Customer Care
How do I care for my pottery items?
Each item made by Summer Freckles is handmade with the utmost care. We use a range of glazes and finishes. Many of our products are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. Care should be taken when stacking and washing ceramics. Be careful to avoid thermal shock from rapid heating and cooling. Products with gold details are hand-wash only and not microwave or oven safe. Please refer to each product description for specific care instructions.
How do I care for my ceramic jewellery?
To ensure your unique handmade necklace stays in mint condition I recommend keeping it away from perfumes, lotions and hairspray. Don't wear it in the shower or to bed. It is best stored in a safe place like the bag it came in or a lined jewellery box. Keep in mind - "Last on and first off." If required gently clean the ceramic surface and chain with a soft cloth.
As each item is handmade there may be some small imperfections or differences. Hopefully, you will, as I do, see any small imperfection or difference as part of what makes a personally hand-made item unique. These are not considered design faults. I like to call them ‘love spots’. Personally, I’ve got plenty of ‘love spots’ :)
My items arrived broken, what should I do?
We take the utmost care in packing your precious purchases but in the rare event your items arrive broken please contact us within 24 hours via email. You will need to include a photo of the damaged items. We will do what we can to replace with the same or similar. As a number of our items are unique, one-off pieces we may need to discuss an alternative item or refund.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, Summer Freckles ships internationally! We currently have a flat rate shipping of $10 for our jewellery range. For all other purchases please email me directly prior to purchase and I will give you a quote and instructions on how to purchase.
Please be aware that packages may take up to 2 - 4 weeks and in some cases 8 weeks to arrive to international destinations.
Note that Summer Freckles is not responsible for any custom issues, taxes or duties that may be incurred on international orders. If you are concerned about your country’s laws or costs, please investigate before purchase. If a package comes back to us from customs in the original condition, we will refund your money.
What are my options if the item I want is out of stock?
Each Summer Freckles product is unique and many of them are made in limited runs. It is recommended if you really want something to not delay in purchasing. If it is out of stock please let me know you are interested and I can advise if it can be made for you and will advise of a time-frame for delivery. Always ask :)
Correct postage address
Please ensure you double check the postal address you have entered. Summer Freckles is not responsible for re-sending items if the incorrect address has been supplied.
Pre-Order
Some products can be purchased via pre-order. Turn around time will vary for each product and will be listed on the product page. Please note that these timeframes do not include delivery time. Payment will be processed at the time of placing your order.
In pottery creation there is a level of risk at each stage and in the unfortunate event that your product does not make it through the creation and firing process a full refund or revised completion timeframe will be provided.
What is Earthenware and Stoneware?
Earthenware and stoneware are the different terms given to pottery made of particular clays and fired to various temperatures.
Earthenware is fired to approx. 1040 degrees providing a hard but porous state which is then made impervious to liquids by the use of a glaze. Earthenware is generally not suitable for day-to-day kitchen use.
Stoneware is fired to approx. 1280 degrees causing the clay to vitrify making it non-porous and has a strong surface without the need for glaze to achieve this. Stoneware is considered dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and chip-resistant.
What is gold-filled?
Gold filled is an actual layer of gold bonded under pressure to a base metal. It is second only to solid gold. It won’t tarnish, flake off or turn your skin green. It is also hypoallergenic. It is quite different to gold plating and is much superior having approx. 100% more gold that plating.