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The queen is what makes this set unusual. At 102mm she stands only eleven millimetres below a 113mm king, which is one of the narrowest royal gaps in the range. On the board the two of them read as a matched pair holding the centre of the rank, and the bishops at 88mm fall well back rather than crowding up behind.
The knight is the other reason to look. The mane is cut in deep separated locks and the nostrils are worked open rather than suggested, which is the kind of detail that only survives if the carver is given time. Look at it close rather than at arm's length.
Two timbers with identical dimensions: genuine ebony heartwood at 2,198g, or bud rosewood at 2,150g. Both sit in our luxury chess pieces collection.
Every dimension is shared between the options. Same 113mm king, same 45mm base, same carving, same collar rings. Only the dark timber changes, and with it about 48g across the full set.
Genuine ebony is the higher contrast choice and the more formal one. It is heartwood, so the near black comes from the timber rather than a dye, and it separates from boxwood cleanly under any lighting. It is also the slightly heavier of the two at 2,198g.
Bud rosewood trades that contrast for figure. The burl grain swirls differently on every piece, warm red brown rather than black, and it is the option that photographs best and draws the most comment on a table. At 2,150g the difference in the hand is not detectable. Both appear across our wood chess pieces range.
The usual gap on a set this tall is 20mm to 25mm. Eleven is close enough that from across a table you tell the two apart by the crown rather than by height, and the centre of the back rank gains a weight that most patterns spread more evenly.
It is a real change in how the set plays as well as how it looks. In slow games it is a non issue and the presence is pure upside. In blitz you will reach for the wrong piece once or twice before the crown becomes the cue you read first. Worth knowing rather than worth avoiding.
Almost every piece in a Staunton set is turned against a metal profile, which is why pawns come out identical and rooks match each other exactly. The knight is the exception, and it is where a workshop either spends time or does not.
On this pattern the mane is cut as separate locks with real depth between them rather than scored into a single mass, and the nostril is opened rather than dimpled. Both are slow, and both are done freehand, so your four knights will differ slightly in the set of the head and the flow of the mane. That variation is the signature of hand work, not a flaw.
Squares of 55mm, set by the 45mm king base. Because the queen shares almost the same footprint at 44mm and the bishops sit on 40mm, the back rank fills more than the king base alone would suggest, so going smaller is not advisable.
At 113mm this is above the tournament band and is meant for a table at home rather than a club bag. No board ships with the pieces. Every board in our chess boards collection lists its square size, and the wider chess pieces collection lists the recommendation on each set.
The knight and the royal proportions are what you are paying for, and both are unusual enough to justify it. Deep separated mane locks and opened nostrils are slow hand work that most sets at this price skip, and an 11mm gap between king and queen gives the middle of the board a presence you do not get from a conventional pattern. The honest caveat is that same gap: in fast play you will grab the queen thinking it is the king at least once, and if you play mostly blitz that is a real irritation rather than a charming quirk. On timber, the ebony is the better choice for anyone who plays on the set regularly because the contrast is sharper, and the bud rosewood is the better choice for anyone whose set spends most of its life being looked at.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 55mm. The 45mm king base drives that, and because the queen sits on 44mm the back rank is fuller than the king alone would suggest.
Only the dark timber, and about 48g of total weight. Genuine ebony heartwood at 2,198g gives the higher contrast. Bud rosewood at 2,150g gives swirled burl figure in warm red brown. Every dimension is identical.
The ebony option is genuine ebony heartwood, not boxwood dyed or stained black.
It is how the pattern is proportioned. At 102mm against a 113mm king the gap is 11mm, narrower than most sets. It gives the centre of the rank more presence, and you learn to read the crown rather than the height.
No. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens. Boards are sold separately and no storage box ships with the set.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
113mm (4.44 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
45mm (1.79 inch) |
|
Queen height |
102mm (4.01 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
44mm (1.75 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
88mm (3.47 inch) |
|
Knight height |
80mm (3.14 inch) |
|
Rook height |
69mm (2.74 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
61mm (2.41 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
40mm to 41mm, bishop, knight and rook |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony or bud rosewood, depending on option |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Triple weighted, turned collar rings, thick green felt on every base |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
2,198g in ebony, 2,150g in bud rosewood |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces, including two spare queens
All products sold by Sterling Chess are backed by a 12 month limited manufacturer warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and cracking, and ensures every product is 100% genuine. If you need assistance, our team is only a call or email away.
Is shipping really free?
Yes — we offer free standard shipping on all orders across Australia, with no minimum spend. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay.
Are there any exceptions to free shipping?
No exceptions. Every order ships free, regardless of size, weight, or order value.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 business days, with delivery times depending on your location. You'll receive tracking details by email once your order is on its way.
Do you ship to all areas of Australia?
Yes, we deliver Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas — all at no shipping cost to you.
Can I track my order?
Absolutely. As soon as your order ships, we'll email you a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your door.
What if I need my order quickly?
Get in touch before ordering and we'll do our best to help. Standard shipping is free, and we'll advise on the fastest available option for your area. To contact us, simply email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au, call (03) 7037 0931 or open the live chat.
Changed your mind? You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Sterling Chess will cover the cost of shipping return items under our 100-day free returns policy.
All Sterling Chess products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.
Click here to view our full returns policy.
If you're shopping for a new chess set, you're in the right place—and here's why.
1. We know chess inside and out
At Sterling Chess, we're not just another online store. We’re chess lovers, players, collectors, and game night fanatics.
That means we care about quality, balance, and feel—and we only stock sets we’d use ourselves. From tournament-grade boards to handcrafted wooden pieces, we’ve got what real players want.
2. Unmatched variety for every player
Whether you're just learning or a lifelong grandmaster, we have something for you.
Looking for a folding set for travel? A stunning showpiece for your home? A kid-friendly set for your budding chess champion? We’ve got it all—and more.
3. Fast and FREE shipping on all orders
Shipping is FREE on all Sterling Chess orders.
We ship quickly from local and international warehouses, so you’re not waiting weeks to get your game on.
Most orders are packed and sent within 24–48 hours. Plus, you’ll get tracking updates every step of the way.
4. Customer support that actually helps
Have a question? Need help choosing a set? Our friendly team is ready to help—no scripts, no bots, just real people who care about your experience.
You can call our team anytime between business hours on (03) 7037 0931 or email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au. Alternatively, you can use our live chat during business hours to contact our helpful support team.
5. Thousands of happy customers
Don't just take our word for it—our reviews speak for themselves. Sterling Chess is trusted by thousands of players who keep coming back for more. Great products. Great service. No hassle.
6. Classic games, too
We're all about chess—but we also carry backgammon, checkers, poker and other timeless strategy games. If you love the classics, you’ll feel right at home.
Ready to make your move?
Choose a chess set that fits your style, skill level, and space—and enjoy the Sterling Chess difference. You’ll love how it looks. You’ll love how it plays. And you’ll love buying from a team that loves the game just as much as you do.
The queen is what makes this set unusual. At 102mm she stands only eleven millimetres below a 113mm king, which is one of the narrowest royal gaps in the range. On the board the two of them read as a matched pair holding the centre of the rank, and the bishops at 88mm fall well back rather than crowding up behind.
The knight is the other reason to look. The mane is cut in deep separated locks and the nostrils are worked open rather than suggested, which is the kind of detail that only survives if the carver is given time. Look at it close rather than at arm's length.
Two timbers with identical dimensions: genuine ebony heartwood at 2,198g, or bud rosewood at 2,150g. Both sit in our luxury chess pieces collection.
Every dimension is shared between the options. Same 113mm king, same 45mm base, same carving, same collar rings. Only the dark timber changes, and with it about 48g across the full set.
Genuine ebony is the higher contrast choice and the more formal one. It is heartwood, so the near black comes from the timber rather than a dye, and it separates from boxwood cleanly under any lighting. It is also the slightly heavier of the two at 2,198g.
Bud rosewood trades that contrast for figure. The burl grain swirls differently on every piece, warm red brown rather than black, and it is the option that photographs best and draws the most comment on a table. At 2,150g the difference in the hand is not detectable. Both appear across our wood chess pieces range.
The usual gap on a set this tall is 20mm to 25mm. Eleven is close enough that from across a table you tell the two apart by the crown rather than by height, and the centre of the back rank gains a weight that most patterns spread more evenly.
It is a real change in how the set plays as well as how it looks. In slow games it is a non issue and the presence is pure upside. In blitz you will reach for the wrong piece once or twice before the crown becomes the cue you read first. Worth knowing rather than worth avoiding.
Almost every piece in a Staunton set is turned against a metal profile, which is why pawns come out identical and rooks match each other exactly. The knight is the exception, and it is where a workshop either spends time or does not.
On this pattern the mane is cut as separate locks with real depth between them rather than scored into a single mass, and the nostril is opened rather than dimpled. Both are slow, and both are done freehand, so your four knights will differ slightly in the set of the head and the flow of the mane. That variation is the signature of hand work, not a flaw.
Squares of 55mm, set by the 45mm king base. Because the queen shares almost the same footprint at 44mm and the bishops sit on 40mm, the back rank fills more than the king base alone would suggest, so going smaller is not advisable.
At 113mm this is above the tournament band and is meant for a table at home rather than a club bag. No board ships with the pieces. Every board in our chess boards collection lists its square size, and the wider chess pieces collection lists the recommendation on each set.
The knight and the royal proportions are what you are paying for, and both are unusual enough to justify it. Deep separated mane locks and opened nostrils are slow hand work that most sets at this price skip, and an 11mm gap between king and queen gives the middle of the board a presence you do not get from a conventional pattern. The honest caveat is that same gap: in fast play you will grab the queen thinking it is the king at least once, and if you play mostly blitz that is a real irritation rather than a charming quirk. On timber, the ebony is the better choice for anyone who plays on the set regularly because the contrast is sharper, and the bud rosewood is the better choice for anyone whose set spends most of its life being looked at.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 55mm. The 45mm king base drives that, and because the queen sits on 44mm the back rank is fuller than the king alone would suggest.
Only the dark timber, and about 48g of total weight. Genuine ebony heartwood at 2,198g gives the higher contrast. Bud rosewood at 2,150g gives swirled burl figure in warm red brown. Every dimension is identical.
The ebony option is genuine ebony heartwood, not boxwood dyed or stained black.
It is how the pattern is proportioned. At 102mm against a 113mm king the gap is 11mm, narrower than most sets. It gives the centre of the rank more presence, and you learn to read the crown rather than the height.
No. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens. Boards are sold separately and no storage box ships with the set.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
113mm (4.44 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
45mm (1.79 inch) |
|
Queen height |
102mm (4.01 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
44mm (1.75 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
88mm (3.47 inch) |
|
Knight height |
80mm (3.14 inch) |
|
Rook height |
69mm (2.74 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
61mm (2.41 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
40mm to 41mm, bishop, knight and rook |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony or bud rosewood, depending on option |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Triple weighted, turned collar rings, thick green felt on every base |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
2,198g in ebony, 2,150g in bud rosewood |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces, including two spare queens
All products sold by Sterling Chess are backed by a 12 month limited manufacturer warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and cracking, and ensures every product is 100% genuine. If you need assistance, our team is only a call or email away.
Is shipping really free?
Yes — we offer free standard shipping on all orders across Australia, with no minimum spend. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay.
Are there any exceptions to free shipping?
No exceptions. Every order ships free, regardless of size, weight, or order value.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 business days, with delivery times depending on your location. You'll receive tracking details by email once your order is on its way.
Do you ship to all areas of Australia?
Yes, we deliver Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas — all at no shipping cost to you.
Can I track my order?
Absolutely. As soon as your order ships, we'll email you a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your door.
What if I need my order quickly?
Get in touch before ordering and we'll do our best to help. Standard shipping is free, and we'll advise on the fastest available option for your area. To contact us, simply email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au, call (03) 7037 0931 or open the live chat.
Changed your mind? You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Sterling Chess will cover the cost of shipping return items under our 100-day free returns policy.
All Sterling Chess products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.
Click here to view our full returns policy.
If you're shopping for a new chess set, you're in the right place—and here's why.
1. We know chess inside and out
At Sterling Chess, we're not just another online store. We’re chess lovers, players, collectors, and game night fanatics.
That means we care about quality, balance, and feel—and we only stock sets we’d use ourselves. From tournament-grade boards to handcrafted wooden pieces, we’ve got what real players want.
2. Unmatched variety for every player
Whether you're just learning or a lifelong grandmaster, we have something for you.
Looking for a folding set for travel? A stunning showpiece for your home? A kid-friendly set for your budding chess champion? We’ve got it all—and more.
3. Fast and FREE shipping on all orders
Shipping is FREE on all Sterling Chess orders.
We ship quickly from local and international warehouses, so you’re not waiting weeks to get your game on.
Most orders are packed and sent within 24–48 hours. Plus, you’ll get tracking updates every step of the way.
4. Customer support that actually helps
Have a question? Need help choosing a set? Our friendly team is ready to help—no scripts, no bots, just real people who care about your experience.
You can call our team anytime between business hours on (03) 7037 0931 or email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au. Alternatively, you can use our live chat during business hours to contact our helpful support team.
5. Thousands of happy customers
Don't just take our word for it—our reviews speak for themselves. Sterling Chess is trusted by thousands of players who keep coming back for more. Great products. Great service. No hassle.
6. Classic games, too
We're all about chess—but we also carry backgammon, checkers, poker and other timeless strategy games. If you love the classics, you’ll feel right at home.
Ready to make your move?
Choose a chess set that fits your style, skill level, and space—and enjoy the Sterling Chess difference. You’ll love how it looks. You’ll love how it plays. And you’ll love buying from a team that loves the game just as much as you do.
