F.A.Q.'s
1. Wondering if there's really a leaf inside the jewellery?
Absolutely! We use a process called electroforming to grow a metal shell around the dried leaf, preserving it forever. It takes 12 hours to create a strong and durable copper casing, and we either encase the entire leaf or just the delicate leaf lacey veins. Our natural jewellery is truly one-of-a-kind, celebrating the beauty of nature. No human-made casting can replicate the stunning leaf-lace that only a Tree can grow. Our jewellery IS nature. We give new life to foraged or rescued leaves.
2. The jewellery looks so delicate and fragile! Will it break if I touch it?
Our jewellery may look fragile, but it's actually strong and durable.That’s one of the amazing aspects of the process we use to preserve leaves. After 12 hours of metalising the leaf is hard and durable but it still looks exquisitely delicate and intricate, just like it was on a tree or on the forest floor. We celebrate the beauty of nature as it is…..and encapsulate it forever in a durable piece of jewellery.
3. How do you skeletonise leaves?
Skeletonising leaves is an art we've perfected over several years. Using a solution of water, vinegar, and washing soda, we soak the leaves and carefully remove the pulp from the veins with a soft toothbrush or paintbrush. While not all leaves are suitable for this process, the ones we choose create stunning and intricate designs.
4. What are Opal Triplets?
Opal Triplets are an affordable way to enjoy the beauty of Australia's national precious gemstone. These gemstone-quality opals are sliced and covered with a clear topping and backing to create affordable jewellery for gifting. Precious opals are found in Australia's arid desert regions and are formed from a mixture of silica and water over millions of years, creating a unique play of colors that make them the most prized of all gemstones.
5. How are your Opals and Pearls attached to your leaves? Will they fall off?
Don't worry, our opals and pearls are securely attached to the leaves with a two-part German epoxy adhesive, specially made for this type of jewellery application. You can enjoy your jewellery without fear of losing any precious stones.
5. With so many different varieties of Eucalyptus, Grevillea, Banksia, and other native leaves in Australia, how do you accurately identify the specific species used in your jewellery?
We want to make it clear that we are not botanists and therefore cannot guarantee the exact variety of each leaf. Nevertheless, we can say that all our leaves come from the Australian bush or gardens, either foraged, rescued from branches cleared from electricity lines or garden prunnings.
6. How do you care for the jewellery?
We pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in our creations. To ensure your jewellery lasts for as long as possible, we recommend the following.
Avoid direct contact with perfume, hair sprays, other chemical sprays, as these sprays may be harsh and harm the gold or silver plating on the leaves.
Over time body oils may build up on the jewellery. If this happens just wet a soft cotton cloth with warm water and gently rub the jewellery until the oil is removed. Dry thoroughly with a soft dry towel. Keep the leaf stored in a cloth pouch, or jewellery box in a dry place away from extreme temperatures. Avoid storing in plastic.
Your jewellery should be the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off in the evening.
Remember to remove jewellery prior to swimming, bathing and doing sports or other physical activity. Limit contact with make-up, creams, perfume and lotions. Avoid silver dips, polishing liquids and strong chemicals.
We use high-quality gold plating and silver on our jewellery to keep it shining for years. However, oxidation and metal-fading may naturally happen over time. This is normal wear and tear on electroplated gold or silver, not a manufacturing fault. How long it may take will depend on various factors like atmospheric conditions, skin acidity, and jewellery exposure to chemicals.
Copper jewellery:
Copper jewellery has captivated the hearts of many with its warm natural earthy tones and unique reddish-brown hues. It is also a natural oxidising metal, which is a normal process for this earthlike metal. Copper can develop a black or brown tarnish from moisture, dust, dirt and oils from repeated touching, and from exposure to certain chemicals. In humid climates, copper may darken more quickly than in dry desert climates, and in coastal areas, salt in the air can cause copper to turn a blue-green shade called a copper patina.
You cannot prevent copper from tarnishing but you can help to delay the process by storing your jewellery away from humidity in an airtight container. Keep it away from perfume, soaps and chemical sprays. Some people may experience green discoloration on their skin where the copper jewellery touches them. This happens because copper reacts to the skin's chemistry, especially if the skin is more acidic. However, this can easily be washed off with warm soapy water.