FAQs

What is cold forge and wire wrapped jewellery

Cold forge jewellery is jewellery created with metal without the use of heat. It is simply the manipulation and compression of wire onto a frame to capture the subject stone. Wire wrapped jewellery is one of the earliest forms of jewellery dating back to 1400BC. Remnants of wire jewellery have been found in ancient pharaohs’ tombs and pyramids in Egypt. I use this method as it enables more of the stone to be exposed (unlike cast jewellery) and it is a natural way to honour the subject stone yet offers unlimited design opportunities.

Will copper ear wires hurt my ears?

Earrings can hurt ears for many reasons. It can be the high nickel content commonly found in plated jewellery, ear hole infected, partially closed or otherwise inflamed or it can be from dusty dirty earrings which could cause irritation. Copper earrings continue to be a popular choice in my inventory and I have never had a customer contact me with a problem or wish to return earrings. I use only the finest quality copper in all my jewellery which is 99% copper. Many people comment how wonderful it feels to wear.

Reactions to Metals

Reactions to various metals can be caused for all sorts of reasons. It commonly occurs from plated jewellery with a high nickel content, or damaged skin. This is why it is always preferable to wear pure or almost pure metal. 925 Sterling Silver is comprised of 92.5% Silver and 7.5% copper. The copper wire I use is the finest professional jewellers wire available in the world and is 99% copper. My customers tell me they love the feel of copper on their skin.

Will the metal in my jewellery bend or distort?

Although at first glance it may seem as though the wire in my jewellery could be moved by your finger, this is not the case. As I create an item, i.e. straighten, curve, twist or compress the wire it is “worked”, meaning that it warms and becomes softer and more malleable. After I have finished working it, it then cools and hardens. This is known as work hardened. Once in place it will stay there. The only circumstance I can think of is if it is snagged on something and pulled which should never occur.

The benefits of Crystals and Gemstones

As humans we are constantly subjected to any many factors that affect our own physical, emotional and spiritual health. As a result our energy fluctuates constantly.

The frequencies of crystals and gemstones is static; they are the frequencies of the Earth and different stones emit different subtle vibrations. These vibrations are our tools to rebalance and harmonise our own inner being.

When we are rebalancing inwardly, it radiates to our outer being. Many people use crystals in their spiritual practice for the benefit of these benevolent frequencies to help release emotional and spiritual blockages improving our overall health and wellbeing.

Jewellery care, tarnish and polishing

All jewellery will tarnish over time. Use your complimentary jewellery polishing pad or a jewellery polishing cloth to keep your item looking bright and shiny, gently buffing along the direction of the wires. My social media pages have a video on how to do this if you are unsure. Do not use cream type cleansers such as Silvo which leave a surface residue and may affect your crystal or gemstone. Some people like to keep Copper polished, some prefer to let it tarnish. Polishing your jewellery affords you time to connect with your crystal, to care for it as well as your jewellery. Always check the hardness of your crystal before placing your jewellery in water. Always handle your item with care and store in a safe dry place. It is best not to wear your jewellery during sports, swimming, showering/bathing or sleeping.

Metal and Stone Information

Although there are many copper mines in Australia, sadly none make professional jewellery wire. All my wire is imported from USA and is from the most reputable jewellery wire manufacturer in the world. The copper wire is 99% pure copper, it is the finest quality.

The Sterling Silver used is 925 meaning it is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.

I only use naturally occurring crystals, shells, fossils and gemstones I do not use lab created items.