Some hobbies can transition easily into a
successful business venture, such as arts and crafts. Specifically, jewellery
making is something that you can turn into a lucrative activity by selling your
creations at retail, whether online or in person. If you’re seriously
considering making this shift from hobbyist to actual jewellery maker, one of
the most important things you should know about firstly is the kind of material
that you’ll be working with.
Metals for
Jewellery
Jewellery pieces can be so versatile that you
can use just about any kind of material for it. The more precious the stones
and metals for it, though, mean the higher value of the item. A common
requirement for using metals in craft jewellery is that its properties should
allow it to be flexible while also being sturdy. It should also be wearable,
which means that its components will not prove harmful to the wearer’s health
as much as possible. The stronger the material is, the better an investment the
piece becomes, too, so longevity of the product is definitely something to look
at.
Aluminum
Among the most common metals used for
jewelleries is aluminium, thanks to its lightweight characteristic. It is also
highly malleable, which makes it great for adding in design details, whether
through engraving or sculpting. It is also not prone to tarnishing unlike other
kinds of metal and can be easily cleaned and maintained simply by washing it
with hand soap and water. Many jewellery makers prefer aluminium also because
it is nickel-free, and so is safe to wear even for those with allergies.
Brass
Brass is a standout choice for many jewellers
because of its similar appearance to gold. It can be sophisticated and elegant
without costing as much. It’s also highly versatile and malleable, making it
easy to mold and shape into various designs. They usually come in different forms,
like brass tubing
and squares, among others. As long as it is properly cared for, too, it can
possibly last a long time. It helps that finished brass does not tarnish like
silver does, which makes its maintenance a whole lot easier. Aside from that,
it only needs soap and water to be cleaned. Another option for maintenance is
ketchup. Apparently, the acid in tomatoes make for a very good
cleaning agent against tarnish on brass.
Copper
Similar to brass, copper is a bright, shiny
metal that tends to look like gold, albeit with a reddish hue. Also soft and
easily malleable, copper is best distinguished through its green patina that
occurs upon oxidation. Some consider this patina as part of this metal’s
aesthetic, although for jewellery, it could make it look less appealing. Unlike
the previous metals, copper requires a bit more for its maintenance, such as a
water-vinegar-salt mixture to get it clean.
Silver
There are two choices you can go for when
working with silver: fine and sterling. Fine silver is pure silver up to 99.9%,
while sterling is at 92.5% purity. Most jewellers prefer sterling silver because
it is a lot stronger than fine silver, which means it can be used with other
accents like pendants. Fine silver, on the other hand, can be so fine that it
bends easily making it difficult to incorporate with other elements.
Gold
Highly valuable as compared to other metal
types, gold is a foremost choice among jewellery makers for its natural beauty
and versatility. Real gold is also very easy to maintain because it does not
tarnish or corrode. It is advisable to mix it with other metals when possible,
however, because pure gold, like fine silver, is on the softer side, which can
affect its durability as a jewel piece. Mixing it with other metals will affect
its karat though (higher karat means higher purity while lower karat but
stronger metal).
About
Rotax Metals
Rotax Metals is a premier metal supplier in
North America. We’ve been supplying high-quality copper alloys to the world
since 1948. We pride ourselves in our vast network of sources and a team of
highly experienced metallurgists. Whether you need brass, bronze, or copper
tubes, bars, or sheets, we surely have ample supplies in store for you. We
serve individuals and businesses looking for the highest quality metals for
their projects.
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