FAQ
Ordering
What is memory jewellery?
Memory jewellery is made with your breastmilk, placenta, ashes, hair, soil, sand or fabric. The options are limitless. Your inclusions are set in resin inside a ring, earrings or pendant. Colours can be added to give stunning results.
The highest quality jewellers resin is used and all my silver is specially created for Midwife Balance. This is not just novelty jewellery. It is a beautiful piece that will be worn with love often and will last a lifetime.
What is the jewellery made from?
All jewellery is set in sterling silver. Some pieces are also available with gold plating. All pieces are available in solid gold. Just ask for a quote!
How is it made?
I have developed a special formula to treat and preserve your breastmilk so that it can be dried and ground down and added to your jewellery. Creating this preservation technique has taken a lot of trial and error but has resulted in a process that works beautifully. The metals used as mentioned above are the highest quality and only jewellers resin is good enough for this purpose.
Will it change colour?
If the care instructions are followed you should have no issues. Good care includes storing your jewellery in a dark place when not being worn, ie the box I send it in, definitely not on the window sill as prolonged exposure to UV light should be avoided. It is not advisable to expose resin to water, lotions or chemicals such as chlorine so remove when showering, washing dishes, sun bathing and swimming. I offer a 12-month warranty* but your piece is designed to last a lifetime. With normal wear, you should have no significant issues.
*Warranty does not cover plating. Plating is always temporary.
What is the turnaround time?
The turnaround time varies depending on a few factors but currently ten to fourteen weeks from when I receive your inclusion. This is an outside estimate and many pieces are getting done much quicker. I will keep you informed at every stage of the process and if I am expecting any delays then I will notify you.
How much milk do you need?
Just five to 10 mls. If you are including placenta then just one capsule is plenty. Just half a teaspoon of ashes is more than enough.
How do I care for it?
Your silver may need a polish from time to time. Use the complimentary polishing cloth provided. Don’t polish the resin itself as it may make it dull.
Resin should not be exposed to chemicals such as hand sanitiser, hairspray, washing up liquid, sunscreen or chlorine. It is best removed before showering and swimming. Store out of UV light as long exposure may cause your piece to discolour. Good care will see your piece last a lifetime. If you regularly have your hands in water, a pendant may be a better choice for you.
What can I add?
Breastmilk, placenta, ashes, hair, soil, sand or fabric. If you have any other suggestions please get in touch and we’ll see what we can create together.
Does it come with a guarantee?
Yes, a no questions asked 12 month guarantee. If you have any issues simply send your piece back to me and I will replace or repair it. If the piece you bought is no longer in stock then I will offer an alternative. My warranty does not cover plating.
What is the waterproof coating, and what does it protect against?
The waterproof coating provides extra protection against freshwater, allowing you to wear your jewellery while washing your hands, showering, and during similar activities. It also extends the warranty from one to two years. However, it has not been tested in chlorine, salt water, or with chemicals, so exposure to these should be avoided. Please refer to the care guidelines for more details.
Who pays for shipping?
Shipping of your jewellery on completion is free within Australia. International shipping is a flat $15 AUD. You are responsible for shipping costs to get your breastmilk, placenta etc to me. I recommend using registered post. There is always the danger things may be lost in the post so please don’t send me the ‘last’ of anything.
How do I know it's my milk/placenta?
Your inclusion will be labelled when I receive it and the label will stay with it throughout the entire jewellery creation process. There is no room for error with the safety processes that I have developed
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, for a flat fee of $15 I will post internationally. It is your responsibility to post your breastmilk/placenta etc to me
How do I ship my breastmilk to you?
You’ll need around 5-10mls. Pop it into a milk storage bag if you have one, otherwise, any good quality sandwich bag will do. Please double bag it to prevent any leaks. Take it to the post office and send it in a padded envelope or better still a packaging box. Other inclusions are best double-bagged too. Remove as much air as possible so there is less chance of the bag popping in transit. You will receive the postal details with your receipt.
I have had breastmilk sent from several countries overseas with no issues. Remember, it does not have to be fit for consumption. It does not matter if your breastmilk spoils in the post as the preservation process kills any bacteria and makes it perfect for jewellery. Old breastmilk out the freezer is great for this purpose. Just defrost it first.
I’ll let you know when I receive your inclusion and I’ll keep you posted at each step of the process. When it is ready to ship I’ll send you tracking details.
Get in touch
Have questions about your order, or a general enquiry?
