Tired of Waterproof claims, Nickel-free promises and tarnish-free guarantees that never hold up?
Quality you can trust. Claims you can believe. Guided by our founder's 30 years inside the jewellery industry.
Discover Our ApproachThe Waterproof Myth
Even the best-made gold finish isn't waterproof, whatever the label says. We'll show you how to make yours last.
Proof Over Promises
Production runs independently batch-tested for lead, cadmium, nickel or nickel release, for your peace of mind.
Know What You're Wearing
Every metal and finish explained simply, so you can find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Honesty, Not Hype
We won’t mislead you with tarnish-free or hypoallergenic claims. Just the truth about what you’re buying.
Jewellery worth keeping. Knowledge to make it last.
Every metal wears differently. Once you know how, picking the right one for your lifestyle gets a lot easier.
What it's made of. How it wears with daily life. What it needs from you, if anything, to keep it looking its best. Some metals love a quick polish. Others barely need a thought. We've laid it all out plainly, because we want you to love what you wear and we want you to know how to care for it to make it last.
That's why we choose materials carefully, describe them honestly, and tell you exactly what each one needs to stay looking its best.
Let customers speak for us
Your Questions, Answered
Straight answers from 30 years inside the jewellery industry.
Is your jewellery waterproof?
No. No plated or coated jewellery is truly waterproof, whatever the label says. We won’t mislead you otherwise. Water, sweat, chlorine and everyday wear all affect a gold finish over time. Our PVD bonded stainless steel copes best with water, but we still recommend taking jewellery off to swim or shower.
Read the full storyWill your jewellery tarnish?
It depends on the metal. Sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time and polishes back with a silver cloth. On gold vermeil, gold plated and gold filled pieces, the gold slowly wears with use and where it wears through, the metal underneath can tarnish. PVD bonded stainless steel is our most resistant finish.
Read the Care GuideIs your jewellery suitable for sensitive skin?
You’ll often see jewellery labelled ‘hypoallergenic’, but there’s no standard behind the word and no jewellery can suit every skin. So we won’t promise it. Instead, we tell you exactly what each piece is made of. Production runs of our sterling silver, gold vermeil, gold plated and PVD bonded stainless steel are also independently batch-tested for nickel or nickel release. If you’re unsure, ask us before you buy.
Read More About TestingIs your jewellery tested?
Yes. Every production run of our sterling silver, gold vermeil, gold plated sterling silver and PVD bonded stainless steel is independently batch-tested by an accredited laboratory for lead, cadmium and nickel or nickel release, against the limits set in the European Union. Australia doesn't require this for adult jewellery. We do it anyway.
See our testingWhat's the difference between gold vermeil, gold plated and Gold Filled?
They differ in what's underneath and how much gold sits on top. Gold vermeil is a thick layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns) over sterling silver. Gold plated sterling silver has a thinner layer of gold over sterling silver. Gold Filled has a much thicker layer of gold bonded to a brass core. Generally, the more gold, the longer it takes to wear.
Explore the Metals GuideIs gold vermeil real gold?
Yes. Gold vermeil has a layer of real gold over a sterling silver base. It isn't solid gold, so the gold layer will gradually wear with use, but with good care it keeps its colour for a long time. It can also be gold plated again if it does wear away.
Explore the Metals GuideDoes stainless steel jewellery contain nickel?
Yes. Stainless steel contains nickel by design, not just ours, so 'nickel-free' stainless steel isn't possible in the way most people mean it. What matters is how much nickel is released against your skin. That's why every production run of our PVD bonded stainless steel is tested for nickel release to EU REACH compliance.
See our testingHow do I care for my jewellery?
Put it on last, after perfume and lotions. Take it off to swim, shower, exercise or sleep. Store pieces separately and wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing. Every order comes with a care guide to help it last.
Read the Care GuideWho is behind Bowerbird Jewels?
Bowerbird Jewels is a Sydney jewellery brand that began at local markets almost a decade ago. 30 years inside the jewellery industry taught our founder exactly what customers deserve to know: what it's made of, how it wears and how to make it last. You'll find us online and at markets.
Read our storyWhat are your shipping, returns and warranty terms?
Shipping is free on orders over $129 within Australia. We also offer 30-day returns and a 12-month warranty, so you can buy with confidence. Conditions apply, so check each page for the details.
Shipping details