SOURCING
I make sure to source quality materials so that we both know what we are getting. I also source second hand when I can - in addition to being more sustainable, it gives a piece of jewelry its own personality. Many of my pieces are one of a kind simply because I don’t have enough of the same kind materials to make mass quantities.
MATERIALS BREAKDOWN
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Gold Plated
Mixed metal base (coper, nickel, brass etc) coated in 14K gold or higher at least .002MM thick.
Will tarnish over time and shouldn’t be worn in water.
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Mixed Metals (Alloy)
The most affordable of materials but will also tarnish the quickest. Usually consisting of a mix of nickel, copper, and brass.
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Gold Filled
Higher quality than gold plated but still has a base metal that will oxidize over time. The base is then covered in a thicker layer of 14K gold (5% by weight vs .05% in plated)
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Surgical / Stainless Steel
High quality and hypoallergenic steel (comes in silver and gold). Coated in a material that prevents oxidation and will only tarnish after a few years.
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Semi Precious Stones
Beads or pendants cut from semi precious stones (ie agate, amethyst, aquamarine, garnet, lapis, moonstone, opal, pearl, rose quartz, spinel, tanzanite, tourmaline, turquoise, and many more)
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Glass Beads
Glass beads often appear just like a semi precious stone bead but they are much more affordable. Painted glass may chip over time but dyed glass will not.