Caring for your jewels

The alloys (9ct, 18ct etc) used in fine jewellery can tarnish. Tarnish appears as a dark discolouration on the surface of jewellery, caused by the metal reacting to moisture, air, chemicals and the PH levels of the wearers skin.

Tarnish can be removed with a precious metal polishing cloth.

For general cleaning use warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush. Do this in a bowl to avoid loosing anything down the sink!

Bespoke

Bespoke pieces generally take between 4-8 weeks, and pricing starts at $2000.

1.     First things first – we have a chat about what you are after. This can be in person, over the phone or via email – depending on availability, timing or location.

2.     Quoting – once a design is settled upon, I will provide you with a quote which is valid for 1 week. As metal and gem prices tend to fluctuate, the quote will need to be quote accepted within 1 week, otherwise I will have to recalculate.

3.     Once the quote is accepted and therefore the order placed, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required in order to begin production.

4.     Once completed, the precious pieces can be picked up from the studio or sent via registered Australia Post, and the payment balance settled.

Please note: I can use your own gems, but unfortunately not your metal, however, I can sell old gold on your behalf to be refined and recycled.

Resizing

If an order or bespoke piece doesn’t fit quite right when received, a resize will be complimentary.
An initial resize for all in-stock KW Collection pieces is also complimentary.

Returns/Refunds

KW Collection pieces that are in stock and purchased from the web-store, can be returned in an unworn condition for a refund within 7 days.

Any made to order pieces (pre-order and bespoke) are unable to be returned.

As I make, finish, package and post all of my work, I ensure that each piece is of the highest quality as I do so. In an unlikely case that an item is faulty on delivery to you, please do get in touch immediately to discuss a resolution.

Reuse/Remodel

I often work with heirloom gems and can do so with those in existing treasured pieces.

Note that I am unable to use your existing metal and do not do remodels of your existing pieces, however, I may be able to sell old gold on your behalf to be refined and recycled.

Ring sizing

If you are coming in for a consult for a commission – easy – I’ll take your ring size during the meeting.

Otherwise there are a few ways to do this. You can find a helpful guide here

Shipping

All shipping via registered Australia Post Express.
A flat fee of 15AUD for domestic delivery.
International fees to be quoted before purchase. Any customs fees or the like will need to be paid by the customer.

Stockists

Karla Way Jewellery at The Fortunae
5 Nicholson St, Brunswick East, VIC, 3057
Open by appointment.

Pieces of Eight Gallery
The Royal Arcade, Melbourne, 3000

Working ethically and responsibly

Striving to maintain and improve upon my processes and sourcing in an ethical and responsible manner is a priority in my practice.

My coloured gemstones come from a select few reputable and trusted local suppliers. My chosen diamond suppliers purchase from legitimate sources from adhere to the Kimberly Process, a regulatory process underpinned by a United Nations mandate aimed at eliminating trade in conflict diamonds.

Knowing this, I still ask questions around traceability and the supply chain – we’ve always got to ask the questions.

All of my work is made by myself with additional specialist craftspeople in Melbourne. Working in the lost wax casting process, my casting is done by a fine metals foundry who use 100% recycled metals, and my setting is done by independent specialist diamond setters.

Our collective The Fortunae Jewellery Studio strives to work as clean and green as possible. No harmful or toxic chemicals are used in production or upkeep.

I have chosen ethical banking with Bank Australia and Australian Ethical Superannuation funds for my business.

On a monthly basis I Pay The Rent, contribute to Seed Mob , Bush Heritage Australia and Médecins Sans Frontieres.
I also regularly donate to Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and Food Bank various social and environmental charities.