Hi I'm Cath and I am the owner and maker behind Bent Wires.
I am a self-taught metal and wire-work artist in Williamstown, Melbourne, Victoria. I make a range of earrings, rings, pendants, bracelets and handcrafted chains. I absolutely adore working with silver so you will see a lot more of my favourite metal. I am constantly trying out new techniques and learning new skills. Its the best part, truly! It also means you will find an eclectic mix of things in my store.
Design
I know you want something that is unique (who doesn't) and feels like it was handmade just for you. All pieces in my store are designed and individually handcrafted by me. I particularly love playing with simple organic and free form lines and textures in my designs to create unique and original pieces. I am often inspired by shapes and forms I see in nature such as animals, plants and wave patterns as well as geometric shapes that I love.
Materials
I only use quality metals in any of my work and I am very careful to select materials from trusted suppliers. My silver work is mostly in argentium silver. Mostly due to its environmental credentials (100% recycled) but also because of its beautiful bright white colour, its higher silver purity, its tarnish resistance and because it is hypoallergenic. I still use sterling silver when I cannot source argentium for a particular project.
I also work with gold filled wire which is superior to gold plate. It has 14K gold over the top of colour matched jewellers brass and is 5% 14K gold by weight.
All of my listings clearly state the materials used in each piece.
Techniques
I use a variety of techniques in my work. I draw on wire weaving and cold forging to make some of the more intricate designs. I also use traditional silver smithing techniques: annealing, saw piercing, soldering, forming and shaping. All pieces are finished and polished. All of my pieces are fully handmade.
Sustainability
I try to run my business using sustainable practices where possible. I use argentium silver which is 100% recycled. I used suppliers that comply with international ethical standards for precious metal refining. I am proudly plastic free with all by packaging products and choose to use home compostable mailers for my postage.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have- just drop me a line.
I hope you enjoy wandering through my store and I hope you can find your next piece of jewellery to fall in love with.
Happy browsing!
Shipping Policy
Ready to ship in 2 (business days)
Ships out using: Australia Post
Tracking code provided upon shipment (if applicable)
Delivery Times: 3-5 business days
Postage
I offer FREE standard Australia-wide shipping. All parcels are tracked and will require a signature on delivery to avoid any orders getting lost in the post. All shipping is with Australia Post. Shipping times are my best estimate based on the delivery times stated by AusPost. Usually this is 3-5 business days for standard parcel post. If you experience any problems with delivery please get in contact with me.
Refund/Exchange
I want you to be happy with your purchase and hope you love your jewellery as much as I loved making it. If you change your mind or are not happy with your purchase please return it in original condition within 14 days for a full refund (minus postage costs). Return postage will be at the buyers expense.
Photos
The photos listed are representative of the items you will receive. There are sometimes tiny variations when each design is made because each piece is individually handcrafted. The colours, materials and dimensions will always be as listed. Please send me a message if you are not sure about something.
Processing Time
Ready to ship items are ready to post and I try to get these in the mail within 2 days of receiving payment.
Made to order items will be made and posted within a week of receiving payment.
Materials
I make all pieces from either argentium silver, sterling silver, or 14K gold filled wire.
Argentium silver - is a high quality new generation silver alloy. It contains a higher percentage of pure silver (94%) compared to traditional sterling (92.5%). Argentium silver is whiter and brighter than traditional sterling and is also tarnish resistant. It is hypoallergenic and suitable for those who have allergy to traditional sterling silver. Argentium silver is made from recycled silver.
14K gold filled wire- contains a central core of jewellers brass which is colour matched to 14K yellow or 14K rose gold. The outer layer of 14K gold has been bonded to the brass with heat and pressure forming a thick layer. Gold filled wire is 5% 14K gold by weight. The gold layer of gold-filled wire is much thicker than gold plating (approx 10 times thicker).
Sterling silver wire- contains 92.5% pure silver.
Please refer to each listing for full details of all materials used to make the item.
Caring for your Jewellery
Sterling silver will tarnish and darken naturally over time.
Argentium silver is tarnish resistant but will dull over time.
Gold-filled jewellery will not tarnish and if cared for will wear like 14K gold but can go duller over time.
Tarnish on silver can be avoided or slowed down by storing jewellery properly. Keep silver away from oxygen and store in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store individually to avoid pieces stratching each other. Wipe down regularly with a silver cleaning cloth. If you dont have a silver cleaning cloth, simply rub the jewellery gently with a soft microfibre polishing cloth (or an old T shirt). Never expose silver or gold to chlorine or bleach. Do not wear jewellery in the ocean, pool, shower or gym.
