Materials Used in My Jewellery

I use both silver and gold plated wire for tiaras and fascinators, mainly to help to keep costs low. However, this cannot be polished should it tarnish. I am happy to use precious metals for tiaras such as sterling silver, Argentium and 14 karat gold filled. This would increase the price but result in a valuable piece of Jewellery which would become an heir loom.

For jewellery I use the best sterling silver, gold filled or Argentium sterling silver, or plated metals, You can choose whatever is best for you. If you have specific requirements please contact me

.925 Sterling Silver

.925 sterling silver is the traditional standard for silver. Called .925 because it is an alloy that is 925 parts out of a thousand silver. It is permitted for the other 75 parts to be other metals (usually copper) to enhance its strength - Pure silver is very soft and is not structurally strong enough for most jewellery applications. .925 sterling silver has both the fine glow of silver and the durability for everyday wear.

Argentium® Silver (.925 Argentium® Sterling Silver, Anti-Tarnish Sterling Silver)

Argentium® sterling silver is a new alloy. Like sterling silver it is 925 parts silver. However, where traditional sterling silver is usually 75 parts copper, Argentium® is made with germanium and copper. The addition of the germanium makes the sterling silver extremely tarnish resistant plus much more scratch resistant than regular sterling silver. This is also good for those who are sensitive and allergic to the copper in Sterling Silver. To learn more about go to the ®Argentium Silver site. I import all of my Argentium from America.

14 Karat Gold Filled

14 karat gold filled is a quality jeweller's metal which with care can last for generations. It is made by using heat and pressure to permanently bond a layer of 14 karat gold to a core of brass or other base metal. It is not the same as gold plated, which is a cheap, thin coating of gold only about a molecule thick. 14 karat rolled gold has around 100 times more gold compared to gold plated. As the surface is totally covered with a thick layer of gold it is only gold that comes into contact with your skin. The gold is permanently bonded to the base metal and does not discolour or flake off like gold plated jewellery. As a high quality jeweller’s metal, 14 karat gold filled is a way to have affordable, heirloom quality jewellery. For more information on 14 karat gold filled please Click Here.

Beads

I use many different kinds of beads in my jewellery. I specialise in using Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls in my collections which are sourced from all over the world.

Found Items

I love to craft jewellery from bits of jewellery or beads that I've "found". I may pick up pieces from all sorts of places, and although I'm not always able to identify the components, I do my best. These items of jewellery are always one of a kind. I am also happy to restyle mend and restring Jewellery you already have.