Materials

• Cabochon: A type of cut used for gemstones but generally known to mean a flat backed stone or bead with a convex top and no holes. Glued or set in place with prongs.

• Gemstones: I try to use natural gemstones wherever possible. Gemstones often undergo a process of treatments including heating or the application of dyes to improve colour or the injection of resin to improve durability.

• Gold-filled: A layer of 10 to 20 carat gold is bonded to the surface of a base metal - usually brass. Gold filled jewellery is very hard wearing and less yellow in colour than vermeil.

• Hill Tribe Silver: Handcrafted by artisans in Northern Thailand for centuries, it is purer than Sterling silver at 95% to 99% silver. It is softer and has a slightly different appearance than Sterling. All the Hill Tribe silver I use is fair trade.

• Lampwork glass beads: Beads made by heating a glass rod onto a metal rod using a blowtorch. Beads are then annealed by firing in a kiln for durability.

• Lucite: A type of plastic originally intended as a cheaper alternative to bakelite. Usually of much higher quality than modern plastic beads.

• Patina: Refers to the coating on the surface of metals obtained naturally through exposure to the elements, over time or with use. It can also be obtained with the application of chemicals.

• Sterling Silver: Usually stamped 925, it is strong and hardwearing. It is an alloy with a silver content of no less than 92.5%.

• Swarovski Crystals: Precision cut glass containing 32% lead which means they have better refraction than other lead crystal beads and a nice weight to them.

• Threading: I use professional nylon coated wire in my designs. It comes in different sizes but the minimum tensile strength is approximately six pounds and the maximum is 40 pounds.

• Vermeil: Sterling silver with a plating of 22 or 24 carat gold. The plating is much thicker than standard gold plate and whilst it is not as durable as gold filled it will last a very long time.

• Vintage: All items made in the period up to the 1980’s. Vintage findings will show natural signs of age, including patina and some tarnishing.

Care

Please don’t spray perfume on to the wrist or neck while while wearing jewellery. The alcohol can have a detrimental effect. Never wear your jewellery while exercising, swimming, showering or bathing. It should never be exposed to water or excesses in temperature. Placing silver items in a zip lock bag will slow down the natural tarnishing and patination process.

I never clean the vintage brass items with polish before making them as I love the colour of aged brass but you can clean the brass items with brasso for a highly polished look.

Treat all jewellery, particularly the vintage items, with care and they will last a long time.