FAQ

How can we help?

FAQ

OUR PEARLS

Are your Tahitian pearls genuine, and where do they come from?

Absolutely. We use genuine cultured Tahitian pearls sourced from French Polynesia, including Rikitea in the beautiful Gambier Islands.

Our pearls begin their journey in the lagoons of the Pacific, where they're cultivated before being carefully selected for our jewellery.

And that's the beauty of genuine Tahitian pearls — no two are ever exactly the same. You'll see natural variations in colour, shape, lustre and surface characteristics because your pearl was created by nature, not a machine.

Each one has its own little personality, and that's exactly how we like them.

Why does my pearl have marks or blemishes?

This is something we really want every Pearl Queen to know before buying genuine pearls: natural markings are completely normal.

You may notice little dimples, rings, spots, grooves or other surface characteristics. These form naturally while the pearl is growing inside the oyster and aren't necessarily signs that your pearl is damaged.

How many markings you'll see will depend on the grade of the pearl, which is why we include the pearl grade and description in our product listings so you know what to expect before you buy.

We also have beautifully clean, virtually flawless Tahitian pearls with very few surface markings. These are much rarer and, as a result, come at a considerably higher price.

If you're looking for something particularly clean or a higher-grade pearl, please get in touch. I'm always happy to provide a quote.

And personally? We love the little natural characteristics you find on Tahitian pearls. They're part of the story of a pearl created by nature rather than manufactured to look perfectly identical.

Will my pearl look exactly like the one in the photograph?

Not always — and that's part of the beauty of owning genuine pearls.

Unless we've specifically said you're purchasing the exact piece pictured or a one-of-a-kind piece, there may be slight variations in colour, shape, lustre and natural surface markings.

We select pearls that best represent the design you've chosen, but Mother Nature doesn't do identical — so your pearl will have its own individual character.

Are Tahitian pearls actually black?

Here's where Tahitian pearls get really interesting.

Despite often being called "black pearls", they come in an incredible range of naturally occurring colours.

Peacock green, silver, charcoal, aubergine, blue, pistachio — and beautiful combinations in between.

Turn a Tahitian pearl in the light and suddenly you'll see colours you didn't even notice before. It's one of the reasons we never get tired of them.

Why are some Tahitian pearls more expensive than others?

Not all Tahitian pearls are created equal.

Their value is influenced by several things, including size, lustre, surface quality, shape, colour and rarity.

Larger pearls, exceptional lustre, highly sought-after colours and particularly clean surfaces can command much higher prices.

That's why you can sometimes have two genuine Tahitian pearls that are exactly the same size but have very different values.

Sizing & Fit

How do I know what bracelet or bangle size I need?

The easiest way? Grab a bracelet or bangle you already own that fits you comfortably and a ruler.

For bracelets:
Lay your existing bracelet flat and measure it from end to end with a ruler. You can then compare that measurement with the length listed on our product page.

For bangles:
Lay a bangle that already fits you flat and measure the inside diameter straight across the centre, from one inside edge to the other.

For example, your measurement might be 55mm, 60mm, 65mm or 70mm. You can then compare that measurement with the sizes available on our website.

Just remember to measure the inside of the bangle, not the outside edges, as it's the inner diameter that determines the fit.

Still not sure? Send us a message before you order and we'll happily help you work out which size will be best for you.

Can you adjust my bracelet if it doesn't fit?

In many cases, yes — it just depends on the design.

Send us a message letting us know which bracelet you've purchased and the size you need. We'll check whether it can be adjusted and let you know if there are any associated costs.

Can you make a bracelet longer or shorter before sending it?

Depending on the design, we may be able to.

If you already know you need a different length, please contact us before placing your order or as soon as possible afterwards.

We'll check the design and let you know what's possible.

Can rings be resized?

Some can and some can't — it depends on the design, metal and construction of the ring.

Please check the sizing information on the individual product page carefully before ordering.

If you're sitting there thinking, "I'm somewhere between these two sizes and I have no idea which one to choose," message us. We'll happily help before you order.

Can necklace lengths be changed?

Sometimes!

Certain necklace designs can be adjusted or made at different lengths, while others are designed to sit at a specific length.

If you've fallen in love with a necklace but you'd prefer it a little longer or shorter, get in touch and we'll see what we can do.

Do you offer larger bracelet and bangle sizes?

Yes. We carry a variety of bracelet and bangle sizes across our collections.

Because sizing differs between designs, always check the measurements on the individual product page rather than assuming the same size will fit across the entire range.

And if you need help finding something that works for you, just ask. We're happy to help.

Jewellery Care & Aftercare

Something has happened to my jewellery. What should I do?

Please contact us. We genuinely want the opportunity to help.

Send us your order number, a quick explanation of what's happened and a few clear photos of the jewellery.

Once we can see the piece and understand what's happened, we'll work out the best next step with you.

Please don't sit there wondering what to do or assuming nothing can be done. If something isn't right with jewellery you've purchased from us, reach out and let us take a look.

Do you repair Shahana Jewels jewellery?

In many cases, yes.

Whether we can repair something will depend on the piece and what's happened to it.

Send us some clear photos along with your order details and we'll assess it for you. If the issue is the result of normal wear, accidental damage or damage that's occurred after purchase, there may be a repair and/or shipping charge.

If there is, we'll always let you know before we go ahead.

What happens if my pearl comes loose?

First of all, don't panic — and definitely don't throw anything away!

Keep the pearl and all parts of the jewellery together and send us some photos along with your order number.

We'll have a look and, most of the time, we'll be able to fix it for you.

What if my jewellery arrives damaged?

Please contact us as soon as possible.

Send us your order number along with clear photos of the jewellery and the packaging it arrived in.

We'll take a look and arrange the appropriate next step for you.

How should I care for my Tahitian pearls?

Pearls may be little beauties, but they're also more delicate than many gemstones.

Try to keep them away from perfume, hairspray, moisturisers, cosmetics and household chemicals. Apply all your beauty products first, give them time to dry, and then put your jewellery on.

After wearing your pearls, gently wipe them with a soft, clean cloth before storing them separately from jewellery that could scratch them.

And don't forget the care card we send with your jewellery — keep that somewhere handy too.

Can I wear my pearls in the shower or while swimming?

We don't recommend it.

Chlorine, salt water, soaps, shampoos and other chemicals can affect both your pearls and the materials used in your jewellery.

So before you jump in the shower, pool, ocean, spa or sauna — pearls off first. We also recommend taking them off before exercising.

Can perfume, moisturiser and hairspray damage my pearls?

Yes. Pearls can be sensitive to the chemicals found in perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and skincare products.

The easiest rule to remember is:

Your jewellery goes on last and comes off first.

Get ready, apply your skincare and perfume, give everything time to dry — then add the pearls.

Orders, Returns & Exchanges

Can I return or exchange a sale item?

Sale and discounted items are not eligible for refunds. Mystery Boxes are also excluded from refunds and exchanges.

So please choose carefully and have a good read through the product description and sizing information before purchasing sale items.

If you believe your item is faulty or we've made an error with your order, that's different — please contact us directly so we can look into it for you.

Can I exchange something if I ordered the wrong size?

Please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

Whether we can exchange or adjust the item will depend on the piece, its condition and whether the size you need is available.

And please don't send anything back before speaking with us. We'll give you the correct return instructions first.

Can I cancel or change my order after placing it?

Realised you've ordered the wrong size, colour or piece?

Message us as quickly as possible.

If your order hasn't been processed or dispatched yet, we'll do our best to help. Once it's already been packed or shipped, we may not be able to make changes.

What happens if I've entered the wrong delivery address?

Contact us immediately.

If your parcel hasn't been dispatched yet, we may be able to update the address for you.

Once it's left us, however, changing or redirecting the delivery may not be possible and additional courier charges may apply.

It's always worth giving your delivery details one last check before hitting that checkout button.

How do pre-orders work?

If a piece is listed as a pre-order, it simply means it isn't ready for immediate dispatch.

Where possible, we'll include an approximate timeframe in the product description. Please keep in mind that pre-order dates are estimates and can occasionally be affected by production or shipping delays.

If you've ordered available pieces together with a pre-order item and need something urgently, please contact us.

Can I combine two orders and save on shipping?

If you've placed two orders close together and neither has been dispatched yet, message us as soon as possible.

If we're able to safely combine them into one shipment, we'll let you know what options are available.

Once an order has already been packed or dispatched, unfortunately we won't be able to combine it with another one.

Do you offer gift wrapping?

Buying for someone special? Let us know.

If you have a special request, leave us a note at checkout or contact us before your order is dispatched.

We'll always do our best to make your Shahana Jewels gift feel extra special.

Shipping

Will I receive tracking for my order?

Yes, where your selected shipping service includes tracking, you'll receive the tracking details once your order has been dispatched.

Don't worry if you click straight away and nothing appears — sometimes the courier system needs a little time to update after your tracking number has been issued.

How long does shipping within New Zealand take?

Our current estimated delivery time within New Zealand is approximately 2–3 working days after dispatch.

Once your parcel has left us, it's in the hands of the courier, so occasional delays can happen that are outside our control.

How long does shipping to Australia take?

We currently offer two options to Australia:

DHL: approximately 1–5 business days after dispatch.

NZ Post: approximately 13–20 business days after dispatch.

Choose whichever option works best for you at checkout.

How long does international shipping take?

It depends on where in the world your pearls are heading and which shipping service you've selected.

International shipping can take up to approximately 20 working days, although express services to many destinations are considerably faster.

Please check our Shipping page for the current delivery estimates and pricing for your country.

Who pays customs duties and import taxes on international orders?

International orders may be subject to customs duties, taxes or other import charges when they arrive in your country.

These charges are determined by your country's customs authorities and are separate from the shipping fee you've paid to Shahana Jewels.

Because every country is different, if you're unsure whether charges may apply to your order, we recommend checking with your local customs authority before purchasing.

What happens if my parcel is delayed?

Start with your tracking.

Check the latest update and contact the courier directly, as they'll usually have the most current information about where your parcel is.

If your parcel appears to be significantly delayed or hasn't moved for an unusual amount of time, send us your order number and we'll help you investigate from our end too.

What happens if my parcel is lost?

Please contact us if your tracking shows a potential problem or your parcel hasn't arrived within the expected timeframe.

We'll review the tracking and, where appropriate, raise an enquiry with the courier company.

If something doesn't look right, please tell us. We'd much rather know there's a problem so we can help.

Do you ship internationally?

Absolutely!

We send Shahana Jewels to Pearl Queens around the world.

Shipping options, costs and estimated delivery times vary depending on where you live, so please check our Shipping page for the most up-to-date information.

Contacting Us

I have a problem with my order — what's the best way to contact you?

Come directly to us — we're here to help.

Send us your name, order number, a quick description of the issue and photos if they're relevant.

Giving us that information from the beginning means we can understand what's happened and get onto finding a solution much faster.

I sent a message but haven't received a reply. What should I do?

Please try us again!

Occasionally an email or social media message can be missed, filtered or simply not reach us.

If you haven't heard back, please don't assume we're ignoring you. Send us another message or try contacting us through another one of our channels.

We genuinely want to hear from you — especially if something isn't right with your order.

I'm unsure about something before purchasing. Can I ask you?

Please do!

Whether you're unsure about sizing, choosing a gift or simply can't decide which piece is calling your name, we'd much rather help you before you order.

Send us a message and we'll help you choose with confidence.