FAQS
Orders
Can I change my order or shipping address after I've placed it?
Once your order has been submitted, it generally can't be modified. If you do need to change anything, email us at info@bowerbirdjewels.com.au and we'll do everything we can to fix it.
I don't have a physical store, how do I know what a piece looks like in person?
Unfortunately, we don't have a physical store. We try to post lots of views of each product so you can get a feel for how each piece looks. We also pop up at markets weekly around Sydney and the coastal areas, so keep an eye on our socials for where to find us in person.
We understand that online photos still may not be enough, which is why we offer a 30 day refund policy. If you're not delighted with the product, simply return it to us for a full refund (excludes earrings, due to hygiene reasons).
Gifting
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Find our Gift Vouchers here.
Payment
When am I charged for my order?
Your card or payment method is charged at the time you place your order, including for items that may ship at a later date. We're not able to change or correct payment details once an order has been submitted, so please double check everything before checking out.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Afterpay.
How do discount codes work?
Discount codes can be applied at checkout in the promo code field. Only one code can be used per order, and codes can't be applied retroactively to orders that have already been placed.
Nickel & Hypoallergenic Information
Does your jewellery contain nickel?
Our sterling silver, gold vermeil, and gold fill pieces are not made with nickel. In very rare cases, trace elements can be present if equipment used during production has previously processed a nickel-containing alloy.
What about stainless steel? Does that contain nickel?
Yes. Stainless steel, including the 304 and 316L grades used in jewellery, contains nickel as part of the alloy itself. This is true of stainless steel in general, not just our pieces, so no stainless steel jewellery is truly nickel-free.
What matters for sensitive skin isn't whether nickel is present, but the level of nickel release with wear. That's what we test for: nickel release, not nickel content.
Australia has no mandatory nickel release limits for jewellery. In the absence of a local standard, we test against the EU REACH Regulation, because it sets the most rigorous nickel release limits of any major regulatory framework and requires repeated, standardised testing rather than a one-off check. We batch test every stainless steel shipment against that benchmark.
Is your jewellery hypoallergenic?
We don't use the term “hypoallergenic.” Even in metals like sterling silver, gold vermeil, and gold fill, there's a very minute and rare possibility of trace nickel elements from previous production runs through shared equipment, at a level that would only be of concern to those with extreme nickel sensitivity.
Stainless steel also contains nickel as part of the alloy itself. The 304 and 316L grades commonly used in jewellery typically contain approximately 8 to 14% nickel, added for its anti-corrosive properties. There are currently no nickel release guidelines in Australia, so we test our stainless steel against the strict European guidelines instead, to confirm it meets safe limits for nickel release as well as heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. We confirm this through testing carried out by ISO-accredited independent laboratories. Every production run is batch tested to confirm this.
Heavy Metals
Does your jewellery contain lead or cadmium?
We test our jewellery for lead and cadmium content against the limits set out in the EU REACH Regulation. As with nickel, Australia has no mandatory limits for lead or cadmium in jewellery, so rather than rely on the absence of a local standard, we hold ourselves to REACH because it sets some of the strictest limits in the world and requires rigorous, repeated testing.
We don't rely on supplier assurances or documentation. Every shipment is independently tested through ISO-accredited laboratories, so we can confirm compliance for ourselves, batch by batch.
Metals
What metals does Bowerbird Jewels use?
We work with sterling silver, gold vermeil, 14K gold filled, gold plated sterling silver, and PVD bonded stainless steel, each chosen for how it looks, wears, and lasts.
Read more here
Care
How do I stop my jewellery from tarnishing?
Tarnishing is a natural part of how some metals age, especially sterling silver. Keeping your jewellery dry, storing it away from direct light and air when not in use, and giving it the occasional gentle polish will help it stay looking its best for longer. Read more more on how to store your jewellery here
Can I wear my jewellery in the shower or pool?
It depends on the metal. Some of our pieces handle water well, others don't, so it's worth checking the care guidance for the specific piece you've bought before getting it wet.
Read more here
Sizing
How do I find my ring size?
The easiest way is to use our printable ring size guide, or measure a ring you already own that fits well. You can also purchase a ring sizer directly from us if you'd like something more precise.
What does the standard necklace/bracelet length sit at?
For necklaces and bracelets, the simplest way to find your length is to tie a piece of string around your neck or wrist where you'd like the piece to sit, mark or cut it at that point, then measure the length. Our most common necklace lengths are 40cm and 45cm, and our bracelets are generally 16cm with a 4cm extender on chain styles. We add generous extenders to most pieces so you can adjust the fit and layer them easily with other pieces.
Shipping
How long will my order take to arrive?
Standard shipping is free on orders over $129. Express shipping is $15 on any order, and free on orders over $199.
Read more here
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, international shipping is a flat rate of $25.
Read more here
Returns & Exchanges
What's your returns window, and do I need to cover return shipping?
You have 30 days to return a piece, as long as it's unworn and in its original packaging. Return shipping is at your own cost, and we'd recommend using a tracked service. Please note we're unable to accept earrings back for return, due to hygiene reasons, and change of mind isn't available on final sale items.
Read more here
Can I exchange a piece for a different size?
Yes, we're happy to exchange a piece for a different size.
Read more here
Warranty
What does the Bowerbird warranty cover?
Our warranty covers manufacturing defects such as broken clasps, loose settings, faulty links, and structural failures not caused by misuse.
Read more here
What does the warranty not cover?
The warranty doesn't cover general wear and tear, tarnishing, fading of plated surfaces, scratches from everyday use, or damage from not following care instructions, since these are a natural part of how jewellery ages with regular wear. It also doesn't cover accidental damage, repairs carried out by another jeweller, lost items, or water damage.
Read more here
