FAQ

Your Blue Salt Jeweller grew up in Broome, home of the world's best and most beautiful pearls. Over the years, he has also had the rare opportunity to work as a pearl diver and in all other areas of the pearling industry, including the role of pearl grading for the world's biggest pearling companies. Needless to say, your Blue Salt Jeweller is quite the pearl connoisseur! The Australian South Sea pearl oyster is the largest and rarest of all pearl oysters, and it produces the largest and most valuable of all pearls. Furthermore, the Australian pearling industry has been certified as the most sustainable and environmentally responsible use of wild marine resources. As such, the vast majority of the pearls we use at Blue Salt Jewellers are Australian South Sea pearls (we may occasionally utilise other pearls as long as they fulfil our highly discerning quality criteria). We welcome all your questions about the origin of the pearls on our in-stock pieces and will endeavour to fulfil any special request that you may have for your custom-makes or alterations. See the section below on 'How is pearl quality measured?' to learn more about our different types of pearls and quality standards.

Pearl quality is typically assessed based on a set of key characteristics that determine its overall value and desirability. Here at Blue Salt Jewellers, pearls are our speciality, and we use only the highest quality pearls. We love creating magic with these incredible sea treasures and hence only use the very best. To learn more about how pearl quality is assessed, here are the characteristics that we look for: 1. Lustre: Lustre refers to the shine or brilliance of a pearl's surface. High-quality pearls have a bright, reflective lustre, often described as a mirror-like or deep, glowing shine. 2. Complexion: The surface of a pearl should be as free from blemishes and imperfections as possible. Flawless pearls with minimal surface irregularities are considered more valuable. 3. Size: Pearl size is measured in millimetres and plays a significant role in determining their value. Larger pearls are generally more valuable, but other factors like lustre and surface quality also come into play. 4. Shape: Pearls come in various shapes, including round, near-round, oval, button, drop, baroque, and free-form natural (keshi). Round pearls are the most highly valued, but the rarity of certain shapes can also make them desirable. 5. Colour: Pearl colour can vary widely, and it's often a matter of personal preference. Common pearl colours include white, cream, pink, silver, gold, and black. The colour should be even and consistent throughout the pearl. 6. Nacre Thickness: Nacre is the organic substance that makes up the layers of a pearl. Thicker nacre generally indicates a higher-quality pearl, as it results in better lustre and durability. 7. Orient: Orient refers to the iridescent colours that can appear on a pearl's surface. Pearls with a vibrant and colourful orientation are often considered more valuable. 8. Matching (for Multiple Pearls): When selecting pearls for a piece of jewellery, such as a necklace or earrings, their size, shape, colour, lustre, and surface quality should match well to create a cohesive and attractive look. 9. Origin: The geographic origin of a pearl can also influence its value. Some regions are known for producing pearls with specific characteristics, and these pearls may be more sought-after. 10. Type of Pearl: The type of pearl, whether natural or cultured, freshwater or saltwater, can affect its value. Natural pearls, especially those of high quality, are exceedingly rare and valuable. It's important to note that different types of pearls (e.g., Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and freshwater) may have slightly different valuing criteria, and the relative importance of each characteristic can vary. For example, roundness is of utmost importance for Akoya pearls, while Tahitian pearls are prized for their unique colours. For these reasons, while we prioritise the use of the famous Australian South Sea Pearl, we may also use pearls from other regions to enjoy their unique properties. We welcome all your questions about the origin of the pearls on our in-stock pieces and will endeavour to fulfil any special request that you may have for your custom-makes or alterations. See the section above ‘Where do you get your pearls from?’ to find out more about the pearls we use for our jewellery.

We use only organic, ethically mined diamonds that are certified by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) and other legitimate governing bodies. All our diamonds have been purchased through authorised industry suppliers, not involved in the funding of conflicts or illegal trade of any kind, in compliance with UN resolutions and corresponding federal laws. We favour using diamonds that derive from Australia's famous Argyle diamond mine and other amazing Australian diamond deposits, though we have multiple sources for any diamond you desire. We welcome all your questions about the origin of the diamond used in our in-stock pieces and will endeavour to fulfil any special request that you may have for your custom-makes or alterations. See the section below on 'How diamonds are graded?' to learn more about diamond quality standards. ​

At Blue Salt Jewellers, we only use beautiful natural diamonds. When selecting diamonds for our jewellery range, we use a world-wide recognised standardised grading criteria known as the "Four Cs" set out by the Gemmological Institute of America (The GIA). These criteria are: 1. Carat Weight: Carat weight measures the size of the diamond. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are generally rarer and more valuable. Smaller diamonds are measured in points, with 100 points equalling one carat. 2. Colour: Diamond colour refers to the absence of colour in the stone. The GIA grades diamond colour on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Diamonds with less colour (D, E, and F grades) are more valuable, as they allow more light to pass through and create greater brilliance. Fancy-coloured diamonds, however, have their own colour grading scales particular to their colour. 3. Clarity: Clarity assesses the presence of internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. The GIA Clarity Scale ranges from flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye). Diamonds with higher clarity grades are more valuable. 4. Cut: The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry, and polish, which affect how well the diamond reflects and refracts light. The quality of the cut is critical to a diamond's overall appearance and brilliance. A diamond cut is graded on a scale from 'excellent' to 'poor'. - Cut Grade: A diamond's cut grade takes into account factors like brightness, fire (dispersion of light into colours), and scintillation (sparkle). A well-cut diamond will maximise its interaction with light and display excellent sparkle and brilliance. Additionally, there are some other factors that can influence the appearance and value of a diamond, although they are not part of the official Four Cs: 5. Shape: While not an official grading factor, the shape of a diamond is a matter of personal preference. Common shapes include round, princess, emerald, pear, and marquise, among others. 6. Fluorescence: Some diamonds exhibit fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The presence and intensity of fluorescence can affect a diamond's appearance. While faint to medium fluorescence is usually not a significant issue, very strong fluorescence can sometimes lead to a hazy or milky appearance in certain lighting conditions. We welcome all your questions about the origin of the diamonds used in our in-stock pieces and will endeavour to fulfil any special request that you may have for your custom-makes or alterations. You may also wish to read the above section, ‘Where do you get your diamonds from?' to find out more about our diamond selection at Blue Salt Jewellers.

The vast majority of our opals come directly from the world-renowned Lightning Ridge mines in NSW. Lightning ridge opals can be found in a variety of colours, including red, orange, yellow, green, and blue, as well as the rare, precious, and highly prized black opal. We welcome all your questions about the origin of the opals on our in-stock pieces and will endeavour to fulfil any special request that you may have for your custom-makes or alterations. See the section below on 'How is opal quality measured?' to learn more about our opal quality standards.

We, at Blue Salt Jewellers, are proud of our access to a stunning opal range from the world's most renowed opal mines in Lightning Ridge. Learn more about Lightning Ridge opals in the 'Where do your opals come from?' section above. When evaluating opal quality, we consider the following criteria: 1. Play of Colour: The most important characteristic of opal quality is its "play of colour." This term refers to the unique and vibrant flashes of colour that opals exhibit when they are moved or viewed from different angles. Opals with a strong, vivid, and diverse play of colour are considered to be of higher quality. 2. Colour: Apart from the play of colour, the base colour of the opal is also important. Opals come in various colours, and different colours have different values. For example, black opals with a dark body tone are highly prized, as they provide a striking contrast to the play of colour. 3. Transparency: Opals can range from transparent to translucent to opaque. Transparent or translucent opals are often considered more valuable because they allow the play of colour to shine through clearly. 4. Pattern: The pattern of the play of colour can also affect opal quality. Some desirable patterns include harlequin (distinctive squares or diamond-shaped patches of colour), pinfire (tiny, pinpoint flashes of colour), and broadflash (larger, sweeping flashes of colour). 5. Brightness: Opal brightness is a measure of how well the play of colour stands out. Bright opals are more valuable, as they exhibit a vibrant and dynamic play of colour. 6. Body Tone: The body tone of the opal refers to the underlying colour of the stone, which can range from black to white, with various shades in between. Black opals are highly sought-after, but opals with a play of colour on a light background can also be attractive. 7. Size and Carat Weight: The size of the opal and its carat weight can influence its value. Larger opals with a high-quality play of colour are generally more valuable. 8. Origin: Opals from certain regions, such as Lightning Ridge in Australia, are known for their exceptional quality and may command higher prices. 9. Inclusions: Inclusions, such as cracks or impurities, can affect opal quality and clarity. Opals with fewer inclusions are considered to be of higher quality. 10. Shape and Cut: The shape and cut of the opal can also impact its appearance and value. Well-shaped and polished opals are generally more desirable. When assessing opal quality, it's important to consider these factors in combination to determine the overall value and beauty of the gemstone. High-quality opals with strong play of colour and desirable characteristics are often more valuable and sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. We welcome all your questions about the origin of the opals used in our in-stock pieces and will endeavour to fulfil any special request that you may have for your custom-makes or alterations.

Yes, we at Blue Salt Jewellers uphold the highest standards by using only the highest-grade materials, all sourced in strict compliance with the guidelines set out by the JAA Code of Conduct and State and Federal Retail and Manufacturing Codes of Conduct and Laws. We source all gemstones, pearls, diamonds, and precious metals from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflicts, in compliance with UN resolutions, corresponding federal laws, and adhering rigorously to the WDC SOW Guidelines. Our mission is to craft not only beautiful but also responsibly sourced jewellery, ensuring that every piece we create reflects our dedication to ethical and sustainable practices.

Yes, (except for some of the butterfly-backs on earrings that we order), our Blue Salt Jewellers are true artisans and very proud to guarantee that every piece of jewellery is handcrafted from start to finish. This is a great question to ask before purchasing jewellery because the word 'handcrafted' has been misused by non-qualified jewellers that purchase the different materials externally and 'kit' a piece of jewellery together (a bit like IKEA furniture). At Blue Salt Jewellers, we don't do this; instead, we melt, mould, and shape our gold and silver and work intricately and expertly to create pieces that are true works of art derived from years of mastery.

Absolutely; however, it will be considered a custom-make, hence custom-make timelines will apply.

Absolutely. All of our Blue Salt Jewellery comes with a detailed evaluation that you can confidently use for insurance or re-sale purposes.

Getting a custom-made jewellery piece involves several steps to ensure that your vision is turned into something that is unique and beautiful. It's a journey that starts with a blend of anticipation and excitement as you embark on the process of bringing your dream piece to life, and while the task may appear daunting at first, we, at Blue Salt Jewellers, are here to support you every step of the way. It's often best to start by contacting us with at least a rough idea of what you would like to have created. We will ask you questions such as what the piece is for (i.e., for a special occasion, a gift, everyday wear, etc.), what kind of materials you would like used (gemstones or metals), and what budget and time line you have in mind. Once we have confirmed that we can meet your requirements, we will book you in for a complimentary consultation. During the consultation, we will explore design, gemstone, and precious metal options together to bring your vision to life. A drawing of what the final product will look like will be created and tweaked until you’re delighted with the final illustration. This final drawing, along with your stated specifications, will form your design brief. The next step is quoting and scheduling. While we can certainly give you a ballpark price during the consultation, we generally require 2–4 working days to provide you with a set price as the cost of precious metals and gemstones is regularly fluctuating. We will also provide you with a realistic timeframe for when your treasure will be completed and delivered. Time frames are dependent on the level of intricacy of craftsmanship and how much other work has been scheduled on the Blue Salt calendar. After you have approved the design brief, quote, and timeframe, we have everything we need from you to craft your design. Custom -makes are our speciality, and time and time again, our clients are thrilled and deeply moved by the end result.

If you don't have a clear vision for your custom jewellery design, don't worry. Many people start the custom jewellery process without a concrete idea in mind, and that's perfectly normal. We are highly skilled at helping our clients explore their options and refine their preferences. The custom jewellery design process is a collaborative effort, and your Blue Salt jeweller is there to assist you in bringing your vision to life. The goal is to create a piece that reflects your personal style and preferences, even if you start without a clear vision. We are more than happy to assist you through this process during our complimentary consultation. You are most welcome to book a time with us here. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your consultation. - Look through social media platforms (Instagram and Pinterest are ideal for this as they are highly visual), jewellery magazines, or the web to find jewellery designs that catch your eye. You may want to save these images on your phone or print them out and bring them to your consultation. We will also have lots of jewellery magazines on hand for you to look through during the consultation. - During the consultation, you will also be able to try on jewellery at our workshop to provide you with further inspiration and ideas. - Talk to your Blue Salt jeweller about your style preferences, such as whether you like classic, modern, vintage, or eclectic designs. - Share your colour preferences, including metal type (e.g., white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum), and any favourite gemstones or colours. - Share any vague ideas or inspirations you might have, even if they are not fully formed. - Be open to the design evolving as you work closely with your Blue Salt jeweller. They will present different ideas and options along the way to help you narrow down your choices until you are delighted with your final design. Lastly, know that you are in good hands! Your Blue Salt Jeweller is highly skilled in turning vague ideas into stunning custom pieces and will provide you with the finest guidance and expertise.

Absolutely! In today's digital world, distance is no barrier. Our design consultations can easily take place over video call through platforms such as Zoom, Skype, or video call. If you are unfamiliar with how to do this on your end, don't worry; we are more than happy to help you get set up over a phone call. Sketches or pictures can be shared during the call, and we can liaise with you, just as we would if we were together in person, to perfect the design brief to your fullest satisfaction. We have many satisfied customers who have never stepped foot into our boutique store!

Carefully review the sizing booklet provided here. This guide includes information on how to measure yourself for bracelets, necklaces, and rings. If you would like additional assistance to ensure that you select the perfect size, don't hesitate to contact us, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Our 'Sizing Guide' comes complete with a section on tips to measure your loved ones ring size without giving the surprise away. If you would like further assistance on how to hone your spy skills and find the perfect size for your loved one, contact us, we are more than happy to help.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and PayPal payment options using a secure gateway. If you would like to use direct debit or if you would like for us to process your payment over the phone, please contact us.

Yes, all of our orders include beautiful complimentary boxing and gift wrapping, complete with a customer care pack :)

All purchases will come with a detailed guide on how to best care for your jewellery piece; however, general information can also be found here in our 'Product Care' Section.

For Australian in-stock orders, expect 3-5 business days for despatch and up to 6 days for delivery. Non-stock items require scheduling; contact us before purchase. Custom Makes' timelines will be discussed during your design appointment. International orders are dispatched in 3-7 days, with delivery in 10-25 business days. Note that these are estimates; Blue Salt Jewellers is not responsible for freight company delays. You can read more about shipping on our 'Shipping & Returns' page.

We ship to Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, European countries, the United Kingdom, the USA and Canada. If you would like your order to be shipped outside of these locations, do contact us, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

We provide complementary shipping for all Australia-wide orders. Delivery to New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada will incur a flat fee of $25 AUD. To place your order if you live outside of these nations, please get in touch with us, and we will be delighted to assist you. Please note that Australian taxes are not applied to orders shipped directly from Blue Salt Jewellers to international destinations. Please contact your local customs office for detailed information as the listed RRP price does not include taxes or fees paid to foreign governments. The purchaser is liable for all import-related expenses and obligations, as well as any related tariffs, taxes, and customs clearance charges.

Upon placing your order, you will receive an email with your order tracking number and the details of your courier. You can then track your order on the courier's tracking webpage. If you require assistance on how to track your order, do contact us, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

You can read our return policy here, in our 'shipping & returns' section.