QuestionI am starting to make my own jewelry (mostly beaded bracelets and necklaces) and for the sake of quality and longevity what is my best silver option for findings, clasps, jump rings, etc? My concerns are tarnishing, strength and long term reaction to wear with regards to sweat, perfume and water. My obvious options are sterling silver and silverplate. I want to be able to guarantee my product, so I would appreciate any advice that you would be able to give me. Thank You
AnswerMaria, Sterling is always a great option and a respected, well known, and reasonably priced option. Stainless is less money, less tarnish, higher durability, but also less in demand.
Gold is more cost but will demand more price especially with the natural gemstone pieces.
Plated silver I don't recommend neither do I plated gold it is bottom choice, both durability, and value. Gold filled is another option you might consider however with gold going up as it has done that price may be to out of budget but does hold up better than plate. Both Gold filled and Sterling do still tarnish but usually not as bad and Sterling can always be polished. 3M company makes special coated paper that can be used in boxes to store Sterling to avoid tarnish as well as cleaning and tarnish removal fluids and cloths. Usually Sterling can be cleaned with warm water Baking soda and an Aluminum pan. It is a great recommendation to customers and very inexpensive way to remove tarnish and a rouge polishing cloth to brighten after the tarnish is washed off.
I have to say thanks to you, it is always fun to help other jewelry enthusiasts with their projects, and occasionally it helps me to widen my horizons as well, in researching your answer i stumbled on to this great website I hope you enjoy it and get a great source for alternative metals to use and promote with your jewelry. This site has a lot of great information:
http://www.elementsales.com/pl_element.htm#co
I hope this helps you with your choices...
Chris
