FAQ
1. Unique nature of the jewellery
2. Ring sizing & Chain length
3. Payment
4. Shipping & Delivery
5. Exchanges & Returns
6. Jewellery care
7. Repairs
8. Tarnishing
1. Unique nature of the jewellery
Each item of NicBladen Botanicals jewellery has been cast from nature: this means that an actual twig/leaf/flower has been used to create an individual mold, which has then been baked in a kiln. Molten metal has then been poured into the negative space to create the casting, and the mold has then been broken open to release the silver or bronze object. Each item of NicBladen Botanicals jewellery is therefore utterly unique, even in a pair of earrings with two seemingly ‘matching’ leaves/flowers.
Please note that every jewellery item on this website is the ACTUAL item for sale.
The buyer will receive the exact piece of jewellery seen in the photographs. As such, each item of jewellery is complete and ready to ship.
We do not make to order.
2. Ring sizing & chain length
A) Rings:
Each unique ring available on this website has been made to a specified size, which is given in the description. (Please note that to purchase a ring you need to click on its size to fulfil the order process).
The ring size is described in two ways: by an Alphabet letter (SA, UK, Australia) AND given in millimetres of the inner circumference.
Please ensure that you purchase a ring that will definitely fit you – the easiest way to do this is to go to a jeweller who will measure your fingers using a specialized ring-sizer.
PLEASE NOTE: We do not re-size rings upon request. Many of the rings on this website cannot be re-sized due to the particular way in which they have been manufactured.
However, in the cases where a ring is purchased as a gift for someone and their ring-size is unknown, we will accept a return and try our very best to re-size the ring for you if it possible, otherwise we will be happy to provide store-credit or a refund. The buyer will carry the return postage costs in such cases.
B) Chain-length
Each pendant is supplied with a thin sterling silver chain that is either 45cm or 50cm, depending on the size of the pendant. Smaller pendants will be shipped on a 45cm chain and larger ones on a 50cm chain.
For very large pendants we will select a slightly thicker and longer chain, at our discretion.
3. Payment
We use the payment portals Payfast and Paypal at checkout.
Alternatively, we accept cash, only upon collection at the studio. You may choose this option at Checkout, and will be able to select an appointment/collection time.
The price quoted on the website excludes Value Added Tax (VAT) but the full amount, including VAT will appear on the final invoice at checkout.
VAT only applies to South African customers. International orders will not incur VAT.
Shipping (if applicable) is also calculated at Checkout and included in the final amount. ,
4. Shipping & Delivery
We will book the collection as soon as payment has been processed.
We ship Monday to Friday, during office hours, and do not ship on weekends or public holidays.
A) Domestic shipping
All domestic (within South Africa) parcels are sent free of charge. We use The Courier Guy and deliveries take place within 3 to 4 workdays.
B) International shipping
We use DHL for international shipping. There is a blanket fee of R1200 for international shipping.
C) Customs
The buyer is responsible for the payment of any customs and import duties charged on parcels received. Customs policies vary widely from country to country and we therefore suggest that you check the requirements in your country before placing an order. We cannot be held liable for any customs or import duties, nor for delays caused by these.
D) Address
Please ensure that the correct physical address is given, where somebody will receive the parcel during office hours. We cannot take responsibility for non-deliveries due to incorrect information given. Please also ensure that a correct contact number is given.
5. Exchanges and returns
If you are not entirely satisfied with your NicBladen Botanicals jewellery item/s purchased on this website, you are welcome to contact the studio and we can try and assist you (please see contact page).
We will accept returns for two weeks after the item has been received, for store credit or a refund.
The jewellery must be returned in its original packaging and the customer shall be responsible for the return courier costs. We shall not accept returns or exchanges after two weeks.
Regarding ring sizes: we do not change ring sizes upon request BUT in the cases where a ring is purchased as a gift for someone and their ring-size is unknown, we will accept a return and try our best to re-size the ring for you. The buyer will carry the return postage costs in such cases.
6. Jewellery care
Each piece of NicBladen Botanicals jewellery has been cast from nature. During our cleaning and polishing process any weaknesses in the metal are revealed and we either remove that part or toughen the piece up significantly. Most of the items are therefore robust and will last a lifetime if cared for properly. (No sleeping in them, nor swimming please).
However, as in nature, some pieces are naturally more delicate than others, for example some leaves and petals are finer and thinner. (We use the finer pieces for items that do not need to be quite as robust, such as earrings). These delicate pieces can naturally bend, as some petals can be just 0.3mm thick, and therefore special care needs to be taken with these more fragile items.
7. Repairs
If an item breaks within the first six months from purchase due to a manufacturing fault, we will fix the item free of charge.
If it is after six months, or if the fault is due to an accident, (such as standing on a pendant) we will provide you with a quote to repair your piece of jewellery.
8. Tarnishing
Sterling Silver can tarnish over time. This is shown as discolouration or black marks on the metal, and can be caused by exposure to skin acidity, certain perfumes, body lotions and chemicals. Most jewellers sell soft polishing cloths, which will remove tarnishing and brighten the piece up. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush will also remove any residue build up.
If you are in Cape Town and would like to have your piece of NicBladen Botanicals jewellery polished by the studio, you are welcome to make an appointment to do so (see contact page).