breast milk and hair European bead with gold insert

Breastmilk & curl keepsake bead

$260.00 AUD

Tax included.

Entwined into this bead is your baby's very own curls, a precious reminder and keepsake of the bond shared between mother and baby.

Each breastmilk bead has been hand crafted from your own preserved breastmilk and secured into a beautiful bead creating a stunning tribute to this precious moment in time. This beautiful bead is a great addition to any life journey bead collection and will fit on any European bracelet/bangle or chain, for example Pandora.

Amount of inclusions to send
20ml of milk
A pinch of hair - minimum 1cm

Measurements
14mm width, 9mm height, 5mm hole width

Importan
Your natural materials which we work with, such as ashes, hair, and milk, all come in an array of tones and colours. Your inclusion materials are as unique as you are and vary from person to person. What you see on our website is an example of the design, however, the main stone will always vary in textures and colours.

Due to the handmade nature of beads, there could be a seam mark from the mould and the possibility of small bubbles inside as the resin hardens, which is to be expected when working with beads.

Flecks & shimmers

Shimmer - Pearl or gold shimmer. Suitable for all inclusions.

Bello opal
Crushed opal for milk HERE
Crushed opal for ashes HERE

Hair inclusions - We use our light opal & pearl shimmer base as standard, unless requested otherwise.
VIEW available effects for hair & fur.

Milk - The only flecks we will add to your milk on request is light opal. We don't recommend any other coloured flecks to be added to milk sorry.
We have moonstone shimmer also available for milk.
VIEW available effects for milk.

Ashes - We offer Onyx to darken ashes, and our full selection of effects is available.
VIEW available effects for ashes.

Birth inclusions - Our full selection of effetcs is available.
VIEW available effects for birth inclusions

Available ring sizes listed from the drop down menu. If you require half sizing please state in order notes below.

Product variants

Please state any flecks & shimmers, half sizing, gold tone choice or inclusion choices below.

Order notes

Quantity

Ethics & sustainability

We are committed to ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability, including the use of only ethically sourced genuine gemstones, and the use of recycled precious metals. When you purchase this design from us, you can be assured the metals and gemstones in your jewellery have been made under a certified member of the RJC, and certified recycled precious metals under CSC certification.Every mined diamond we use complies with the Kimberley Process.

Important

Your natural materials which we work with, such as cremation ashes, hair, and milk, all come in an array of tones and colours. Your inclusion materials are as unique as you are, and vary from person to person. What you see on our website is an example of the design, however, the main stone will always vary in textures and colours.

We don't add anything to change the colour or consistency to your provided materials unless you are choosing effects such as flecks & shimmers.

Flecks and shimmers dance around and settle in their own way, a way we can not predict or change. We don’t see these as flaws or imperfections. We see them as unique and amazing just like the inclusions you send us.

Please note we have a no-refunds policy and as such we encourage you to read our FAQ page and ask any questions PRIOR to ordering

Precious metals information

Our collection is made with over 98% recycled solid gold and sterling silver.Our Gemstones & diamonds comply with the World Diamond Council System of Warranties and the Kimberly Process, with the help of a few trusted partners.We are committed to conducting all operations in the most socially responsible manner possible

We are committed to ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability, including the use of only ethically sourced genuine gemstones, and the use of recycled precious metals.

Product information

Below you will find all of our most commonly asked FAQ's

What is the process?

Choose your design

Visit our ring sizing guide on our website if choosing a ring if you are unsure on your size.
If you would like shimmers or flecks, check our guide in the drop down menu.

Add notes
At checkout there is a box to add your notes such as gold colour choice, ring size for half sizes, and any flecks or shimmer choices.
If you can’t see this box, email us after purchase & we will add this for you

Check your email
You will receive an automated confirmation email with password access to our after purchase pack & track your order page.
This contains our postal address, worldwide packaging guide, and other relevant information.

Track your status
We pickup our mail once a week.
Log into our Track your order page to check on your orders arrival & progress.
You will receive an email with your tracking number once we send your package.

How do I package my inclusions?

After placing your order, you will receive instructions attached to your automated confirmation email, along with the password to our after purchase info pack. If this email doesn't arrive to you within 15 minutes, please check your junk folder.

In the meantime, you can find a guide on sending each inclusion below

Packaging Milk here

Cremation Ash here

Packaging Hair here

Birth inclusions here

Please note: You aren't able to insure natural human & animal materials for a monetary value when sending them in the mail to us. Save a little money & just add signature on delivery if you would like the peace of mind. Our postal system has been incredibly reliable for us!!

We offer full insurance options for sending your completed jewellery home to you.

Where are you located?

We ship worldwide from QLD, Australia and have done so since 2013. We have an official Australian Customs permit that allows you to send your materials to us from overseas.

How long do I have to send my materials after purchase?

Inclusions must be sent within 6 weeks of ordering.

At 6 weeks we do send out an automated email to check if you have sent your items to us. If you haven't, please send within 2 weeks of this email.

How much does postage cost at checkout?

Within Australia

EXPRESS TRACKED postage (regular) $14

INSURED up to $300 + EXPRESS TRACKED signature on delivery $20
INSURED up to $599 + EXPRESS TRACKED signature on delivery $27
INSURED up to $1200 + EXPRESS TRACKED signature on delivery $38
INSURED up to $2500 + EXPRESS TRACKED signature on delivery $60
INSURED up to $4000 + EXPRESS TRACKED signature on delivery $85

Overseas
International EXPRESS + TRACKED shipping $44AUD
International EXPRESS + INSURED up to $599 with signature on delivery $57AUD
International EXPRESS + INSURED up to $1200 with signature on delivery $77AUD

*price will convert to your local currency

How long does it take to make my order?

Beautiful things take time, especially when they are lovingly handcrafted from such unique and organic personal inclusions. Each item is made to order - Not just your inclusion stones, but each individual sterling silver and solid gold setting.

Our average timeframe is anywhere between 8 -12 weeks, however, this can decrease depending on multiple factors. Handmade made to order pieces take time & love.
You can keep up to date on the progress of your order by logging into our track your order page.

We are both passionate creators & Mothers, with our core belief honouring balance.

How often do you post packages home?

We typically work on up to 30 orders per fortnight. At the end of this fortnight we very carefully and thoroughly package each order and send. If your order needs finishing touches, your name will remain in the creating list and sent ASAP.

I would like a custom design, is this possible?

Sorry, we do not create custom designs as we work with an extremely high volume of orders and time does not permit this.

Do you send back left over items?

We only guarantee sending home remaining cremation ash and birth umbilical. If we are working with hair or fur and are aware they have passed on, we will always include the left over fur or hair if there is any remaining.

We do not send back milk, either preserved or non preserved, and reserve the right to dispose of unused milk. We typically store some left over milk in the studio for quite a period of time after an order is complete, for peace of mind.

Please do not send us all that you have of any type of materials being used. We would rather you send a small amount than be disappointed that you no longer have any for safe keeping.

Can I change my order if I change my mind?

Please make sure you are certain on your design choice, your ring size, and any potential shimmers or flecks, prior to purchasing. Once you place your order you will not be able to make changes. We begin the process with our jeweller to start creating your setting within typically 12hrs - 24hr, so cancelling or changing the design or size is not possible.

Ensure you have used the special instructions box at checkout to add all sizing notes, engraving (only on specified designs), shimmers, and other choices. Please email us directly after purchase if you cannot find this box.

Do you offer Afterpay?

We do! However, Afterpay is currently set up for Australian & New Zealand residents only at this time.

I live locally can we pick up and drop off?

As we do not work from a public shop front we are unable to provide this service, sorry. You may drop off to the listed post office, and postage home will be carried via Australia Post.

My friends and I would all like jewellery created, can we ship together?

Sorry, to avoid confusion we cannot combine orders.

What happens when I order a gift certificate?

You will receive an automatic email after purchase which contains your gift certificate code. You may print and/or email as you please. We suggest writing the code into a lovely card to be presented to the recipient.

Please note that gift cards are valid for a maximum 36 months from purchase date.

Can I add more items to an existing order that's being worked on?

Once your order is placed and materials are sent to us we cannot add to an existing order. You will be required to create a brand new order to be sent at a later time.

I haven’t sent my materials yet, can I add to this order?

Yes, if you have made a second order and haven’t yet sent within our 6 week timeframe, you can add another design. Please ensure you send enough materials for all pieces and you MUST state all order numbers on the back of your envelope and inside your package to avoid confusion.

I am moving house and I have an existing order, HELP!

Please always ensure you alert us straight away by emailing us at beyondthewillowtree@outlook.com & we will update your details on your online order. We highly recommend using an alternative address if you think there's a possibility you may be on holidays/moving house in the 12 weeks post sending your package. If you fail to alert us right away before we send your package, we take no responsibility.

What happens if I don't send my materials or take too long to do so?

We reserve the right to automatically cancel any unfulfilled order older than 12 months with no refund or store credit given if no communication is made.

For orders older than 3 months, and up to 12 months, we will check your original jewellery is available, or in our studio. If it is not, we will then give you a store credit to use within 30 days, minus a $50 admin fee.

For orders that are 12 months or olde, we will check your original jewellery is in our studio. If it is, there will be a $50 admin fee. If we do not have your jewellery available, we will issue a 20% discount on a new order.

We absolutely understand that life events like illness can happen, however the best way to avoid any disappointment is ensuring you are ready to proceed with packaging and sending at the time you confirm your order.

The responsibility to send these materials is with the customer.
We are a small business and as such, we pay for an ongoing list of resources and fees per order. It is extremely important for us to finalise an order at the fastest time possible.

Once your order is completed & sent home

How long does it take to arrive home once sent?

Australia - 3 - 5 working days express post
Overseas - 7 -14 working days express post

Please note that we cannot control postal times, and the estimates above are based on current estimates.

What about International customs tax charges?

Some countries may have an Import tax & Import duty fee payable at the time of your packages arrival into your country. All countries within the EU incur this fee. For all other countries, please check the import tax & charges on your local government website.

International customers are responsible for paying customs/duties/taxes in their own country, and Beyond The Willow Tree do not accept responsibility for these charges.

My jewellery doesn't look exactly like the one on the website..

This is absolutely normal! All natural elements we work with is as individual as you are. Colours of all inclusions vary from person to person, so there will never be one which looks exactly like the next. The use of shimmers and flecks may also not give the exact same effects or colour, but this is one of the reasons your keepsake is so special. It can never be exactly replicated.

What about slight imperfections within the inclusion stone?

We have been designing and handcrafting using these specific elements since 2013, however, even in our professional experience, there are times we may find a little bubble captured. Or perhaps some strands of hair that have moved during the curing process. We take pride and joy in what we do, and we work our absolute best to give you the most beautifully created keepsake we can.

Each piece of jewellery is handmade from start to finish, so your inclusion stone may not be flawless, like that of a machine made stone.

In saying this, if there is something wrong with your order which clearly shows was a flaw that could have been managed and avoided (judged case by case), we will be more than happy take a look at this and work with you to find a perfect solution!

What if I receive my package and I do not like it?

We understand that each piece holds an emotional bond and connection, however as an artist, Melanie can only work with the materials she receives in a way that works for that particular piece. What you see on the website is a picture of someone else's finished piece, this may not be what you will exactly get - However possibly very close!

Colours and textures play a huge part in how each piece will work, and by purchasing a design by us, you are happy for us to use our skills to create something special for you which is handmade, accepting there may be a slight imperfections.

Why does it take so long?
Please be aware that each piece of handmade jewellery takes time.

All breast milk jewellery involves professionally preserving to ensure your milk will remain the same as the day you receive it. We do NOT use a craft project DIY method for preservation, hence taking that little extra time.

Packaging, sorting and labelling your arrived orders is very important and takes time to complete. Once we begin working with your items, there are many steps in setting up, pouring, mixing, drying, sanding and more. We understand your excitement, however please understand we work with the largest of volumes seen worldwide.

This is not a 'quick turn around' process ... We are an in demand professional service used by families worldwide, which means it can take time for me to be working with your precious jewellery.

We care dearly about our customers and their heart felt possessions. If you feel overly anxious about allowing another person to handle your personal items at this time, then perhaps wait until you are most comfortable in doing so.