Frequently Asked Questions about our Jewellery

Is each piece of jewellery an original?
Yes all of our jewellery is one of a kind, designed and made in NZ by Michelle our artist. You will not find anything similar anywhere else!

Do you use sterling silver and 18k gold?
No our standard jewellery ranges displayed on the website are made from silver or gold plated beads and findings (catches, eyepins and chain) If you would like sterling silver or gold vermeil contact us to enquire about costs.

How long does it take to ship/freight?
In New Zealand we use NZ couriers, who normally take 2-3 working days to deliver from the time we send out the items, and once we have received payment for your order.
For overseas orders allow 10-15 working days.

What payment methods are available?
We offer a choice of secure online purchasing with your visa or mastercard, or you can contact us to arrange for internet banking or bank deposit details.

Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes we do gift vouchers, just send us an email or phone to arrange for your preferred value gift vouchers to be mailed to you.

Tell a friend!
If you tell one of your friends about your jewellery purchase, and they then buy jewellery from us, we will send you a pair of free earrings valued at $20 to say thank you. To qualify for this make sure your friend mentions you when they make their purchase from us!

What materials do you use?
We use a carefully handpicked selection of Swarovski crystals, Swarovski pearls, copper chain, beads and findings, glass foil beads, sea shells and NZ paua shell, Czech firepolished glass beads, glass faceted beads, Venetian glass beads, handmade pendant glass, and glass seed beads, and anything else pretty that catches our eye when we are bead shopping!
We endeavour to select only good quality, well made and hard wearing materials, and most materials are trialed before we use them in our jewellery making.

Do you do custom orders and how much do they cost compared to your standard items?
For custom orders, pricing is usually within 20% of similar items displayed for sale on our website. Things that we factor in are the complexity of the piece, time to make, and the quantity/quality and cost of the beads required.

Do you sell in shops?
Yes we currently have Creativity Jewellery displayed in two locations, Monmo Gallery in Orewa, and the Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa.

Do you ship overseas?
Yes we welcome overseas orders on jewellery. Pricing for freight will be confirmed at the time of your order.

Do you refund jewellery if it doesn’t fit?
No, we don’t refund as jewellery is a personal item, and we don’t feel comfortable reselling returned items once they have been worn, however, we do adjust and alter items free of charge (conditions may apply) so please don’t hesitate to contact us if the fit or length is not right for you.

I like the necklace, but not the matching earrings or bracelet, can you make different ones to match the necklace for me?
Yes we can make different earrings or a bracelet to match your preferred style if you find the displayed matching items are not what you are looking for. We will give you a price when you email us, pricings for these are usually similar to items currently displayed on the site.

Can you alter the length and does it cost extra?
Yes we can alter lengths and no there is no extra charge for this, please email us your preferred length when you order.

Do you do discounts for bulk orders?
Yes we offer a discount on jewellery purchases over $250 which we will confirm with you at time of your enquiry or order. We also welcome enquiries from wholesalers/resellers who are interested in reselling our jewellery.

Do you do wedding jewellery?
Yes we love making jewellery for your special day, and can discuss with you the style and colours you are looking for to match your bridal dress.
We also offer a mother of the bride service and a bridesmaids service as well. Jewellery is a beautiful way to co ordinate your bridesmaids on your wedding day, and gives them a lasting gift to remember your special day.

Frequently asked questions about our Paintings

What materials do you use?
All of our paintings are painted on artists quality canvas, using artists quality oil paints, varnishes and mediums, and framed with good quality, decorative frames, supplied with string ready to hang.

Can we see the painting we like before we purchase?
You are welcome to arrange to visit us and view the artwork before you purchase, just send us an email to arrange a time to view the artwork. Our premises are in Auckland, NZ. We do not ship paintings out to view before they are purchased as there is a risk of damage.

Do you do commissions?
Yes we welcome commissions on a case by case basis. Send us a photo and we will advise you of cost and time factors.
Michelle specializes in historic landscapes, seascapes, flowers, NZ landscapes and beach scenes.

Do you ship or freight paintings?
Yes we ship paintings throughout New Zealand, and can arrange for overseas freight if required. To ensure your painting reaches you in good condition and is covered for damages we use the more expensive freight options, which cover damages and loss insurance and fragile handling.

Why are oils different to acrylics or watercolours?
With oil paints you can achieve a much more vibrant result, as the colors are built up by using layers of paint, rather than a wash like watercolours. Oils are made from ground pigment colours, combined with an oil medium, often a linseed oil derivative. They are slower drying than acrylic paints, which allows the artist to rework areas, and achieve better blending effects on the artwork. Glazes are transparent layers of oil paint, and work wonderfully to create a vibrant, almost glowing painting, and are ideal to achieve reflections, light and vibrancy in the artwork.
Oil paintings dry slowly over a period of time as the oil comes to the surface of the paint and evaporates, so the top layer or skin of the paint will dry first, and then on down through the layers, this is why it takes between 3-6 months before a painting is completely dry and ready to be framed and varnished.

Do you sell prints of original paintings?
No we believe that each painting should be an original, and not reproduced for anyone to hang on their wall! You will not find reproduction prints of any of our oil paintings that are available to purchase on our website.

How can I be sure my painting is genuine?
When you purchase your painting, we will also include a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist, stating the artists name, date of the painting, medium, size, and materials used, name and a description of the artwork.
Keep this as your record of authenticity.