support of slow, thoughtful craftsmanship.
  • Customs: Start at $750 for silver and $1500 for gold. Typically range between $750-$3000 for silver and $1500-$5000+ for gold Bespoke: start at $1200 for sterling silver and $2500 for gold. Sand casting shell or small object starts at $550. Typically range between $1200-$3000 for silver and $2500-$8000+ for gold Remodels: typically start from $950, with most projects ranging between $1,200 – $3500+ depending on complexity. Simple remodels: $950–$1,200 For example: Standard band no tweaks, no sand /ashes and no stones, no revisions. Standard remodels: $1,200–$2,000 For example: Simple design, with sand/ashes, stone setting, some minor tweaks to an existing design. Complex/custom: $2,000–$3,000+ For example: New design, multiple revisions, multiple stones set/complex settings, heavy on design. Factors that influence pricing include: Design complexity and level of customisation Time required to handcraft the new piece If stones are being set and many Condition and type of existing material Additional materials needing to be added (extra metal is charged per gram) Please note if you are providing silver or gold the price is the same as there is same amount of work involved. Providing your own metal does not necessarily reduce the price of a made to order piece on the website. Usually there is is more work involved. Please note: All prices listed are exclusive of GST. GST of 10% will be added to the final price.

Shipping

  • Custom & Made-to-Order Pieces Due to the personalised nature of my work, custom jewellery and made-to-order pieces are not eligible for returns, exchanges, or refunds. These items are created specifically for you based on your chosen design, size, materials, and specifications — therefore they cannot be resold or restocked. Please ensure all details (ring size, gemstone choice, metal, design notes, etc.) are correct before placing your order. If you are unsure, feel free to contact me prior to purchasing and I’ll happily help. Ready-to-Ship Jewellery Ready-to-ship items can be returned within 14 days of delivery if they are in their original, unworn, undamaged condition. Return postage is the responsibility of the customer. Faulty or Incorrect Items If your item arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact me within 48 hours with photos. I will repair, replace, or refund the item in line with Australian Consumer Law. Workshops & Courses Workshop bookings are non-refundable but may be rescheduled with sufficient notice (your existing policy can be added here if you want).
  • Approximate shipping times Australia Standard 4-8 days Express 1- 4 days US/Canada Standard 10-15 days Express 6-10 days UK Standard 10-14 days Express 8-10 days Europe Standard 10-14 days Express 7-10 days ** Packages over $1000 will be upgraded to express shipping within Australia only As This is a small business packages are sent once a week on Tuesday and Friday. All packages are sent via Australia Post. If you are located overseas once the packages reaches your country it will then be handed to your local courier company for delivery. If there are any issues with international packages the first point of contact is the local courier in that country. All purchases will receive a tracking number. Standard shipping - Is shipped with no additional insurance Express - Is shipped express with Insurance if your packaged goes missing or is damaged during transit. All purchases will receive a tracking number. If your package goes missing or is damaged DURING TRANSIT the item will be replaced not refunded. Once an order has been marked as delivered by the postal or courier service, it is considered to be successfully fulfilled. From that point forward, the responsibility for the package transfers to the customer. If the packages is marked delivered but is not received the first point of contact is the postal company followed by the police. Customers are responsible for any import or custom fees.
  • Yes, we ship to most countries worldwide. Shipping costs and delivery times vary by location.
  • Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number via email that you can use to monitor your delivery.
  • After you place your order, you will receive an email from us detailing the correct procedure.

Workshops

  • Nadine is taking a temporary pause on face to face workshops due to current workload. If you are wanting to learn how to sand cast The online sand casting course is still available. Make sure you have joined the mailing list to know when they restart.
  • Yes absolutely! Nadine still has all her online courses available.

Cast in Place

  • After creating the mould gemstones are placed inside the mould and molten melt is poured in wrapping around the stones securing them in place. This gives the ring an organic and unique  stone placement/ look. The gemstones can sometimes move, crack and fallout which makes opening the mould and seeing a successful cast even more rewarding. The stones that are suitable to cast in place are gemstones that are 7.5 or higher on the MOHS scale of hardness such as sapphires, rubies, rough, diamonds, lab grown and synthetic.
  • An organised drop of selected cast in place pieces featuring a variety of lab stones.
  • On the 25th of each month at 7pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.
  • This will be a small collection of between 5- 10 pieces ranging from rings, pendants, earrings and possibly bangles.