Monday, December 30VintageJewelrySupplies.com

Tag: plating

My Creative Roots
1Dec By filigreebeNo Comments
Ideas, Inspiration

My Creative Roots

One of my favorite memories of childhood was sitting with my father as he drew pictures for me of the farm life we love. Through out my life he has fueled my creative energy, influenced and inspired me in so many ways. After all these years of seeing the jewelry I make and helping me to separate countless plating orders, he was inspired to create this special wood project. My father, Kenneth, built this wagon in the shape of a sled as a gift for my cousin's young son Max. Dad used scrapes of wood and bits and pieces left over from plating orders as well as items picked up at yard sales and flea markets to create this wonderful wagon which will be treasured by our family for generations. Thank you to both my parents for giving me all that I ...
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Understanding Plating
24Sep By filigreebeNo Comments
Free Jewelry Making Lessons

Understanding Plating

Plating makes all the difference. Many suppliers attempt to convince you that raw brass items are acceptable for use in jewelry making projects. Brass is a metal alloy, composed of a solid solution of zinc, dissolved into an element of copper. Raw brass, natural brass, pure brass; whatever the term used, has sharp uneven edges from the stamping process which creates the design.  It will stain your skin and sometimes your clothes greenish black. Also keep in mind that it will darken to a very unattractive color as it is exposed over time to air and your skin oils. This photo shows you how raw brass ages over time. Raw brass is a wonderful light weight base, but it should be professionally plated to have the look and feel desirable for jewelry. It is very expensive to have pla...
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