Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re joining me for a jewellery workshop, choosing a piece to wear, or wondering if I can make something especially for you, you’ll find answers to some of the questions I’m asked most often here.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch. I’m always happy to help.

Workshops

Where do you run your jewellery workshops?

I run regular workshops from my studio in Notting Hill, Melbourne, as well as classes in Brunswick.

Throughout the year I also travel to regional Victoria and interstate for pop-up workshops, creative events and collaborations.

Because my calendar changes throughout the year, the best place to see what’s coming up is the Workshops page.

Do I need any jewellery-making experience?

Not at all.

Most of my workshops are designed for complete beginners, and many of the people who come along tell me they don’t think of themselves as creative.

You don’t need to arrive knowing what you’re doing. I’ll guide you through the techniques step by step and give you plenty of room to experiment.

My classes are much more about curiosity and having a go than getting everything “perfect”.

What kinds of jewellery workshops do you teach?

Workshops change throughout the year, but you may find classes in:

• beginner jewellery making

• sterling silver jewellery

• enamelling

• sea glass and bezel setting

• rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets

• stamping and texturing

• traditional silversmithing techniques

• intermediate and practice sessions

I also regularly create special one-off classes and travelling workshops.

Check the current workshop listings to see what’s available.

What is included in the workshop price?

Everything you need to complete the project described in the class listing is generally included unless otherwise stated.

Materials vary depending on the workshop. Some classes use copper and brass, while others include sterling silver, enamel, sea glass or other materials.

Each workshop listing explains exactly what is included.

Do I need to bring anything?

For most beginner workshops, you just need to bring yourself.

Please wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for working in a jewellery studio. If you have long hair, it’s helpful to bring something to tie it back.

For intermediate classes or practice sessions, you may be asked to bring a project or particular materials. This will always be explained when you book.

What age are the workshops suitable for?

This depends on the class.

Some workshops are suitable for children and teenagers, while others involve equipment or techniques that make them more appropriate for older teens and adults.

The minimum age will always be listed on the individual workshop page.

If you’re unsure whether a particular class is suitable, please get in touch.

Can children and adults attend a workshop together?

For classes where the age requirements allow it, absolutely.

Making jewellery together can be a lovely shared experience between parents, grandparents, children and friends.

Please check the individual class listing first, as age limits vary depending on the tools and techniques being used.

I’m worried I’m not creative enough. Is the class still for me?

Yes. Very much so.

You do not need to consider yourself artistic or creative to enjoy making jewellery.

One of my favourite parts of teaching is watching someone begin a class saying, “I’m not creative,” and leave wearing something they made themselves.

There are no marks and no right answers. You’ll learn the technique, explore the materials and make something that feels like yours.

What happens if I make a mistake?

Then you’re making jewellery.

Mistakes are part of learning a craft. Sometimes they can be corrected, sometimes they lead us somewhere unexpected, and sometimes they simply teach us something for next time.

My workshops are designed to be supportive places where you can experiment without being afraid of getting things wrong.

Can I learn stone setting?

Yes.

I now offer workshops that introduce bezel setting, including classes using sea glass.

Stone-setting classes are usually offered in small groups so I can give everyone plenty of individual help.

Check the current workshop schedule for upcoming dates.

Do you offer intermediate classes?

Yes.

If you’ve completed one of my beginner classes or already have some jewellery-making experience, look out for intermediate workshops and practice sessions.

These are a chance to build your skills, tackle more involved techniques and work with greater independence while still having guidance nearby.

Can I book a private jewellery workshop?

Yes.

Private workshops are available for birthdays, friends, family groups, hens celebrations and other occasions.

I can run sessions at my Notting Hill studio or, depending on the group and location, bring a workshop to you.

Get in touch with your preferred date, approximate number of people and what you have in mind and we can work out the best option.

Do you run corporate workshops?

Yes.

I run creative jewellery-making experiences for workplaces, conferences, Christmas celebrations and team events.

Sessions can range from short, accessible drop-in activities to more structured jewellery workshops.

I can also travel to your workplace or event venue.

Visit the Corporate Workshops page or get in touch to discuss your event.

Do you run workshops for schools and community groups?

Yes.

I offer jewellery and metalwork workshops for schools, holiday programs and community organisations.

Activities can be adapted to different ages, group sizes and learning goals and may include stamping, texturing, metal forming, enamelling and jewellery-making techniques.

Please get in touch to discuss your group and what you would like students to experience.

Can you come to our venue?

Often, yes.

Many of my workshops are designed to travel.

I regularly run classes in other studios, schools, workplaces, community spaces and event venues.

The exact requirements depend on the activity, group size and location, so contact me and we can work out what is possible.

What happens if I need to cancel or change my workshop booking?

I understand that plans sometimes change.

Cancellation, transfer and rescheduling conditions can vary depending on the workshop and how it was booked.

Please refer to the Workshop Terms & Conditions for the most up-to-date information, or contact me if you need help with an existing booking.

Jewellery

Where is Sarah Munnings Jewellery made?

My jewellery is made by hand in Australia.

Pieces are created using traditional jewellery-making techniques rather than mass-produced processes, and many are made in small batches.

You may notice tiny variations between pieces. I think that’s part of the magic of handmade jewellery — evidence of the hands, tools and processes that created it.

Are your pieces exactly the same as the photographs?

No two handmade pieces are ever completely identical.

Enamel in particular has a wonderful unpredictability. Colour, texture, firing marks and edges can vary subtly from one piece to another.

Botanical and hand-textured pieces may also show small differences.

Your jewellery will have the same overall design and character as the piece pictured, but it will still be uniquely yours.

Is your jewellery made to order?

Some pieces are made in small batches and ready to send, while others may be made to order.

Availability and production times are shown with each product wherever possible.

If you need something by a particular date, please contact me before ordering and I’ll let you know what is possible.

Do you make custom jewellery?

Yes.

Custom work is an important part of what I do.

I can create jewellery inspired by favourite colours, shapes, Australian flowers and wildlife, meaningful places and personal stories.

I also work with retailers and organisations to develop exclusive pieces and small collections.

If you have an idea, you don’t need to have the design completely worked out before contacting me. We can begin with the story or feeling you would like the piece to hold.

Can you make something in a different enamel colour?

Often, yes.

Colour is one of my favourite things to work with and many enamel designs can be created in different colours.

Because enamel is fired in a kiln, colours and firing effects have a little natural variation. That unpredictability is one of the things I love about the process.

Get in touch if you have a particular colour in mind.

Do you make jewellery in gold?

Yes, I work with gold for selected pieces and custom work.

Gold prices change significantly with the market, so custom gold jewellery is quoted individually.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss having something made.

How do I work out my ring size?

Getting an accurate size is particularly important for handmade rings.

A local jeweller can measure your finger for you, which is often the most reliable option.

If you’re ordering a ring from me and are unsure about sizing, please contact me before ordering and I can help you work out the best approach.

Can you remake or alter one of your existing designs?

Often I can.

Because everything is made by hand, there is sometimes flexibility to adjust a design, size, metal, colour or detail.

Some designs are easier to customise than others, so please get in touch before ordering.

Sustainability & Making

Do you use recycled materials?

I try to make thoughtful material choices wherever I can.

Jewellery making naturally creates offcuts and scraps, and precious metals can be recycled and used again rather than discarded.

Some of my collections deliberately celebrate this process, transforming recycled and leftover metal into something beautiful and wearable.

I also make in small batches rather than producing large quantities of stock.

Why does handmade jewellery cost more than mass-produced jewellery?

A handmade piece carries a lot more than the materials you can see.

Each piece may involve designing, sawing, forming, soldering, filing, sanding, polishing, enamelling, firing, finishing and sometimes several rounds of adjustment before it is ready to wear.

You are buying the time, skill and experience of the maker as well as the materials themselves.

You are also supporting an independent Australian creative business and helping traditional making skills continue.

Orders, Shipping & Returns

How long will my order take?

Ready-made pieces are sent as soon as possible, while made-to-order and custom jewellery will take longer.

Estimated production times are provided with individual products where relevant.

If you need something for a birthday, anniversary or other special date, please contact me before ordering and I’ll let you know whether I can meet your timeframe.

Do you ship within Australia?

Yes.

Current shipping options and prices are shown at checkout.

Please see the Shipping Policy for the most up-to-date information.

Do you ship internationally?

International availability can change, so please check the options available at checkout or contact me before ordering.

What if there is a problem with my jewellery?

Please contact me.

Because I make the jewellery myself, I would much rather have the opportunity to understand what has happened and see how I can help.

For formal information about returns, exchanges and faulty items, please refer to the Returns Policy.

How should I care for my jewellery?

Jewellery naturally changes as it is worn.

Silver, brass and copper can develop a patina over time, while enamel should be protected from hard knocks.

As a general rule:

• store jewellery somewhere dry when you aren’t wearing it

• avoid spraying perfume or cleaning products directly onto it

• remove jewellery before swimming

• avoid harsh chemical cleaners

• treat enamelled pieces with care, as enamel is glass fused to metal

If you’re unsure how to clean one of my pieces, please ask before experimenting with cleaning products.

Gifts & Special Pieces

Do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes, gift vouchers are a lovely option if you want to give someone the experience of making their own jewellery but aren’t sure which class they would choose.

Check the website for current gift voucher options or contact me.

Can I give a workshop as a gift?

Absolutely.

For many people, the experience of making the jewellery becomes just as meaningful as the piece they take home.

You can choose a particular class if you know what they would enjoy, or use a gift voucher so they can select their own date and workshop.

Can you create jewellery to remember a person, place or moment?

Yes.

Some of the most meaningful pieces I make begin with a story rather than a design.

It might be a flower connected to someone important, colours that remind you of a particular landscape, a name or date, a piece of sea glass collected on a holiday, or jewellery that marks a significant moment.

If you have something in mind, please get in touch. We can talk through what might be possible.

Still have a question?

Please reach out.

Jewellery can be personal, workshops can feel like a big step when you’ve never made anything before, and sometimes a quick conversation makes everything much easier.

Email: info@sarahmunnings.com
Studio: Notting Hill, Melbourne

Or visit the Contact page and send me a message.

I’d love to hear from you.