FAQS

Customer Service

How can we help?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we answer some of our most commonly asked questions. If talking to a real-life human is more your thing, you can reach out via the contact button below.

Products & Process

Are your products made in Australia?

Yes — every Empire Copper product is handcrafted by Cam in our Perth studio using real copper, brass, and bronze.

Some components, such as clock mechanisms and clock hands are sourced from overseas.

What's in the Empire Copper range?

Everything in the Empire Copper range is handcrafted by Cam in our Perth studio, working with copper, brass, and bronze.

Our range includes homewares, jewellery, and gifts — from wall clocks, coasters, and serving trays to trinket dishes, candle trays, bowls, oil burners, wrist cuffs, keyrings, garden stakes and more.

Looking for something specific?
Get in touch — we're happy to help.

What is Patination?

Patination is the process of changing the appearance of metal - particularly, copper, brass or bronze. A patina develops on these metals as a layer of protection from corrosion.

While it usually refers to a chemical process, a patina can also mean any aging process that causes natural discoloration or fading, including extreme temperature changes.

As you may know, copper metal is usually a reddish/brown colour, bronze is almost identical and brass is a gleaming gold.

Changes to these colours can be achieved by atmospheric oxidation; where the metal is exposed to the elements to promote ageing.

A real-life example of this can be seen on the Statue of Liberty which was originally a reddish/brown colour due to being primarily copper. Through many years of exposure to salt water, wind, rain, snow, temperature changes and other atmospheric conditions the Statue of Liberty is now mostly green, also known as Verdigris.

In a clean, natural environment, it can take up to 30 years to achieve the iconic green "verdigris" patina that copper is known for. Similar results can be achieved through forced/controlled patination in as little as a few days, with deeper and more colourful patinas taking longer.

Forced patination, is a process where one purposefully aims to change the appearance of a metal. Natural products or chemicals are applied to the metals in a controlled environment. Alternatively, we may expose the metal to extreme temperature changes to create a patina. Both of these methods are forced which speeds up the patination process.

These forced methods produce the stunning products and colours that you all see and love. 

How do I care for my Empire Copper piece?

First, know your finish.
Every Empire Copper piece leaves our workshop sealed — but not all seals are the same. Check your care card to confirm which finish your piece has, as this will determine how you clean it.

Clear Lacquer Sealed:

Our lacquer-sealed pieces have a durable protective coating that locks in the metal's finish for years to come. These require very little maintenance.

To clean, simply dust regularly or wipe with a clean, soft, damp cloth. Avoid any cleaning products, polishes, or abrasives — these can damage the lacquer and compromise the seal.

If the lacquer becomes scratched or damaged, avoid moisture on the affected area and contact us for advice.

Wax Sealed:

Our wax-sealed pieces have a more natural finish.
The wax provides a protective layer, but unlike lacquer, it is temporary — it will gradually wear over time and the metal beneath may begin to develop a patina.

This is completely normal, and many of our customers love the warmth and character that comes with age.

If you'd like to slow the process, clean only with a soft cloth and avoid harsh products such as bleach, abrasive cleaners, or acetone, which can strip the wax and damage the surface.

If you'd prefer to restore your wax-sealed piece, any patina that has developed can be gently lifted using lemon juice or a dedicated metal cleaner.

Apply either to a clean, soft cloth and rub into the surface using small, circular motions. Once you're happy with the result, remove any residue — if using lemon juice, wipe with a damp cloth; if using a metal cleaner, buff away any excess with a separate dry cloth. Dry thoroughly either way.

Note: this will also remove the wax seal — you may wish to reapply a coat of microcrystalline wax or beeswax afterward to restore protection.

What sizes are available for Empire Copper clocks?

Our copper and brass clocks come in eight sizes, ranging from 25cm to 60cm in diameter:

  • 25cm (9.8")
  • 30cm (12")
  • 35cm (13.8")
  • 40cm (15.8")
  • 45cm (17.7")
  • 50cm (20")
  • 55cm (21.7")
  • 60cm (23.6")

Need something different? We also accommodate custom sizes — get in touch with us here.

Please note a few exceptions:

  • Our bronze clocks are only available in 25cm and 29cm diameter
  • The Copper Blowtorch Patina clock is not available in 60cm
  • All our 55cm and 60cm clocks do not include a silent mechanism or second hand
Do your clocks come with batteries?

Our clocks don't include batteries as they can't be safely transported. You'll just need one AA battery to get started.

Every clock mechanism is tested in our studio before it leaves us, so you can be confident it's in full working order when it arrives.

Can I request a custom order?

Yes! We love bringing custom ideas to life. Visit our Custom Orders page to tell us about your vision and we'll get back to you within 48 hours.

Order Information

What is the Rush My Order service?

Rush My Order is a premium add-on that gets your order manufactured and dispatched within 3 business days, sent via Australia Post Express.

The additional cost shown at checkout covers both production prioritisation and express postage.

Eligibility is listed on each product page — look for the Rush My Order option at checkout.

Please note: if we need further information from you to complete your order, dispatch will be delayed until we hear back.

How long will my order take to arrive?

Production and delivery times vary depending on the product and stock level.

As a general guide, please allow up to 10 business days for production — or a little longer if you've requested a custom order.

Once your order has been dispatched via Australia Post, you'll be able to track it, though we're unable to guarantee delivery timeframes once it's with the carrier.

Need help with shipping or tracking?
Email us at contact@empirecopper.com.
Please include your name and order number.

Do you have a physical store or studio pickup?

We're an online-only business. While our studio is based in Perth, we're unable to offer studio pickups for security and insurance reasons.

Everything is dispatched safely to your door via Australia Post.

Can I change or cancel my order?

If you need to make a change or cancel your order, please contact us as soon as possible at contact@empirecopper.com.

Because our products are made to order and most include some degree of customisation or personalisation, we can't always guarantee your order hasn't already entered production. If production has begun, we're unable to accommodate changes or cancellations.

The sooner you get in touch, the better chance we have of helping you.

Shipping, Returns & Exchanges

We use Australia Post to ship all orders. You’ll be asked to select a delivery method during checkout.

How does shipping work?

Empire Copper is based in Perth, Western Australia and ships worldwide via Australia Post. Every order is sent with tracking, and you'll receive a tracking link as soon as your order is dispatched.

If you need your order sooner, you can upgrade to Express Post or Rush My Order at checkout. Please note that Express Post only speeds up delivery — it doesn't affect production time.

Once an order has left our studio, delivery time frames are in Australia Post's hands. We're unable to guarantee specific arrival dates, but if your order appears missing or delayed, we'll do everything we can to help track it down.

International customers: your country may charge import tax or VAT on arrival. This typically ranges from 5–20% depending on your location and is collected by your local customs authority — it isn't something Empire Copper charges or receives. If you're unsure what to expect, we'd recommend checking your country's import regulations before ordering.

Questions about shipping? Contact us here.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship to almost every country in the world from our Perth studio via Australia Post.

Please be aware that import taxes or VAT may apply depending on your country's regulations. These are not collected by Empire Copper and may be charged separately by your local customs authority upon arrival.

USA customers: tariffs are included in our product prices and are paid as Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) by Empire Copper, so there are no surprise charges on arrival.

What is your returns and refunds policy?

If your item arrives faulty or defective, we'll offer you a replacement or a full refund — just get in touch and we'll make it right.

Please note that we're unable to accept returns on custom or personalised orders due to the handcrafted and individualised nature of our work.

For change-of-mind returns on non-custom items, return postage is at your cost and a 20% restocking fee applies.

All refund decisions are made at the discretion of Empire Copper.

View our full Refund and Return Policy

What happens if my order arrives damaged?

If your order arrives damaged, please contact us as soon as possible — and no later than 5 business days of receiving your order — by emailing contact@empirecopper.com.

Please include the following so we can resolve this quickly:

  • Your name and order number
  • Photos of the damaged item
  • Photos of the damaged packaging

Please hold onto all original packaging until the matter is resolved, as this may be required for an Australia Post insurance claim.

Get in touch

Have questions about your order, or a general enquiry?