Jewellery Care
All items of jewellery have been individually made in the designer's studio in West Yorkshire, England. Wearing and storing the jewellery with care goes a long way to ensure its longevity.
We advise removing jewellery before showering, swimming, sports or bedtime to prolong the life of your pieces. Do not apply perfume or body products whilst wearing the jewellery, we advise applying it beforehand and letting it absorb into the skin first.
Beaded jewellery - best stored flat in a smooth line to avoid bending and damaging the wire. Avoid contact with perfume and moisture to prevent discolouration.
Sterling silver and plated items - natural oils from the skin as well as one's individual skin pH balance can cause tarnishing. To slow down this process, store jewellery away from dust and light to protect it from oxidisation which can darken silver.
- After wear, the jewellery can be cleaned with a soft cloth to remove oils and any dust. A silver polishing cloth can be used to bring back the original silver surface. - Avoid excessive polishing on plated surfaces to preserve their coating. Any metal surface should be free from particles before polishing so as to avoid scratching.
- Keep the enclosed grey anti-tarnish tab or silica gel sachet inside the box with your jewellery to help keep your silver looking fresh.
Gemstone beads - these naturally formed materials can chip or crack so be careful to avoid dropping or banging on hard surfaces. Avoid storing pieces together to prevent scratches. Clean with a soft lint-free cloth.
Pearls - are delicate gems that require gentle care to maintain their lustre and beauty.
- Handle with care: always put on your pearls last to avoid contact with perfumes, hairspray, or other chemicals. Avoid wearing next to harder gemstones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires to prevent scratches.
- Remove pearls before bathing, showering, or swimming to avoid damage from chlorine, salt water, and heat.
- Wear your pearls regularly as natural oils from your skin help maintain their lustre.
- Clean with a soft lint-free cloth.
Fabric - can be gently spot cleaned with a small amount of washing-up liquid or makeup stain remover such as "Stain Devil's" - dab a little onto a clean soft sponge dipped in warm water or apply neat. Work from the outside in to avoid enlarging stains.
Repairs - we offer a restring and refresh service for some of our beaded jewellery. To enquire about our repairs service, please send an email to contact@marialau.co.uk with a description of the damage, date of purchase and a photo of your item. Please include your order number or where you made your purchase if bought from an in-person event. We will let you know if we can repair it and offer you a quote. If your purchase was made in the last 30 days we will endeavour to offer a complimentary or reduced quote depending on the nature of the damage.
For further information, please contact us here.
CUSTOM WELDED FAQ's
What is bonded permanent jewellery?
This is a type of jewellery where a chain is uniquely fitted onto your body to create a seamless welded piece. Unlike traditional bracelets or necklaces, there is no clasp needed. This type of jewellery is highly symbolic as a continuous chain with no beginning or end. It is becoming more popular as people use it to celebrate special relationships or commemorate important occasions.
How do I book an appointment?
We will be releasing pop-up dates and locations very soon. Join the waitlist here and keep an eye out on our socials for incoming dates. We don’t have a retail venue so will be offering in-person appointments through select retail partners and locations.
Is it safe?
Yes absolutely. We use a high quality precision welding machine specifically developed for permanent jewellery. A welding spark with a very low electrical charge fuses a link on the chain and not onto your skin. There is a bright flash from the welding. We provide you with safety glasses to protect your eyes and a patch to protect your skin. We have over 20 years experience making jewellery and have completed professional training courses where we have learned to weld safely.
What if I want it to be removed?
We understand there will be occasions that your permanent jewellery will need to be removed. Simply contact us and we can remove it for you, and we can weld it back on at a later date. If you are wanting to remove it yourself, the welding site can be cut with a sharp pair of scissors. Alternatively we can add a clasp so you can wear it more easily.
Can I play sports with permanent jewellery?
Normally fine chains are used for welded jewellery which can still break like any chain when pulled. We would recommend having a clasp so your jewellery can be easily removed for sports.
Can I wear it whilst swimming?
You can wear it in the sea or swimming pool, although there is the possibility that silver will tarnish with the salt and chlorine in the water. We recommend rinsing it in water straight after. Any tarnishing can usually be removed with warm soapy water or an anti-tarnish polishing cloth. Solid gold would be a better option.
Can I wear it through the airport?
Yes you can as precious metal chains are made from sterling silver and solid gold which are not magnetic so therefore do not set off the security alarms.
What if it breaks?
We offer a free rewelding service for permanent jewellery that has been purchased with us. If the chain has broken due to a fault with the weld, we will not charge for rewelding the piece. However if the break is in the chain links, then there will be a small charge. The complimentary repair service is valid within 30 days of your purchase.
What if my permanent jewellery breaks?
Whilst the chains are fused to last a very long time, and will last with the proper care taken, they are not indestructible. We offer a free rewelding service for permanent jewellery that has been purchased with us. If the chain has broken due to a fault with the weld, we will not charge for rewelding the piece. However if the break is in the chain links, then there will be a small charge. The complimentary repair service is valid within 30 days of your purchase.
Is there an age limit for permanent jewellery?
There is no age limit however for people under 16 years of age, they need to be accompanied by an adult. We don’t recommend permanent jewellery for young children as they are growing all the time and would ideally need to have a clasp fitted so that it can be removed safely.
Can I purchase the experience as a gift?
Yes absolutely, we offer gift vouchers which can be redeemed against any of our pieces. Please email us here to purchase.
Can I return my welded jewellery?
As this is a personalised piece of jewellery custom fitted to you, we are unable to offer refunds for welded jewellery. If you have any questions, send us a message here or email contact@marialau.co.uk with the subject ‘Bonded’