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Aisling McGloughlin

Tambo Unisex Pin

Regular price €125,00 EUR
Regular price Sale price €125,00 EUR
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

A One-Of-A-Kind Pin. Made to empower and embolden you. Whether it's your on your lapel on your wedding day, pinned to a flowing summer dress or on your favourite woolly jumper. 

Measurements: Midi Brooch size  2.5 cm

Made from: Sterling Silver and Urushi Lacquer

Technique

 One of the specific Urushi techniques i use is Tambo or Nanako-nuri, ななこ塗り in the Tsugaru-nuri 津軽塗 family.

Uniquely with the Tambo technique the pattern is created using small dried objects, such as rice or pasta, i sometimes use dinosaur shaped pasta. More traditionally rapeseeds or hemp seeds are used.

These are placed one by one and semi-submerged into a wet layer of lacquer to help sculpt the pattern. Pieces then spend 24 hours in a Urushi-buro, 漆風呂 or Furo. Urushi lacquer can only be cured layer by layer under very precise temperature and humidity conditions that are simulated and controlled within the Furo. Within, the lacquer absorbs moisture from the air, solidifying the layer. Each layer of lacquer (the pieces i make may have up to 20) spends 24-72h in the Furo. 

After this time the 'Little Things',the rice, pasta or seeds are very carefully removed, leaving behind a pattern of craters a raised texture which I build upon by adding successive layers. Each layer is typically a contrasting colour made by mixing specific natural pigments which give the final pieces their unique colour. 

Each layer is lightly sanded before the next is applied. After all the layers are applied they are slowly and precisely sanded and polished to reveal the intricate highly coloured patterns. Extremely time consuming but Urushi lacquering results in jewellery that is light, durable and effortlessly wearable.

 

  • Tsugaru-nuri • 津軽塗 - Lit. Tsugaru painting. A regional form of lacquerwork from Tsugaru, Aomori prefecture in Japan. 
  • Nanako-nuri • ななこ塗り - Lit. fish roe painting. 

 

Care Instructions

Urushi is an extremely durable material. Historical examples of lacquerware many hundreds and even thousands of years old can be found in exquisite condition with barely any deterioration in its finish even after decades of use. However, urushi pieces are not impervious to damage. When misused, they are still prone to the chips and scratches that any other object can sustain. 

As urushi lacquer naturally hardens under high humidity. Humidity is good for urushi lacquer. The Worst thing for Urushi pieces is drying so periodic use and wearing your Urushi pieces is the best thing you can do since the moisture in your hands and in the air gives Urushi its natural shine.

Urushi pieces will literary shine more after your use, repeated use and wiping or buffing with the palm of your hand is all that is needed to keep that slick shiny look Urushi pieces have.

  • Do not clean urushi with abrasives or harsh chemicals. Although urushi can withstand many every day chemicals such as alcohols, acids and bases, it will not withstand some harsher chemicals. Wash Urushi pieces with a simple detergent and water with a soft, non abrasive sponge or cloth.
  • Keep Raden and Rankaku away from acids and ink. Both Raden (mother-of-pearl) and Rankaku (eggshell) can be damaged by acids. Pieces with exposed Raden or Rankaku inlays should be kept away from sources of acid such as vinegar or citrus juice and some inks.

Shipping and Returns

Everything is dispatched from my studio in Barcelona, 1-3 days after the order has been placed, normally using UPS. I send everything via tracked post and a signature is required on delivery, you will receive a tracking number on the same day as your item is dispatched. I send your beautiful packages this way to ensure they remain safe and can be tracked, this ensures we know where they are at all times and minimizes risk.

Unfortunately, if the address you give me is not correct I am not liable for possible additional delivery charges if it is returned to me. So please double and triple check. 

Under normal circumstances UPS shipping within Spain will get to you in 2 or 3 working days after dispatch. Ireland and the EU about 4 - 6 working days. International deliveries may vary but are sent via DHL or UPS.

Covid-19

However due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic there are some significant delays both within and outside of Spain.  So I really appreciate your patience as postal services try to deal with what must be a very difficult situation. 

Brexit
Brexit has also caused significant delays due to customs checks. I do deliver to the UK and Northern Ireland however these items will be dispatched a little slower due to the paperwork involved. I also cannot be held responsible for any customs fees or import taxes imposed at the border. I try my best that nothing is stopped at the boarder but this is unfortunately out of my control.

Free Delivery 

I offer free delivery to all EU orders over €200 and free delivery to all International orders over €250. Orders outside of the EU (which now also means the UK) may be subject to import or customs fees, unfortunatly I don't have control over these.

Peak times such as Christmas may also experience delays.

If you are concerned about the length of time you have been waiting for your piece, please please do get in touch. I promise to do my absolute best to resolve any issues. Excellent customer service is a cornerstone of my small business and I want nothing more than for my clients to be happy with their shopping experience. If I can help you in any way, get in contact.

Returns

I offer a 28 day full refund return policy.

I know It can be difficult to know if the item will suit you for what you want, especially when online shopping.  So with that, if you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, please do contact me within 28 days of receiving it. Unfortunately, for health and safety reasons, I cannot accept returns of earrings that have been worn.

When I receive the full order, and ensure it is still in its original condition and packaging. I will refund the full price of your purchase. However I cannot accept responsibility for repaying postage and handling charges of the return.

 

Promotions and Sale events 

 Dispatch for items sold during any special promotion can be delayed, typically pieces will be dispatched 1- 5 days after the promotion has ended. This is to allow me, the lone person behind the brand, to adapt to a higher volume of orders. Thank you so much for your understanding, there is only so much one person can do. 

Special Requests

Each piece, each individual earring is different. We are unique individuals and our jewellery should reflect that! Why settle or normal and ordinary when you’re not. 

If you want something made just for you, message me! Maybe you want a larger version or something with more weight to it, or even something with more orange. Anything can be done, just ask, asking if free!

Pre-Order

As all of my pieces are completely unique once they are gone they are gone. However some can be pre-ordered and will be made especially for you. Of course this takes time and the piece will never be exactly the same, that's impossible when it comes to Urushi. The feel of the piece will be the same but the patterns will certainly look different. Have a look at some of my pairs of studs. Each stud, although made at the same time is different, this adds to the value of truly unique jewellery.

Jewellery can take between 4 to 12 weeks before its ready to be shipped, and the other collections can take 2 to 8 months. Urushi is a slow technique, months to make but thousands of years of life!

These are shipping estimates and pieces are normally shipped earlier. As soon as the piece is ready it will be shipped and you will be informed.

Quality and uniqueness are worth waiting for. If you want more specific or detailed information get in contact, I'm always happy to help.