Frequently asked Questions / Ray of Sunshine Jewellery
What Sets Ray of Sunshine Jewellery Apart From Other Jewellery Makers?
Honestly? A lot of things. But let me share the ones that matter most.
Every single piece I create is one-of-a-kind. Not "limited run" one-of-a-kind. Truly, genuinely, never-to-be-repeated one-of-a-kind. I hand-cut many of my own gemstones completely freehand, no templates, no guides, just me, the stone, and a whole lot of patience. Which means the piece you're wearing? Nobody else on the planet has one exactly like it.
I create using my Nan Rayleen's silversmithing tools. She was a gifted silversmith and lapidary artist, and when she passed, she left me her tools and a quiet spark I didn't know what to do with for years. Now, every piece I make carries her legacy forward. People feel that, even when I don't say a word about it.
And I genuinely care about you. Not in a scripted way. In a "I hand-write your note, I tuck in a little crystal, I check in after your parcel arrives" kind of way.
☀️ Molly says: "I love that whenever I get a new piece and the pieces I already own, I can always sense the love that has gone into it. I love knowing that everyone I tell about you, they will have the same thought out and cared for experience." Jan 2023
☀️ Phil says: "Every piece is uniquely designed and crafted with such incredible attention to detail. You can feel the passion in her work. Donna's customer service is just as special, she always goes above and beyond." Nov 2025
Curious about how I cut my stones? [See how I do it here.] (link to your stone-cutting page)
Where Is Ray of Sunshine Jewellery Located?
My home base is between Cabarita Beach and Kingscliff, NSW, on the beautiful Northern NSW Coast of Australia.
But honestly? I create wherever I am. Sometimes that's in my home. Sometimes it's on the back step of our sailing boat, anchored in a quiet bay somewhere between land and sea. Wire wrapping travels beautifully, and the ocean is always my greatest inspiration.
I ship Australia-wide. I also stock my handmade Australian jewellery in local shops and on Great Keppel Island in the Great Barrier Reef.
☀️ Chloe says: "I love your jewellery because it's local, handmade and made with love. I always see people walking around Kingy wearing your creations and they all look amazing. My Carnelian earrings are worn every day and I get soooo many compliments on them." Jan 2023
What Materials Are Used in Ray of Sunshine Jewellery?
Only the good stuff. Always.
Recycled Sterling Silver. Sourced from a reputable refinery here in Australia. Durable, long-lasting, and safe for sensitive skin. My signature ear wires are hand-forged one by one from hardened sterling silver wire, inspired by the natural swirl of Shiva shells found on our local beaches. My recycled silver is also hand-shaped into designs like my whale tails and dollops of sunshine. 🐳☀️
Genuine gemstones and crystals. Some were my Nan's. Some I've sourced on fossicking trips. Others come from reputable stores I trust. I hand-pick every single one, searching for that flash of colour, that hidden shimmer, that personality that makes me stop and say "ohhh." If a stone doesn't call to me, I put it back. Simple as that.
Nature's treasures: shells and pearls. All genuine. I've even sliced pearls in half to verify their authenticity. Shiva shells are a personal favourite for their beautiful natural swirl, and they inspired the design of my signature ear wires.
Every piece of handmade sterling silver jewellery is hallmarked 925 and stamped with my little sunshine ☀️ so you always know it's the real thing.
☀️ Chayla says: "What first caught my eye was the quality of how the jewellery was made and looked was insane." Jan 2023
☀️ Jess says: "These Larimar earrings are so gorgeous and have such a beautiful frequency. You can really feel the love and intention infused into the details because they are hand made and hand-cut. They truly are cherished pieces of art." Dec 2024
How Does Donna Create Each Handmade Jewellery Piece?
Slowly. Intuitively. With a lot of love and zero rushing.
I start with the stone or treasure. I turn it over in my hands, searching for its personality, that angle that makes it come alive. That becomes the heart of the design. The silver follows the stone, not the other way around.
I wire wrap each piece individually, hugging the recycled sterling silver neatly and securely around the stone. No two wire-wrapped jewellery pieces are ever the same because no two stones are ever the same.
For rings and soldered elements, I work in recycled sterling silver with ocean-inspired details. My hammered ring bands ripple like wind on water. The coils echo the Shiva shells we find on our local beaches. Every piece is stamped with my sunshine ☀️ and 925 hallmark for authenticity.
I create each piece as if I would wear it myself. That's not a marketing line. That's just how I work.
☀️ Lynette says: "I feel connected to your pieces and I like different types of crystals that you find. I love the jewellery styles you make." Jan 2023
☀️ Alanah says: "It's like holding a hug in your hand, each piece has its own energy and just makes you smile and feel instantly happy." June 2025
How Do I Clean My Handmade Sterling Silver Jewellery?
My honest advice? Wear it. Every day. To every occasion. That's what it's made for.
I know some jewellery makers say to keep pieces away from water, lotions, and salt air. I'm the opposite. Life is too short to save beautiful things for special occasions only.
That said, a little care goes a long way:
- Regular clean: Warm soapy water and a soft, non-abrasive toothbrush. Gentle circular motions, then pat dry.
- Polishing cloth: A jewellery polishing cloth keeps the sterling silver bright and beautiful.
- Stubborn tarnish: Bicarbonate of soda, warm water, and aluminium foil works a treat.
- Wire-wrapped pieces: Be gentle around the wires. Avoid bending them back and forth, as repeated movement can cause wear over time.
Any questions about cleaning your specific piece? Just send me a message. I genuinely love to chat.
How Do You Guarantee Your Handmade Jewellery Will Last?
Every piece leaves my hands tested, checked, and finished to a standard I'd be proud to wear myself.
My signature ear wires are hand-forged from hardened sterling silver, so they hold their shape beautifully and stay comfortable all day long. Wire wrapping is done with enough tension to hold the stone securely, but with care and intention so it's not brittle or forced.
I tumble-polish every piece with polishing compound and steel pins to remove any tiny surface scratches and give the silver a clean, uniform shine. The backs of all stones are polished smooth for comfort against your skin.
If something isn't right when your piece arrives, please reach out straight away. I'm happy to work with you to make it right. See the return policy for full details.
Some stones are naturally softer than others, so treat them gently. Avoid knocking or scratching them, and they'll reward you with years of wear.
☀️ Liv says: "I still have never taken my Herkimer Diamond ring off. She is absolutely stunning and still as perfect as ever. I even think I have a tan line from wearing her all the time." Nov 2023
☀️ Georgia says: "Have worn my ring every day since I purchased it and I love it so much. This is a great place to shop for yourself and others if you want to feel the love of handmade jewellery that is every day wearable." Nov 2024
What Is a Custom Jewellery Design?
A custom piece is the most personal thing I make.
There are two ways we can create something together:
- You bring your stone. Maybe it's been sitting in a drawer for years. Maybe it belonged to someone you love. You hand it over, and I weave my magic around it to create something wearable, meaningful, and exclusively yours.
- You choose one of my hand-cut gemstones. You pick the stone that calls to you, trust me with the rest, and I create a one-of-a-kind custom gemstone jewellery piece around it.
I do take your preferences into account, but I'll be honest: sometimes it's better to let my creative energy flow and see where the stone leads us. The results are always more magical that way.
How custom jewellery orders work:
- We chat about your ideas, the stone, and the design direction.
- Once we've agreed on the details and price, a 50% deposit is required to begin.
- I'll show you progress along the way.
- The remaining balance is due on completion, before it's shipped to you.
- If you're not happy with the finished piece before it ships, the deposit is non-refundable. (This protects both of us, and it's never happened yet!)
Custom jewellery prices start from $80 AUD, depending on the treasure and the amount of sterling silver used.
☀️ Glenys says: "Each piece is unique and I also love how you cut your stones, they are full of personality which you don't see with any other jewellery." Jan 2023
☀️ Kara says: "I am beyond happy with the ring Donna made for me. You will never see someone wearing the same ring as you. Donna's attention to detail and passion is impeccable." Feb 2024
Ready to create something together? [Get in touch here.] (link to contact page)
How Does Ray of Sunshine Jewellery Package and Send Each Piece?
Opening a Ray of Sunshine parcel is an experience in itself.
Every creation is quality-checked before it leaves my hands. Then it's nestled into its own gift box with a handwritten thank you note tucked inside the lid. I usually pop in a few little extras too, like a crystal or a shell, chosen just for you.
Australian jewellery shipping details:
- Free standard shipping Australia-wide. No surprises at checkout.
- Express shipping available for a little extra.
- International shipping available. See the shipping policy for pricing.
- All orders sent via Australia Post, tracked and insured.
- I'll send you the tracking details so you can watch your goodies make their way to you.
If I'm out at sea, please allow up to 10 working days. In reality, it's almost always sooner.
Once your parcel arrives, I like to check in to make sure you're happy and answer any questions. Because that's just how I do things.
☀️ Alanah says: "I love the little handwritten notes in each order, and the little added heartfelt gifts chosen just for you. It truly makes you feel special and loved." June 2025
☀️ Erryna says: "I really appreciate the love and care you've put in my purchase. Beautiful way to receive a package." Dec 2025
How Do I Measure My Ring Size?
Easy! Here are a few options:
- Ring Sizer app: Search "ring sizer" on your phone. You can place an existing ring over the screen and it tells you the size.
- Local jeweller: Pop into any jewellery store and they'll measure you for free.
- Order a ring sizer online: These are inexpensive and very handy to have.
I'm also working on a downloadable ring size guide you'll be able to print at home. Watch this space!
Not sure? Just message me and we'll figure it out together.
Wholesale Accounts and Stockists
Wholesale enquiries are always welcome. Send me an email and we can have a chat about what might work.
I currently stock my handmade Australian jewellery at:
- Victorian Goddess, Murwillumbah (consignment)
- Hideaway Resort Gift Store, Great Keppel Island, Great Barrier Reef (wholesale)
- here in my very own online store
Now that we've covered all of that...
The piece that's been calling to you while you were reading? Go find it.
Shop my hand-cut one-of-a-kind creations here
A little Ray of Sunshine will brighten up your day. ☀️
Cheers, Donna x