Metal Information

Sterling Silver - Sterling silver is the most widely used of the precious metals. Silver is rarely used in its natural state. Like pure gold, its softness makes it an impractical choice for design purposes. Silver is most often alloyed with copper to provide hardness, strength, malleability and a superb ability to assume and retain a fine, high polish. Sterling is 92.5% silver and 7.3% copper.

Argentium Sterling Silver - Argentium Sterling Silver is the new Anti-Tarnish product that has reciently become available. Unlike regular Sterling, Argentium contains no copper. It has been alloyed with a product called Geraninum which gives Stering Silver many of the charateristics of fine silver

Fine Silver - Fine Silver is .999 pure silver. It is the softest of the silvers used in the creation of jewelry. Many wire jewelry artists use the fine silver 28 or 30 gauge wire for knitted chains. Much care must be taken when working with this wire as a single strand can break easily. Knitted chains of Fine Silver make beautiful addition to a beautiful Sterling Silver sculpted pendant.

Copper - Nearly everyone is familiar with copper. This metal is frequently used to alloy sliver or gold. This reddish-brown metal is also used as a base for enameling and as a practice material for students of metal smithing. Copper is also used in the creation of many items such as jewelry. Uncoated copper will patina, turn dark over the passage of time. This is caused by the air and elements on the metal. Many manufactures of copper items coat their pieces with a lacquer to retard the patina. Copper is often used by folks suffering arthritic pain. Uncoated copper must be used for this.

Brass - Brass is a alloy of 55% to 70% copper and balance being zink. Brass is a warm gold in color.

Merlins Gold - Merlins Gold is another brass metal that is 85% copper and 15% zink. Merlins gold has the rich glow very similar to 12K gold.

Nickel Silver - The name of this metal is a misnomer since Nickel Sliver contains no silver. Nickel Silver, also called German Silver, is a silver-colored alloy of nickel, copper and zink. The Nickel in this and some other products is the most likely to affect metal sensitive people.

14 K Gold Fill - Gold Fill is a process of bonding a layer of karat gold to a base metal, with heat and pressure. 14/20 gold fill is 1/20 - 14K by weight. This means that 1/20th of the product is 14K gold. The base metal is usually brass. 14K gold fill gives the look of 14K at a fraction of the gold cost. Gold fill should not be confused with the micro-thin layers of gold found on gold-plated items. Gold fill is extremely durable and its beauty will last for years and years to come.