FAQ

All my work is created by me, Karla Way. As a solo practitioner, I personally craft each piece in my Brunswick East studio, working in both wax and metal. I have no assistants or staff—just me, my tools, and my craft.

I use the lost wax method, sculpting wax models that are then cast in precious metal. The casting process is handled by a fine metals casting house using 100% recycled precious metals, with whom I have collaborated since 2005. Once I receive the cast pieces, I refine, texture, detail, and sometimes solder them before setting gemstones.

For specialised processes requiring exceptional expertise, I work with skilled professionals:

Stone setting is done by a master diamond setter who shares my aesthetic and ensures each gem is securely set for a lifetime of wear.

Engraving & laser soldering services are occasionally outsourced for intricate work.

All outsourced processes are carried out by independent Melbourne-based specialists, ensuring every aspect of my jewellery remains locally made.

I create from The Fortunae, a shared studio space in Brunswick East, where I work alongside five other independent jewellers. While we collaborate on studio operations, each of us maintains our own individual practice.

Our private jewellery studio and workbenches are at the back—where the magic happens. The front houses our beautiful showroom, where I meet clients by appointment to discuss ideas and share my work.

Book an appointment

Location: The Fortunae, 5 Nicholson St, Brunswick East, VIC, 3057
Appointments: By appointment only.

Getting here:
By car - You will find Free 1-4 hour parking on Park St.
By Tram - The number 86 stops right outside (Stop 19: Nicholson St & Brunswick Rd).

I strive to maintain ethical and sustainable practices:

Materials & sourcing: All pieces are made using 100% recycled precious metals, and my gems from responsible sources.
For more see “Who Makes Karla Way Jewellery?”

Eco-friendly packaging:

Recycled cardboard mailing boxes & business cards.

FSC®-certified ring and pendant boxes with eco-friendly inserts.

Sustainable studio: No harmful chemicals used in production or upkeep.

Ethical banking: I bank with Bank Australia and Australian Ethical Super.

Social contributions: Monthly donations to Pay The Rent and Médecins Sans Frontières.

For any other inquiries, please get in touch!!

A bespoke piece begins with a conversation and ends with something made entirely for you, by hand, in precious metal.
Find out everything you need to know about the Bespoke Process here

Some pieces in the collection are listed as Enquire to Order.
These are typically higher value works in 18 carat gold or with fine gems, where the guide price shown reflects current material costs but may need to be confirmed at the time of your order. Precious metal and gem prices move with the market, so I quote each piece individually to make sure the figure is accurate.

Getting in touch is easy and there's no obligation.
Enquire here and I'll get back to you promptly.

Many pieces in the collection are offered as made to order. This means the piece is made fresh for you once your order is placed, typically within 3 to 4 weeks. The design is set, the price is clear, and the process is straightforward.

It's simply how these pieces are best offered - made when you're ready, for you.

Browse Made to Order pieces here.

You can find a selection of my work at my Brunswick East studio by appointment.

The Fortunae Jewellery Studio
5 Nicholson Street
Brunswick East, VIC, 3057

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT 

and also at 

Pieces of Eight Gallery
28 Russell Pl,
Melbourne VIC 3000

If you visit the studio, I will measure your ring size.

If gifting a ring, try measuring a well-fitting ring’s internal diameter or test how it fits on your own finger.

Find a helpful size chart here.

I offer a resize service on all Karla Way Jewellery pieces.

I offer one complimentary resize of rings within 3 months of purchase for
- Bespoke pieces
- Made to Order pieces
- Ready to wear KW Collection pieces

For any other resizes of a Karla Way piece, a fee will need to be quoted.

Please get in touch!

Gems: Incorporating stones you already own into a new piece is something I love to do. There are just a couple of small steps before we begin, both straightforward, and both there to protect your stones, your investment, and the integrity of the finished work.

If your stones are still set in existing jewellery, they will need to be removed first. I can do this for you, or you are welcome to have it done independently beforehand, whichever is easier.
A handling fee applies.

Once loose, the stones will need a quick assessment by a reputable gemmologist to confirm their identity and suitability for setting. I can organise this on your behalf, or point you in the right direction if you would prefer to handle it yourself.
An assessment fee applies in both cases.

I can talk you through both steps via email or at consultation.

Metal: If you have metal you would like to contribute to your piece, there are two options.

The first is to sell your metal to a bullion dealer at current market rates, with the value credited toward your commission. This is generally the simpler path for both of us.

The second is for me to work directly with your metal, cleaning, smelting, and preparing it for use. This is a labour-intensive process, and a process fee applies, quoted at consultation based on the work involved.

Remodelling: I do not offer remodelling of existing jewellery as a standalone service, but if you have pieces you would love to see remade into something new, a bespoke commission is the right path.

Find out more about the bespoke process here.

In-stock KW Collection pieces: Can be returned within 7 days if unworn.

Made-to-order and bespoke pieces: Non-returnable.

Faulty items: If an item arrives faulty, please contact me immediately for resolution.

I use registered express post via Australia Post to ship all of my work.

Costs are
Domestic: Complementary on all orders.

Additional insurance: Available at an extra cost. Please let me know if you would like me to add this to your order.

International: Shipping fees quoted before purchase; all customs duties and taxes are the customer's responsibility.

All orders are shipped via
registered express post with signature through Australia Post.

While fine jewellery alloys and gemstones are robust , they can scuff, scratch, or tarnish over time.

Scuffing and scratching

• Light scuffing and scratching is to be expected when wearing rings, though if your hands do a lot of hard work and heavy lifting, you might consider taking it/them off.
• Diamonds and sapphires are hard stones, and suitable for everyday wear - but they too can be scratched. If there is risk of your jewels being put under any pressure, please take them off
• Metal will tend to change over time as they are worn and come into contact with. your world. Higher edges and elements may scratch, but they also may develop a lovely warm polish over time.

For tarnish

• 9 carat, 14 carat gold and sterling silver can tarnish when not being worn due to the copper content of the alloy oxidising.
• Depending on the pH of your skin, these metals may possibly tarnish when being worn.
• Avoid spraying perfume, hair, or cosmetic sprays
  directly onto your jewellery. Put your jewels on last, after any sprays or
  lotions have settled.
• Store jewellery in natural fibre fabric, acid-free tissue or a glazed ceramic vessel when not in use.
• Use a precious metal polishing cloth for tarnish removal.

Cleaning your jewels

• For an easy clean at home, use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush (inside a bowl to prevent loss!).
• Book a time to drop your piece off for a quick complimentary clean in the ultrasonic.