Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of our most commonly asked questions. If your question isn't answered here, please feel free to contact us! We'll try and get back to you as soon as possible.

 

Ordering From Mink Schmink

• Do You Accept International Orders?
• Can I Layby?
• Do You Have Gift Certificates?
• My Order Is A Present. Can You Gift Wrap It?
• What If You Run Out Of Stock?

Shipping

• How Much is Shipping and How Long Will Shipping Take?
  
• My Order Is A Present. Can You Send It To Them For Me?

Returns and Exchanges

• What's Your Return Policy?
• Can I Exchange An Item If I Don't Like It?
  

Jewellery Sizing

• How Do I Know What My Ring Size Is?
• What Can You Tell Me About Necklace Lengths?

Jewellery Care

• How Do I Care For My Jewellery After It Gets Here?
• How Do You Remove Tarnish From Jewellery Safely?
• Do You Do Repairs?

Handbag and Clutch Care

• How Do I Look After My Precious Bag?

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Ordering From Mink Schmink (back to top)

• Do You Accept International Orders?

We sure do. We welcome international orders. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

• Can I Layby?

Yes and no. At this point in time we can only accept laybys in our Newtown store. Unfortunately our ecommerce store does not have a layby function at this point in time.

• Do You Have Gift Certificates?

Yes. Gift Certificates are available in $20, $50, $100 and $200 denominations.

• My Order Is A Present. Can You Gift Wrap It?

Yes. We can indeed! All Mink Schmink orders come beautifully packaged in either a velvet pouch or box depending on the item. You'll receive it ready for giving (even if it's for yourself!).

• What If You Run Out Of Stock?

We wish to mention to our online customers that our stock levels are dynamic and change frequently, therefore some pieces may only be available for a limited time for online purchase. In the event that you have purchased an item which for some reason is not available, we will aim to track the item down for you or let you know that it is no longer available. In any event, we will try and notify you of any delays within two working days.

Shipping (back to top)

• How Much Is Shipping and How Long Will ShippingTake?

All orders will be shipped from our Newtown location and we use Australia Post for all shipments. Please note that we endeavor to ship your items within 1-2 business days after your order is placed. This guide is approximate only and is based on Australia Post's Australia Wide Delivery Standards and International Airmail Delivery Standards. We ask for your understanding during busy periods like Christmas, where the postal service in your area may take longer.

Please also note that any import duty tax incurred by ordering from us is the sole responsibility of the purchaser and we take no liability for these costs. Please refer to your local postal service and customs website if you need more information.

Country	Regular Shipping Rate	How Long it Takes
Australia	$6.00	1-5 Business Days
New Zealand	$11.00	3-4 Business Days
Asia/Pacific	$13.00	3-6 Business Days
USA/Canada	$15.50	4-7 Business Days
Europe + Rest of the World	$19.00	5-10 Business Days

* Some items are bulkier and heavier, requiring additional postage. In the event that your item/s require additional postage, we will contact you to arrange payment of the difference.

 

My Order Is A Present. Can You Send It To Them For Me?

We most certainly can! During the checkout process you will see that there is a section to enter your billing address and shipping address. We will send the item to the location you specify in the shipping address. If you would like us to add a special message for you, enter your message in the 'Edit Gift Options' section on the right hand side of the checkout screen.

Returns and Exchanges (back to top)

• What's Your Return Policy?

Please choose carefully as all online sales are final. We do not accept returns for change of mind. Please note that items that are on sale are sold as is.

 

• Can I Exchange An Item If I Don't Like It?

We do our best to provide you with accurate descriptions and images so you can make an informed decision. That said, we ask that you choose carefully before buying as we cannot exchange items.

 

Jewellery Sizing (back to top)

• How Do I Know What My Ring Size Is?
  
  

  Here's an easy way to find out your ring size: 1. Wrap a piece of string around largest part of your finger (this may be the knuckle). 2. Mark or cut the string at the length which wraps around your finger exactly one time. 3. Measure that length of string against a standard ruler. 4. Compare against the closest circumference in the chart to find your size.	Size	Circumference
  		(mm)	(inches)
  	0	36.5	1.44
  	1	39.1	1.54
  	2	41.6	1.64
  	3	44.2	1.74
  	4	46.7	1.84
  	5	49.3	1.94
  	6	51.8	2.04
  	7	54.4	2.14
  	8	56.9	2.24
  	9	59.5	2.34
  	10	62.1	2.44
  	11	64.6	2.54
  	12	67.2	2.64
  	13	69.7	2.74
  	14	72.3	2.85
  	15	74.8	2.95
  	16	77.4	3.05

 

 

• What Can You Tell Me About Necklace Lengths ?

Necklace Styles There are many styles of necklaces out there - and there are some standard names used by jewellery designers. Here's a few that you may have heard of already, and if you haven't this a handy reference for necklace lingo. Below you'll find some standard lengths for necklaces for men and women.

Women's Standard Necklace Lengths
	cm	inches
Collar	30 - 35 cm	12 - 14 inches
Neckwire	37 - 45 cm	15 - 18 inches
Choker	30 - 40 cm	14 - 16 inches
Princess / Pendant	40 - 45 cm	16 - 18 inches
Matinee	50 - 62 cm	20 - 25 inches
Opera	70 - 85 cm	28 - 34 inches
Rope	75 - 120 cm	40 - 48 inches
Lariat (ends left unattached)	120 cm	48 inches
Men's Standard Necklace Lengths
	cm	inches
Choker	40 - 45 cm	16 - 18 inches
Short	45 - 50 cm	18 - 20 inches
Medium	55 cm	22 inches
Long	60 cm	24 inches

Jewellery Care (back to top)

• How Do I Care For My Jewellery After It Gets Here?
  
  Protect it: Crystals, glass beads and diamantes can easily scratch or chip other jewellery and vice versa so keep your  jewellery protected in a pouch or separate box if you want it to stay sparkly. If you have a jewellery box, we recommend you keep your jewellery separate from each other (not piled on top of each other)
  
  Separate it!: Our top tip if you use a jewellery box, is to use organza pouches for each item, so you can still see what's inside and keep things from getting tangled up.
  
  Earrings: To keep earrings in good nick, be sure to store them in pairs in either a box or hanging on an earring rack. This protects the posts and hooks from being broken or deformed.
  
  Semi-Precious Stones and Freshwater Pearls: can be damaged from exposure to chemicals, so always put your jewellery on last before you go out (that's right, don't do the dishes with your rings and bracelet on).
  
  Cleaning: Likewise, take your jewellery off before going to sleep and if your jewellery is a bit dirty, give it a quick clean before putting it away. Some jewellery cleaners like silver foam can be used on these however please check labelling on the cleaner before use.

 

• How Do You Remove Tarnish From Jewellery Safely?
  
  Oxidisation: A common misconception is that sterling silver doesn't tarnish and all other jewellery will 'change colour'. In reality, all metal jewellery will tarnish or change colour. This change is what we call oxidisation.
  
  Don't sweat it: Over time, oxidisation will occur from the metal reacting to the oxygen in the air and chemicals that may touch it, like sweat, perfumes and natural oils from your skin. This is easily removed by using a soft polishing cloth or jewellery cleaner such as those you get from your supermarket.
  
  Turn back time: You can also slow down the effects of tarnishing by using anti-tarnishing strips in your jewellery box, or even a plastic zip lock bag with the air squeezed out. Note that these just slow it down, not prevent it.
  
  Plated or not plated: Unless specified, most jewellery is made from a base metal of brass or copper and dependng on the colour, can have a silver or gold plating. This goes for most brands of jewellery - When you're out shopping, if you see silver or gold, but no hallmark (e.g. Sterling Silver is marked as .925) then it is plated.
  
  Gently does it: So what does this mean when you want to clean it? Simple - always be very gentle with your cleaning. Don't be too enthusiastic about rubbing dirt off or you may end up rubbing off the plating (you can tell if the plating has worn off if you see brass or copper shining through). For plated jewellery, we recommend cleaners that are specifically for jewellery (not silver polish). Check out your supermarket aisle for a jewellery dip, gel or cloth.
  
  Use specific cleaners: If you have sterling silver, pearls or semi precious stones, be sure to check on the label of the cleaner - there are usually special cleaners just for these types of jewellery.
  
  

  Do You Do Repairs?

  Yes and No. Simply put, it will depend on a number factors, such as the type of repair needed, and how long ago it was bought. We may be able to replace at no charge if the item was purchased less than 6 months ago and the item is still available, however this is at our discretion and we cannot simply replace something if we deem that the item has been damaged through use and not a manufacturer's fault.
  
  The easiest way for us to help you is to email us with details on what happened to your jewellery (photos are great too - if you can attach them to your email it will speed up the process and allow us to give you a better answer). If it's something we can't fix, we'll recommend you to someone who may be able to help.
  
   

Handbag and Clutch Care (back to top)

• How Do I Look After My Precious Bag?
  
  Store it properly: When not in use, store your bags in a dust bag to protect it from scratches, dirt and fading (some handbags come with one when you buy them, but if you don't have one, a cotton pillowcase will do the job).
  
  Be sensible: Match your arm accessories to the bag - if your bag is delicate, select jewellery that will not snag on your bag when you use it.
  
  Get organised: Maintain the look of your bag by using a bag organiser inside your larger bags. These keep the inside organised, clean and best of all, when you want to switch bags your things are ready to go. If you don't have one of these, a clear cosmetic bag is a perfect substitute.