FAQs & Information

Welcome to the practical-but-still-pretty side of Nordic Grey Designs — here’s everything you need to know about how your handmade goodies make their way from my studio to your home.

 

Processing Time

Every piece is handmade (by me, with clay-covered hands and a lot of love) so each order is packed with care. Orders ship within 5 business days.

If there’s ever a delay - kiln mishaps, weather tantrums, general life chaos - I’ll let you know straight away.

 

Shipping Rates

Within Australia

• $15 flat rate for orders under $100

• Free standard shipping on orders over $120 - Because who doesn’t love free shipping?

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Everywhere Else

International shipping is absolutely possible - I just need to quote it based on your location. Please contact me before placing your order so I can give you an accurate cost.

 

Tracking

Once your order is on its way, you’ll receive:

• A shipping confirmation

• A tracking number

• The joy of refreshing your parcel updates far too many times (we all do it)

   

Packaging

Your pieces are wrapped with Nordic neatness, eco-conscious materials, and enough padding to survive even the sassiest postal journey.

 

Lost or Damaged Items

If something arrives looking like it’s had a rough day, get in touch. I’ll sort it - promise. Just email with:

• Your order number

• Photos of the damage

• A small moment of mourning (optional but understood)

   

Local Pickup (If Applicable)

If you’re local and prefer to collect in person, message me and we’ll arrange something that works for both of us.

 

Questions?

I’m always here to help. Send a message any time and I’ll get back to you as soon as I’ve wiped the clay off my hands

Welcome to the sensible side of Nordic Grey Designs — the bit where we talk about returns, refunds, and all the not-so-glamorous stuff that keeps everything running smoothly.

Because everything here is handmade (by an Australian–Finnish human with a very real clay habit), each piece is unique — and tiny variations are all part of the charm. With that in mind, here’s how returns and refunds work:

 

No Change-of-Mind Returns

Since every item is handcrafted in small batches, I don’t accept returns or refunds for change of mind.

So please choose thoughtfully, read the descriptions, check the sizes, and give your cart a little pep talk before committing.(Your future self will thank you.)

 

If Your Item Arrives Damaged

Sometimes parcels get treated… enthusiastically… in transit.If your piece arrives damaged, don’t panic — I’ll sort it.

Please contact me within 48 hours of delivery with:

From there, I’ll arrange a replacement or refund depending on the situation.

 

If Something’s Wrong With Your Order

If I’ve made a mistake (it happens — usually when I’ve had too much or too little coffee), let me know within 7 days of receiving your order. I’ll fix it quickly and without any fuss.

 

Non-Returnable Items

For hygiene and safety reasons, the following cannot be returned:

 

Cancellations

Orders cannot be cancelled once they’re packed or shipped.If you need to cancel, contact me ASAP — if your parcel hasn’t left yet, I’ll see what I can do.

 

Replacements & Refunds

If approved, refunds will be issued to the original payment method.Replacements will be made as soon as possible — though please remember that handmade items aren’t produced at factory speed.

 

Need Help?

I’m here — usually with clay all over my apron — and happy to answer any questions.Just send a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as my hands are clean.

• Your order number

• Clear photos of the damage

• A quick message letting me know what happened

• Earrings or any jewellery worn close to the skin

• Custom or made-to-order pieces

• Sale items

• Gift cards

The Process

Every piece begins the same way: as an idea. A sketch. A shape. A colour.

 

From there, the design is formed slowly by hand in clay — deliberate, tactile, and never rushed. Once the form and surface are complete and left to dry slowly so as to avoid cracking, the pieces head into their first firing. This initial firing reaches 1060°C and takes around 24 hours, transforming the delicate bone-dry clay into its first ceramic state.

 

After cooling, each piece is carefully wet-sanded. This is where hidden designs emerge, edges soften, and the true character of the clay starts to show itself.

 

Depending on the design, pieces are either glazed or left raw before returning to the kiln for a second firing. This mid-fire firing reaches 1220°C, another 24+ hour journey that locks in strength, surface, and finish.

 

Some designs take things a little further. When gold lustre is used, the piece goes back into the kiln for a third and final firing - a gentler one at around 700°C - allowing the gold to settle softly onto the surface.

 

Once firing is complete, every piece is inspected again and wet-sanded by hand, some designs gradually moving through finer grits until the surface reaches a smooth, buttery finish. The final buffing brings out a natural polish that feels as good as it looks. Others left raw, matte, earthy.

 

Only then does the ceramic become what it was always meant to be - a piece of jewellery, designed from the very first sketch to be worn, lived in, and cared for.