Baubelocity

Kelly Green Dyed-Jade Set with Vermeil Spacers and Clasp

There are many purists in the world of handmade jewelry. By this I mean that they won’t dream of making anything unless the metal components and findings are either sterling silver or gold-filled or high-carat gold… even platinum, along with precious gemstones.

Silver and gold in their purest forms are generally not suitable for use in jewelry.  Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. Gold-filled is composed of a solid layer of gold bonded with heat and pressure to a base metal such as brass, sometimes sterling silver.  Gold-plate and silver-plate is a process of covering a base metal with a much thinner layer of gold or silver. Over time, the gold will begin to wear off of gold-plating, whereas gold-filled will last approximately 30 years before showing wear.

There is also a very beautiful metal called vermeil, which is sterling silver coated with either 10 or 14 karat gold.  It has a wonderful, rich color and I have several items in my shop made with vermeil clasps and spacers.

Let’s face it – these materials are wonderful and give a real touch of sophistication and worth to any piece. I do make many pieces with sterling silver and gold-filled metals. They are marked as such in the descriptions and of course these pieces are priced higher.They are also very expensive and with the price of precious metals fluctuating every day, the costs must be passed along to the customer. The cost may also be prohibitive in this economy where many people are struggling financially to afford necessities.

Fun Red and Cream Necklace and Earrings Set

But I also find that many people (myself included) enjoy the fun, “costumey” pieces that are cheaper to make and cost less to buy. The less expensive materials include copper and brass – which can be coated with various colors such as “gun metal”, and gold and silver “tone”.

I love these just as much as the expensive ones, and sometimes they absolve one on the responsibility that comes with high-end items. Sometimes you just want to put on something colorful and easy-going.

The wide availability of jewelry supplies and components available make the low-end choices very desirable as well. For the designer, it fosters experimentation without the fear of wasting a precious quarter inch of gold-filled wire.

There is definitely room for both kinds of jewelry in everyone’s box. Sometimes we want to be sophisticated and elegant, other times we just want to have fun.

It’s all good!