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Voe Valees is taking a short break from made to order - Books closed until further notice
I've tried to answer some of the main questions here, but if there is anything else you'd like to know, please make contact with The Witch at thewitch@voevalees.com
CUSTOM WORK?
Custom orders are a collaborative process between both of us. I can do totally unique bespoke orders as well as customisations of my designs. Silver bespoke pieces start at $500, and bespoke pieces in gold start at $1000. Complete an expression of interest for rings here, or for other pieces, email me with a rough idea of what you'd like and we'll see what's possible. If you want gems in your design, I’ll send you photos of what I have on hand, or we can source new gems if you have something particular in mind. Designs and gems will be approved by you before I start making, at which point I'll need to take a 50% deposit prior to beginning building your treasure. I'll send you photos and/or video once the piece is complete, and full payment is required prior to shipping.
All designs remain the intellectual property of Voe Valees and are not for the exclusive use of the client. Voe Valees designs may not be replicated or reproduced without express written permission from the creator.
DO YOU DO GIFT WRAPPING?
Jewellery is always a special treat, and it should feel special when it arrives. Whether you have bought a new treasure for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, I know and appreciate that you've spent good money on this - and it should feel like it (also thank you for choosing Voe Valees!). I want everyone to have a magical unboxing experience. Therefore, every single order, regardless of value, is beautifully presented in Voe Valees signature gift wrapping. If you would like to include a gift message, you can do so during check out.
WHAT ARE YOUR ETHICS?
My business goals are pretty simple:
- to bring joy - increase the positivity in the world, and
- do no harm - reduce the negativity into the world, or at least don't add to it
The joy is in the designs, the unboxing and the overall experience for you. Doing no harm is more behind the scenes:
1. Packaging
- My print materials are sourced locally from Sustainable Printing Co. who prints in Australia using 100% recycled paper, sustainable stocks, eco inks and green electricity.
- My shipping boxes, mailers and shipping labels are either recycled, compostable or recyclable, from Hero Packaging, No Issue, Packleo, and Heaps Good Packaging.
- I aim for my packaging to be either recyclable or something you will keep, and I avoid plastic where possible.
2. Sourcing
- Where possible, I use recycled silver and gold. I save all scrap for melting and reuse, and bench dust and filings are set aside for refining. I use a couple of Australian-based casting houses for my cast pieces, depending on the specific job requirements.
- Gems - The trickiest one! I try to support local and small businesses who are doing the right thing. I try to source from wholesalers who do not purchase from conflicted zones. Many of my natural garnets, topaz, sapphires and opals are from Australia. Tracing is more difficult on small gems, and to be fully transparent, many gems simply cannot be traced. Minerals are mined or fossicked, sold as large parcels, cut, sold as smaller and smaller parcels until they reach me. As a small business, I don't have much buying power to demand sourcing and transparency from my suppliers, but I'm doing my best. I also use a lot of lab-grown gems, which are without the environmental and human concerns of mined gems, but still, I do not know where these are grown. This is an ever evolving space for me and the jewellery industry.
3. Over-consumption
- My jewellery pieces are the antithesis of fast fashion. In fact they are produced rather slowly in my little studio space. They are made to order and made to last (hence no plating, no vermeil and no gold-filled). They do not strive to follow seasonal trends. I tend to produce mini-collections or single designs based on what is inspiring me at the moment, whilst fitting into my overall imperfectly perfect design ethos of showing the hands of the maker in the work.
CAN YOU USE MY HEIRLOOM GEMS IN A CUSTOM PIECE?
Unfortunately, no. I am not a qualified gemmologist and therefore I cannot confirm exactly what your gems are and if they are of a quality which can be re-worked. If this is something you are set on, I can certainly recommend some wonderful local jewellers who are happy to provide that service.
CAN YOU USE MY HEIRLOOM GOLD IN A CUSTOM PIECE?
As my jewellery is made using lost-wax casting, and casting houses cannot accommodate this, I'm not able to work with heirloom gold at this time. I recommend that you find a traditional metal worker/ goldsmith, who would be able to melt your gold down as they use a different set of techniques and can often provide this service.
CAN YOU MAKE THIS DESIGN I SAW ELSEWHERE?
Short answer - No, I won't copy other artist's work. Of course when discussing custom work, reference and inspiration pictures are always helpful. But the piece will be a new design in Voe Valees style.
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