Care & FAQ

Care and questions

Everything you need to know about the pieces, the wait, and what happens if something isn't right.

The work

What are the rings made of?
Sterling silver — 92.5% silver, alloyed with copper. The dark finish is a sulfur patina applied to the surface of the metal. It isn't a plating or a coating.

Why is the surface uneven?
Because that's the cast. Every piece is poured by hand in a shed in Torquay, then polished back — but not down to a smooth commercial shine. The texture the mould left is kept on purpose.

Will I get the exact ring in the photo?
The design is the same. The surface won't be. Each piece is cast, polished and patinated by hand, so texture, patina depth, marks and weight vary. The photographs show a representative example rather than the piece you'll receive.

How many do you make?
Around four a day. That's what the work allows.

Metals and skin sensitivity

Every piece is sterling silver — 92.5% silver, alloyed with copper. The dark finish is a sulfur patina applied to the surface of the metal. It isn't a plating or a coating.

Sterling silver suits most people, but sensitivity to metal worn against the skin does happen, and we can't predict how a piece will sit on you.

If you have a known metal allergy, email us at hello@cultureofthesun.com.au before you order. We'll check the alloy specification with our supplier and tell you exactly what's in it.

If you wear a piece and your skin reacts, stop wearing it and let us know. A reaction isn't a fault in the piece, so it sits under our 30-day change-of-mind return — but tell us either way. Nothing on this page affects your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Looking after it

The patina will soften and shift with wear. That's expected — it's the piece settling into you.

Wipe it with a soft dry cloth. Warm water and a little soap is fine if it needs more.

Avoid silver dip, polishing cloths and abrasive cleaners. They lift the patina and flatten the cast texture, and once that's gone it doesn't come back.

Take it off for the surf, the pool, the gym, and before you sleep. Chlorine and salt work on silver, and a solid band takes knocks.

Store it dry, on its own.

Sizing

Sizes run J to Z, single letters, Australian sizing. Each letter is 0.4mm of inside diameter apart.

The most reliable way to size yourself is to measure a ring you already wear — the inside diameter of the band, in millimetres, with a ruler or calipers. Then match that number below.

J 15.6mm · K 16.0mm · L 16.4mm · M 16.8mm · N 17.2mm · O 17.6mm · P 18.0mm · Q 18.4mm · R 18.8mm · S 19.2mm · T 19.6mm · U 20.0mm · V 20.4mm · W 20.8mm · X 21.2mm · Y 21.6mm · Z 22.0mm

There's also an on-screen sizer on our sizing guide page — calibrate it with an Australian $2 coin, then match a ring you own to the inside edge of the outline.

If you're between sizes, or it's a wide or heavy band, size up. The heavier ones sit tighter on the finger.

Need a size outside J–Z? Email us. We can cast it, it's just not listed.

These are solid cast bands. They can't be resized after the pour — which is why the first size exchange is free.

Time and shipping

How long until I get it?
Every piece is made to order, so it's 7–14 business days before it ships. Standard post is another 3–6 business days after that. You'll get tracking when it leaves.

What does shipping cost?
Nothing. Standard shipping is free on all Australian orders, no minimum spend.

Do you ship overseas?
Not at the moment — Australia only. Email us if you're overseas and keen, and we'll let you know if that changes.

Can I get signature on delivery?
Yes, free. Email us before your piece ships and we'll send it that way.

My parcel hasn't turned up.
If it's been more than 10 business days since dispatch, email us with your order number. Your piece is our responsibility until it reaches you — we'll chase it and sort it out.

If it's not right

It doesn't fit.
The first size exchange is free. Email us within 14 days of it arriving and we'll send you the return address, then you've got 14 days from our reply to post it back — unworn, in its original packaging. You cover the return postage; we cast the new one and ship it back free. Allow 7–14 business days for the recast. A second exchange on the same order is a flat $60.

I've changed my mind.
Email us within 30 days of receiving it and we'll send you the return address, then you've got 14 days from our reply to post it back — unworn, in its original packaging. You cover return postage. Once it arrives we refund the full price of the piece. Shipping to you was free, so nothing is withheld.

Can I cancel?
Within 24 hours of purchase, yes — full refund, just email us. After that casting has usually started and each piece is cut to your size, so it can't be cancelled. The 30-day change-of-mind return still applies once it arrives.

Something's cracked or broken, or it's the wrong piece.
That's a fault, and it's covered. Email us with your order number and a photo. Our goods come with guarantees that can't be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.

Full detail is in our refund policy and shipping policy.