FAQS

Sculpture by George Baggaley - photograph George Baggaley.

Do you use real gold and silver?

• Yes to both.  When I use gold it is usually 24ct or 18ct gold, depending on what has been agreed. 16ct gold is also a possibility.  If you would like to read more about gold and kintsugi, please click here.
• I use real silver.
• I use brass, also known as ‘bronze gold’, too. It is much less expensive and can look very similar to gold, however it is not food safe. Brass comes in several different tones.
• The decision about what to use is made with the person who owns the piece.

Is the repaired kintsugi piece food safe?

• I use traditional methods so, if the piece is finished in lacquer, gold or silver, it is food safe.
• If it is finished with brass, it is not.

Can the kintsugi piece be put in the microwave or dishwasher?

• No, it must not be put in either one.
• If the piece is finished with metal, including pure gold and silver, it cannot go in the microwave. Also, intense heat is not good for anything repaired with urushi lacquer.
• Never put kintsugi in the dishwasher, the lacquer will become brittle and there is a strong likelihood that it will peel off.
• Please click here on how to care for your kintsugi piece.

Is it okay to put water or hot water in a piece repaired with traditional kintsugi?

• Yes, it is okay. It is thought that kintsugi evolved as a technique to repair tea bowls for the tea ceremony. There is no problem with adding water or hot water.
• However, never let liquid sit for a long time; the liquid could begin to seep into the space between the lacquer and ceramic, and it could also affect the gold or silver.
• Always hand wash immediately after use and gently towel dry.

How much does it cost?

• Kintsugi often costs more than the value of the piece itself due to the time, materials and skill involved.
• At the time of writing, most of the work that I do, I do to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield, and from time to time for other charities as well.
• Occasionally, I will barter if someone has a skill or a product that makes it mutually beneficial to do so.
• If someone wants gold, I ask them to reimburse me for that, as it is very expensive – at the time of writing it is c.£120 a gram [inc. VAT].
• The price varies depending on the size, the extent of the damage, the type of ceramic material, and the type of decoration (gold, silver, or other metal powders). Please contact me for a quote.

How long does the restoration process take?

The shortest time from receipt to completion is two months, but it may take around three to four months, sometimes longer, depending on the season and the waiting list.

How can I request a repair?

• Please send a photograph and details about the piece you want to have repaired via DM on Instagram or to this website, along with your contact details.
• I only offer repairs with traditional kintsugi.

Where do you buy your supplies?

• From a number of places, mostly Japan, some in Europe and very occasionally the UK.
• If you are interested, please ask me a specific question via DM on Instagram or email.

Do you offer classes or workshops?

• No, but please feel free to contact me and if I know one in your area I will let you know.