FAQs – Arya & Earth

How long will my order take to arrive?

We can deliver within 48 hours in Victoria for other states we use delivery partners which can take 5-7 working days, subject to your availability. Please note that someone will need to be home at the time of delivery, as we are unable to leave the item unattended. Choose a delivery window that works for you, and leave the rest to us.

What is bone inlay furniture?

Bone inlay is a centuries-old craft from Northern India, where artisans hand-cut tiny pieces of buffalo or camel bone and embed them into a wooden frame in intricate patterns ,floral, geometric, or abstract. The spaces between are filled with coloured resin, which sets the design and creates the smooth, striking surface you see. Every piece takes weeks to complete by hand.

What is mother of pearl furniture?

Mother of pearl (also called MOP or nacre) follows the same process, but uses thin pieces cut from the inner shell of mollusks instead of bone. The result has a soft shimmer and iridescence that changes subtly with the light. It tends to feel a little more luminous and delicate compared to the bold contrast of bone inlay.

Will delivery team remove packaging?

Absolutely! Out team takes away all packaging with them only in Victoria. No rubbish left for you.

Where is it made?

All Arya & Earth pieces are made by generational artisan families in Northern India, the heartland of this craft. We work directly with makers who have been perfecting this technique across generations, and our pieces are designed specifically for the Australian market.

Is bone inlay furniture ethical? Are animals harmed?

No animals are harmed for this process. The bone used in authentic bone inlay comes from the meat industry. It is a byproduct, not a primary material. The bones are collected, cleaned, treated, and prepared before being shaped into inlay pieces.

How do I clean bone inlay or mother of pearl furniture?

Keep it simple. Dust regularly with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For any marks or light stains, use a slightly damp cloth and dry the surface immediately afterwards. That's all most pieces will ever need. Avoid spray cleaners, glass cleaners, harsh chemicals, and abrasive cloths. These can damage both the bone and the resin.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is billed separately after purchase at the following flat rates:• Victoria: $49/ NSW, Queensland, ACT & SA: $149

How long will it last?

A well-made piece of bone inlay furniture, properly cared for, can easily last 15 to 25 years and often much longer. Many families treat these pieces as heirlooms. The key is the base material: solid hardwood (mango wood) is far more stable than MDF, which can swell with humidity over time. All Arya & Earth pieces use solid hardwood bases.

What interior styles does it suit?

More than you might expect. Bone inlay and mother of pearl work beautifully across a wide range of styles - Hamptons, Coastal, Boho, Eclectic, and Maximalist interiors are natural fits. But they also pair well with more minimal or contemporary spaces when used as a single statement piece rather than a room full of pattern.

Which rooms work best?

Any room, really. Bedside tables and chests of drawers are the most popular starting points. A bone inlay coffee table or console can become a focal point in a living room or entryway.

How do I style it without it looking too busy?

Let the piece be the hero. Surround it with neutral tones - cream, white, linen, warm timber and keep the other surfaces relatively simple. The pattern in the furniture does the work; the rest of the room doesn't need to compete.

Is bone inlay going out of style?

No, this is a craft with a several-hundred-year history. The patterns and the handmade quality give it a timelessness that trends don't really touch. What changes is how people style it; the craft itself endures.

Why does it cost more than flat-pack furniture?

Because it is genuinely not comparable. Each piece takes several weeks to make, entirely by hand, using natural materials. You are not buying a product, you are buying the result of thousands of individual cuts, placements, and hours of skilled work. It is a one-off object, not a unit from a warehouse.

How do I spot a lower-quality piece?

A few things to look for: MDF base construction (will swell over time in humidity), uneven resin fill between the bone pieces, inconsistent pattern alignment, and a price that seems too good to be true. Quality pieces use solid hardwood, have clean and consistent inlay work, and feel substantial in the hand.

Does it smell? Is the bone fully treated?

The bone goes through a rigorous cleaning and treatment process before it is used. There is no odour. What arrives at your home is polished, sealed, and odour-free.

Where does this craft come from?

Bone inlay originated in Rajasthan, India, and has been practiced for centuries, most famously in the royal courts of the Mughal era, where it adorned palace furniture, boxes, and decorative objects. The technique was passed down within artisan families and has remained largely unchanged to this day.

Does buying this help preserve the craft?

Yes, directly. Demand from international markets including Australia is one of the main reasons these artisan communities can continue practicing this tradition commercially. When you purchase a piece, you are contributing to a livelihood and a living art form.

Are there any imperfections in handmade pieces?

Every Arya & Earth piece is individually crafted by generational artisans using traditional hand tools. You may notice faint surface marks, subtle texture variations, or minor tonal differences in the bone or mother-of-pearl inlay. These characteristics are intrinsic to authentic handwork and are considered part of the piece's character, not defects. If you have any concerns on arrival, we're always here to help.

Can I choose a delivery date and time window?

Yes, our team will reach out personally to confirm a date and time that suits you before your delivery is arranged. Once confirmed, you will receive both an SMS and email with your full delivery details and tracking information.