FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our jewellery and the process
Quick Links
🇺🇸 Important Information for USA Customers
Orders After October 17, 2025
Good news! The tariff duty amount is included in the price you see online. Nothing extra to pay.
Orders Before October 17, 2025
By placing an order, you agree to the following policy:
- Your kit will be sent as normal
- Your jewelry will be posted after postage, handling, and tariffs have been paid
- You'll receive an invoice via email once your order is ready to ship
Sterling silver pendant on chain: $399 AUD
Invoice total: $59 AUD
($20 postage & handling + 10% of order value)
Please note: Refunds will not be provided due to changes or implementation of tariffs. Tariffs and shipping costs are subject to change.
How Does the Process Work?
Step-by-Step Timeline
- Order Placed: You'll receive a confirmation email
- Kit Dispatch: Your kit ships within 2-3 business days
- Kit Contents: Jeweller's wax (three pieces per jewellery item), instructions, and return label (Australian orders only)
- Take Your Prints: Follow instructions, complete order card, return everything in the original box
- Wax Received: We send a confirmation email when your wax arrives
- Production: Your jewellery is completed within our turnaround timeframes
- Shipment: Your order is updated with a new tracking number
International Customers
You must return your wax at your own cost. Please keep a hold of your tracking information!
Taking Prints - Tips & Troubleshooting
I Can't See a Print, Can You Still Use It?
If you're worried about print detail, send us a photo! The details and textures translate beautifully into metal. Please trust the process!
If the print is very faint, we'll contact you to confirm you're happy to proceed or offer a re-do if time and logistics allow.
I Can't Get a Good Print, What Am I Doing Wrong?
Temperature is key:
- The wax must be thoroughly warmed through
- Too hot = it will break apart
- Cools too quick = no print transfer
- Test: Roll the wax into a smooth ball when pliable
- If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot for your dog's nose!
Pro tips:
- Your dog's nose must be dry for texture transfer
- Keep a cloth handy to wipe their nose before each attempt
- Avoid touching the front of the wax where the print will be
- Can't get a nose print? Try a paw print - infinitely easier and they look great!
Can This Be Done with a Cat's Nose?
Absolutely! We can print pretty much anything into wax: paw prints, fingerprints (above 2 years old as babies don't have defined prints yet).
My Dog Doesn't Have Long Left - What Can I Do?
Emergency Print Option: Air-Dried Clay
Air-dried clay is available at most craft stores or dollar stores. Please ensure you:
- Take a few prints
- Keep them dry and clean while they harden
- Focus on a section of the nose (doesn't need to be the entire nose)
Note: This may require a silicone mold, which can lengthen turnaround time and incur additional fees.
✈️ Shipping & Returns
What's the Return Address?
Please send your wax in the original box to:
PO BOX 203
Moonee Ponds 3039
Victoria, Australia
How Long Does Wax Take to Return from US/UK/EU?
As international customers use their preferred mail carrier, we cannot confirm exact timeframes or costs.
FedEx Quoted $150+ to Return My Wax!
US Customers: Use USPS!
- Standard shipping: ~$20.30 USD (reliable and efficient)
- Express: ~$40-60 USD
My Parcel Has Gone Missing / Was Returned to Sender
Once the parcel leaves our hands, Blackbird + Bones is not liable for any loss or damage.
- Please lodge an inquiry with your mail carrier using your tracking number
- If deemed lost/unrecoverable, we'll provide what's needed for insurance claims
- Returned kits can be re-sent for $15 AUD standard shipping fee
Do I Have to Pay Import Tax or Customs Fees?
International Customers: Read This!
Please check the guidelines and rules relevant to your country for buying goods from Australia.
Resources:
- Use an online duties calculator for cost estimates
- UK/EU/Canada and some Asian countries have strict import rules
💍 Ring Sizing
I Don't Know My Ring Size, Can I Still Order?
Yes! Just email us once you've confirmed your size.
Do You Do Resizes if My Ring Is Too Big/Small?
We are unable to offer complimentary ring sizing, so please ensure you correctly measure your size. If using the ring sizer provided, read the packaging carefully for instructions.
Resize fee: $100 AUD plus shipping costs both ways
✨ Customization Options
Can I Make Another Pendant or Ring from the Same Wax?
Not from the wax print itself - the wax is burned away during casting. We return any spare wax prints back with your final piece so ensure you hold on to them! If you placed an order prior to June 2025 we may still have your spare print. Please reach out to us and we can hopefully locate it for you.
Future-Proof Your Design
If you'd like the option to recreate your jewellery in different styles, we can make a master silicone mold (available as an add-on). You can keep this at the studio or have it posted to you.
⏰ Timelines & Tracking
Where Is My Order?
Official turnaround times (from wax receipt):
- All jewellery: 8-10 weeks
- Signet rings: Up to 16 weeks
- Engraving, gem setting, and molding: Additional time
If your query is within these timeframes, please trust that we're hard at work on your piece! We're a small team putting our time and energy into making your special jewellery. Your enthusiasm is appreciated!
📋 Policies & Safety
My Pendant or Ring Doesn't Look Like I Imagined - Do You Do Refunds?
We don't offer refunds if you don't like your final piece. Here's why:
- Each nose print is completely unique
- Wax sample outcomes can be somewhat limited
- We encourage you to share design preferences, especially for signet rings
- Our product listings show what the final result typically looks like
Have reservations? Please let us know before we start! We want to make your piece the way you like it, but we need your input upfront.
Is the Wax Toxic or Harmful to My Dog?
The wax is safe for skin-to-nose contact when gently heated. It should never feel too warm to the touch.
- If the wax is too hot, it will fall apart
- We can provide MSDS information on request
- Disclaimer: Blackbird + Bones is not liable for wax that is ingested or injures your pet in any way
Jewellery Recycling Program
Australian customers only: Have old sterling silver or solid gold jewellery to recycle?
- Complete the form under "Recycle my jewellery"
- Receive a credit towards your Blackbird + Bones piece
- Note: This is not reusing your old metal to make your new piece - it's a credit system
Still have questions? Contact us at contact@blackbirdandbones.com.au
We're here to help make your jewellery journey and enjoyable and informed one!