Material Information
Sterling Silver
Nothing compares to the unique clean, bright sparkle of silver. Sterling is made from 92.5% silver. It also contains nickel, which can cause an allergic reaction for some people. It tarnishes with age, but can be restored with a silver polish.
Fine Silver
More shiny material! Fine silver is 99.9% silver. It doesn't tarnish as fast as sterling, but it is more expensive.
Gold Fill
A thick layer of 14kt yellow gold over an inner wire of hard brass. The gold layer is highly unlikely to wear through. It should last 5-10 years with hard use. Currently, this is the only gold that I use for regular orders. I offer 10kt solid gold for custom orders, but it's pretty pricey. :-)
Niobium/Anodized Niobium
Niobium is an intriguing metal. It is not an alloy, it's actually atomic element #41. It is used in superconductors as well as in jewelry. Niobium is naturally a shimmery grey color, but anodizing the metal brings out a wide spectrum of beautiful colors. Anodizing niobium creates an oxide layer; the thickness of this layer creates the colors. It is perfect for jewelry because it contains no nickel (which can cause reactions to gold and silver) and is 22% lighter than silver. It is also highly resistant to corrosion and will not tarnish like other precious metals. The oxide layer is highly unlikely to wear off with normal use.
Anodized Aluminum/Natural Aluminum/Acid-Etched Aluminum
Lightweight, bright and colorful, perfect for pouches or belts. The color layer on anodized aluminum is fairly hard, but can be scratched with hard metal, such as keys. Natural aluminum has been cleaned and chemically treated, because regular aluminum leaves a black residue on skin and other objects. Acid-etched aluminum has been dipped in acid to create a clean, white color. Only the top layer gets etched, however, so if scratched, the etched part will rub off. If you have any extra acid laying around, you can always re-dip it. :-) I don't normally use aluminum in jewelry, but it is available for custom orders.
Titanium/Anodized Titanium
Strong, light, beautiful. Perfect for armor and jewelry (especially men's jewelry.) Titanium is highly corrosion-resistant. It is also recommened for those with metal allergies, as it contains no nickel. Natural titanium is a matte grey. The anodized colors are beautiful and rich, with a matte finish. The anodized layer is unlikely to wear off with normal use.
Galvanized Steel
Steel with a layer of zinc on top. The zinc keeps the steel from rusting, even if the layer is scratched. Galvy will turn from a bright silvery color to a dull grey over time. Fun fact: Galvy is magnetic!
Stainless Steel
Rust-proof, strong, shiny steel, who could ask for more? Looks like a stainless sink or refridgerator in ring form. :-)
Nickel Silver
Also known as "German silver," this material contains no actual silver; it is an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. This metal is a silvery-gold color. Nickel silver is corrosion-resistant and doesn't easily tarnish, although it will darken with age. It's great for a unique color on a belt or pouch. An easy way to keep your nickel silver looking shiny and new is to give it a quick dunk in some vinegar. :-)
Inconel
Known as the "super alloy," inconel is an alloy of nickel, chromium, magnesium and iron. It is a dark grey color, which is stunning when paired with silver or nickel silver in jewelry or pouches. It will remain clean in environments which corrode stainless steel… but then, who wants to be in one of those environments? :-)
Enameled Copper
A center of soft copper coated with a layer of jewel-tone plastic. Softer than the other materials I use, enameled copper is great for earrings or to get that bright color you just can't get elsewhere. Many colors available! It is too soft to use in pouches or clothing.
Copper
The color of a new penny! It will tarnish to the color of an old penny over time. It is a very pretty reddish color in the beginning, and the original color can be restored/protected by copper polish or a quick dip in simple vinegar. Beautiful for jewelry or belts.
Brass
Brass is a lovely yellow-gold color. It is an alloy of copper and zinc. It will darken over time, but can be restored/protected with brass polish or a quick dip in simple vinegar. Wonderful for belts, keychains, and pouches.
Bronze
The color of a new park statue! This dark copper colored metal is an alloy of copper and tin. It will tarnish, but can be restored/protected with bronze polish or a quick dip in simple vinegar. Wonderful for belts, keychains, and pouches.
Czech Fire-Polished Beads
These beads are machine faceted, then polished in an extremely hot oven. They are beautiful and elegant, with shimmery colors and a softer, smoother feel than Swarovski crystal, as well as less expensive. By far my favorite beads.
Swarovski Crystals
Made in Austria by the famed Swarovski company, these crystal beads are beautiful and elegant. Nothing quite compares to them. Flawlessly faceted, they are practically guarenteed to be a conversation starter. They come in a variety of shapes, including bicones, rounds, teardrops and cubes.
Czech Pressed-Glass Beads
Available in many shapes, colors, and finishes, these beads are great to add originality to your jewelry.
Clasps (Hook, Lobster Clasp, Toggle)
I use three types of clasps, in general. I find hook clasps to be the easiest to fasten. Lobster clasps look like tiny lobster claws. Toggle clasps are great for adding a touch of extra personality to your jewelry.
Earrings (French Wire, Studs)
French wires, also known as fish hook earrings, are elegantly curved and are great for longer earrings. Studs are great for shorter earrings. So far these are what I use for the earrings on the site, although other earrings, such as hoops, studs or clip-ons will be coming soon.
Gemstones
I use a variety of natural and artificial stones. Some of my favorites are amethyst, quartz, and tigers-eye. Currently, items with gemstones are not customizable, due to the limiation of space in my studio. :-) Gemstone options will be added soon.