WHO MAKES KARLA WAY JEWELLERY?
All my work is created by yours truly.
As a solo practitioner, I do all my work in wax and metal in my East Brunswick studio. I have no assistants, no staff – just me. I work using the lost wax method, which means I create wax models that are then cast in precious metal. The casting process is carried out by a fine metals casting house who use 100% recycled precious metals, and with whom I have been working since 2005.
Once the metal pieces are returned to me, they require cleaning, texturing, detailing, sometimes soldering, and often, gem setting.
I outsource certain specific parts of the making process to specialists in the field – experts of crafts that alone take 10,000 hours to perfect!
Stone setting is crucial. All of my stone setting is performed by a highly experienced and skilled diamond setter who produces beautiful work, understands my aesthetic, and ensures that each piece is securely set for a lifetime of wear.
Occasionally, I outsource laser or hand engraving services, as well as laser soldering for intricate or delicate soldering tasks.
These services are all provided by independent specialists based in Melbourne, ensuring that all aspects of my work are Melbourne-made.
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
I work and create in a collective studio with four other jewellers in Brunswick East. While we all support each other and handle the day-to-day operations of the studio together, each of us maintains our own individual practice and business under the one roof.
We have our private jewellery studio space and workbenches located in the back, where the so called magic happens, and I am there working on making that magic full-time.
Our beautiful showroom in which I can meet with you to share work and ideas is open by appointment.
You can book a time with me here.
You can find The Fortunae at 5 Nicholson St, Brunswick East. If driving, you can find free 1-4hr parking on Park St. Alternatively, the 86 tram stops right outside – stop 19, on the corner of Nicholson St and Brunswick Road.
BESPOKE - WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
It’s always an honour to make such special pieces for folks. It’s a process of conversation, sharing ideas, selective sourcing and time spent finding the right form, colour and texture that feels like the right fit for someone, to be carried and treasured for a very long time.
Bespoke pieces generally take between 6-10 weeks, pricing starts at $3000, and the process rolls out like this -
1. Initial Consultation: We'll discuss your preferences either in person, over the phone, on Zoom, or via email, depending on your location and availability.
2. Designing & Quoting: This phase may take some time as we work together to bring your vision to life. Within 2 weeks of our initial discussion, I'll present you with design options. There may be some to-and-fro if amendments or refining is needed until it's just right. Once finalised, I'll provide a quote valid for 1 week. Please note, due to fluctuations in material prices, I may need to requote after this timeframe.
3. Deposit & Order Placement: Upon acceptance of the quote, a non-refundable deposit of 50% is required so that I can get to work on your special piece.
4. Completion & Delivery: Once your piece is completed, you can choose to collect it from the studio or opt for registered express Australia Post delivery. The remaining balance is settled at this stage.
Others things to note
Please be aware that after providing 2 designs and quotes, any further options will require a deposit of $750 (25% of the Bespoke minimum of $3000).
Bringing your own gems - If you wish to incorporate your own gems, I can do so. However, depending on their type, size, and condition, I may need to have them assessed by a third-party gemmologist, incurring a small fee.
Regarding precious metal - I am unable to use your own. However, I may be able to sell precious metals on your behalf, deducting the market value from the cost of your bespoke piece.
CAN YOU REPURPOSE OR RE-USE MY METAL OR GEMS?
I often work with heirloom gems and can do so with your loose gems or stones in existing pieces of jewellery. However, depending on their type, size, and condition, I may need to have them identified and assessed if they are suitable for use by a third-party gemmologist, which would incur a small fee.
I am unable to use your existing metal and however, I may be able to sell old gold on your behalf.
I do not do remodels of existing jewellery.
HOW WILL I KNOW THE RING SIZE I NEED?
If you are visiting the studio for something for yourself – easy – I’ll take your ring size when we meet.
If you are looking for something for someone else, some helpful things to do are -
Attempt to ‘borrow’ a ring that your partner/friend wears, take a measurement of the internal dimension. Be sure to take note of which finger/s they tend to wear it on.
You can also try it on one of your fingers, note the finger you tried it on and if it fit, or which part of your finger you could comfortably wear it on.
(It’s a tricky business, I know!!)
Otherwise there are a few other ways to do this. You can find a helpful guide here
WHAT IF I NEED ONE OF YOUR RINGS RESIZED?
Please contact me!
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.
CAN I RETURN A PURCHASE OR HAVE IT REFUNDED?
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.
HOW DO YOU SHIP YOUR WORK?
All shipping is via registered Australia Post Express.
A flat fee of 15AUD for domestic delivery for express registered post. If you would like additional insurance, I can do so and add this cost to your invoice.
International fees to be quoted before purchase. Any customs fees or the like will need to be paid by the customer.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY JEWELS?
The alloys (9ct, 18ct etc) used in fine jewellery, are pretty robust, and while diamonds and sapphires are hard wearing stones, they are not indestructable. Fine metal and gems can pick up minor scuffs and scratches, particularly rings as they are one our hands and really get involved in the world! That said, they tend to be minor and I like to think of these things as signs of life and becoming one with their wearer.
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, and can be prevented when a jewel is not being worn by wrapping it in a natural fibre fabric or acid free tissue paper.
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!
WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR JEWELLERY?
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
IN WHAT OTHER WAYS ARE YOU WORKING ETHICALLY & RESPONSIBLY?
Striving to maintain and improve upon my processes and sourcing in an ethical and responsible manner is a priority in my practice.
For my making and sourcing see WHO MAKES KARLA WAY JEWELLERY? and WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR MATERIALS?
I try to keep my packaging as green as possible.
My mailing boxes and business cards are locally made from recycled cardboard.
My ring and pendant boxes are made with FSC®-certified cardboard and water-based glue. Each jewellery box is fitted with a soft eco-foam insert coated with velour (polyurethane foam). These foam inserts are made from Tall oil, which is a by-product of paper production processes. They are made in Denmark.
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.