Frequently Asked Questions

If we don’t have the item in stock, it normally takes about 6 weeks to get something made. If you need it more quickly, please contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

I make mokume gane in 6 different metal combinations:

18k white gold and silver; 22k gold, 18k white gold and silver; 18k white and 18k yellow gold; 18k white and 22k gold; platinum and 22k gold; platinum and 18k white gold

I don’t use red/rose gold or palladium in my mokume gane. I find the palladium and the rose gold alloys which are available in the UK don’t give enough of a contrast with the other metals to make it a worthwhile pursuit.

It is not possible to use your material to make mokume gane as I require pristine bullion for the process and a full knowledge of the behaviour of the alloys involved. However, if you have sufficient material, I may be able to melt your gold or platinum and incorporate it into a piece of mokume gane jewellery as a detail in the form of a rail, bar or setting for a stone. Please make an appointment if you would like to discuss incorporating your own material into one of my mokume gane pieces.

Generally it is possible to use your own stones but I’d need to see the stones to be able to advise what would be achievable. Please make an appointment if you would like to discuss incorporating your own gemstone into one of my mokume gane pieces.

My mokume gane jewellery and rings are made to be worn every day however I recommend removing your rings when doing any activity which is particularly hard on your hands i.e. gardening, mountain biking, mountain climbing, water skiiing etc. I also recommend removing your jewellery before swimming in the sea or in a chlorinated pool. Salt water can be corrosive to sterling silver and prolonged contact with chlorine can turn it black.

The lamination process used to make mokume gane doesn’t alter the natural properties of its constituent parts - therefore the silver part of the mokume gane can tarnish if exposed to an oxidising agent. Some hand creams, hair products, perfumes and occasionally a person’s skin chemistry may accelerate the oxidising process. If you have experienced silver jewellery excessively tarnishing on your skin, you may find it preferable to purchase one of my all gold or gold and platinum mokume gane metal combinations.

My mokume gane jewellery comes with a matt finish which accentuates the pattern. This finish may change over time with the activities of the wearer creating their own unique patina which reflects their lifestyle. The initial scuffs on a ring can be a bit alarming but with continued wear these marks will harmonise and develop into an even patina. The pattern can not rub off of your mokume gane as it runs all the way through however, if the surface of your jewellery has become very shiny, tarnished or coated with perfume or hair products the contrast in the metals may become obscured - all jewellery needs cleaned from time to time and mokume gane is no different. Soapy water and a soft toothbrush usually works fine for our jewellery. If you have an ultrasonic cleaner it will be safe to use it for your mokume gane however, if your jewellery features porous gemstones or pearls we do not recommend the use of an ultrasonic cleaner. If your piece contains silver, a silver dip cleaner may help to keep the silver tarnish free. We are happy to clean and re-matt the surface of your jewellery at any time. Charges for cleaning may apply depending on the amount of time required to clean the piece.