Materials Used in My Jewellery

I use a variety of materials in my jewellery to offer you maximum choice and to help you choose jewellery that can fit into your budget.

Plated Metals

I use both silver and gold plated wire for jewellery, tiaras and fascinators, mainly to help to keep costs low. However, this cannot be polished should it tarnish. If you are looking for low cost jewellery which you do not intend to keep or wear choose a plated metal.

.925 Sterling Silver

I love to use sterling silver and most of my jewellery is made in sterling silver. When making tiaras precious metals opens up new design possibilities and create jewellery that is a true investment and heirloom. This of course is reflected in the price of precious metals.

.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 Carat Gold Filled

14 carat 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.

Gold

I work in 9ct and 18ct gold. Gold is divided into 24 parts the (24ct being pure gold). Gold can be in used in a variety of designs and comes in yellow and white.

Stones

I can source and use a variety of gemstones in my jewellery. From conflict free Diamonds, precious stones such as emerald, ruby and sapphire (all of which are as rare and expensive as diamonds) to Semi-Precious stones which include, Agate, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Pearl, Touramaline, Turquoise, Topaz and Zircon. Which can be either faceted, (cut at various angles to catch light) or cabochon (rounded top with a flat bottom)

Beads

I use many different kinds of beads in my jewellery. I specialise in using Swarovski crystals, (which come in a range of shapes, sizes, cuts and colours) and freshwater pearls in my collections which are sourced from all over the world.

Other 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 use items you already have in your designs or to restyle mend and restring jewellery you already have.

I also like to craft beads from polymer or precious metal clays to use in my designs.