FAQs
PRODUCT CARE & INFORMATION
Gold-filled- What is it?
Gold-filled is defined as a solid layer of gold that is bonded with both heat and pressure to a base metal (normally brass). It has the same appearance as solid gold and can last a lifetime. For those with metal allergies that can wear real gold, you can also wear gold-filled & rolled gold products.
Gold-filled is up to 100,000X thicker than gold-plating and as it is heat bonded it will never flake.
Any gold-filled product sold by Seaside Silver is sourced from the USA or Australia as both countries have strict guides as to the quality of a product deemed gold-filled. I do NOT purchase any Sterling Silver or gold products from Asia where poor quality and imitation product is often found.
Handstamping- What is it?
Hand-stamping is an art, each letter struck by hand, as such no two pieces will be the same. Each piece will have variations in letter depth, spacing and alignment that is part of the charm and character of the hand-stamped art.
As it is a hand-made art I cannot provide a preview of what your piece will look like but all of the images on this site are my own work and a good indication of the quality of the piece that you will receive.
Seaside Silver is proud of all the products offered.
Metal allergies & our products
Up to 20% of people have metal allergies!
Metal allergies can begin at any time and once pronounced can worsen when in contact with the allergy causing metal. Most metal allergies are caused by Nickel, Lead or Cadmium. These metals are not found in any St. Silver or Gold-filled item sold by Seaside Silver. Stainless Steel jewellery is suitable to be worn by people with metal allergies.
Those who have metal allergies tend to know and cannot wear ‘dress jewellery’ because it often contains offending metals. (Much product from Asia deemed to be Sterling Silver does contain Lead or Nickel and therefore not sold by Seaside Silver)
‘Nickel Silver’ would only be used in gift lines which are not worn against the skin. For those who are able to wear Nickel Silver I can make items for wear on request. Nickel silver is also known as Monel Silver & German Silver.
I attempt to source only product without Nickel, Lead or Cadmium wherever possible and if in doubt as to the content in any specific charm or add-on please contact me prior to purchase and I will happily verify for you. I advise against wearing display chains if you suffer metal allergy, use a chain you already have or purchase a Sterling Silver or Gold-filled piece as the full metal content is known and sourced from reputable jewellery wholesalers.
In the case that a metal allergy arises from exposure cease handling the piece and seek medical advice (whether it be around the house, jewellery etc.)
PRODUCT CARE
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver is 92.5% Silver and 7.5% Copper and when polished has a silver-white mirror like sheen. It does tarnish and can be easily returned to a high polish using a clean dust-free pro-polish pad. Just rub in a gentle circular motion until clean and shiny. You can then buff with a soft jewellery cloth to prevent tarnish. When storing your silver jewellery you can use an anti-tarnish tab which slows the tarnishing of silver, or wrap it in a soft cloth or pouch (and if you don’t have one try some cling-wrap from the kitchen or plastic lunch bag.) Preventing the jewellery from contact with excess air and moisture will keep it cleaner for longer and strange as it sounds it will tarnish more slowly when worn regularly.
Many Sterling Silver cleaners, dips and cloths are available. Some believe that they can degrade the silver over time but I’ve used it and personally I’ve not damaged any of my pieces but use your own judgement as there are a lot of products out there and I cannot speak for all of them.
Gold-filled
You shouldn’t really need to clean your gold-fill jewellery but you may want to just dip it in some warm water with some dishwashing liquid on occasion to clean the surface. Just dip, rinse and dry. Gold-filled jewellery like any gold piece doesn’t really tend to tarnish and with care can last a lifetime.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is a very hard and durable metal. You may wish to clean it on occasion by dipping it in some warm water with some dishwashing liquid in it to clean the surface. Stainless Steel will not tarnish but whilst durable can be scratched if rubbed too hard. It won’t need polishing or upkeep so is a fabulous and affordable silver alternative. It is also slightly darker in silver metal tone than silver and is alike to white gold.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
What Payment Methods Are Accepted?
We accept all major credit cards and Paypal payments for your convenience. If you prefer to pay via bank transfer please contact us with your order and we can provide the banking details needed.
Why do I have to pay upfront?
All items are personalised which is the most beautiful part of ordering a hand-made gift. As such all items must be paid for prior to starting on your order.
ORDERS AND RETURNS
How do I place an Order?
Select the item(s) you wish to order and add them to your cart. You are able to add the details of your personalisation on the screen, choose available fonts and finishes from the choices for that product. Please add the number of any design stamp for example (12) for the heart stamp.
If you have any questions prior to order, please contact us by phone or email so that we can provide clarification.
Can I Cancel Or Change My Order?
Due to the personalisation of the products changes can only be made prior to your order being prepared. Please phone 0457 244 329 immediately AND send an email to hello@seasidesilver.com.au if there is a problem with the information you have submitted. If your order has been started then changes will not be possible and no refund or exchange is available in this situation.
How long will my order take?
Most orders will be completed within 2 weeks. This processing time will increase up to 4 weeks during peak periods such as Mother’s Day and Christmas. If you need your item in a hurry please select the ‘RUSH ORDER’ selection from the menu.
All orders are made in the succession they are received. If you select ‘RUSH ORDER’ you will jump ahead in the queue and your order may be processed in as little as 72 hours. You will receive an email when your order is complete and has been mailed. Processing/time to make your order does NOT include postage times.
You are welcome to contact us to see our current order processing times.
How Do I Track My Order?
All orders are sent via Registered Post or Express Post and will include a tracking number. You are able to track your delivery with the information provided by the Australian Post site. You tracking number will be provided when your order is mailed.
Who should I to contact if I have any queries?
Please contact us via email, our Facebook page at any time, or by phone (during business hours only). We endeavour to return all messages within a couple of hours so that you aren’t left waiting.
Returns or other issues
If a mistake is made on your order at our end it will be replaced without cost. If the error is due to mis-spelling or incorrect order details there will be no refund or exchange. Please check anniversary dates, the spelling of names and birthdates prior to ordering as orders will be made according to the information provided.
On occasion we make mistakes and we will always rectify any issues immediately to minimise any inconvenience or disappointment.