Ideas and Inspiration for
Artisan Jewelry Designers
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 often 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 must be professionally plated to have the look and feel desirable for jewelry. It is very expensive to have plating done so of course any seller would be thrilled to bypass this important step to sell you raw brass items at premium prices.
Understanding the terminology of plating finishes will save you time and money. The picture above shows you examples of some of the colors we offer.
1. Oxidized Copper or Copper OX items have been plated to a muted rich copper and then oxidized to appear old.
2. Oxidized Sterling Silver or Silver OX items have been plated to sterling silver and then oxidized to make them look old.
3. Oxidized Brass or Brass OX items have been plated to a smooth brass finish over raw brass and then oxidized to appear old.
Professionally plated items have a tough lacquer protective finish applied to them so that your work of art will stay just the way it is for years to come. I don't recommend trying to solder or alter the finishes with chemicals of any kind. I do recommend using a hand held punch tool like the one made by Roper Whitney Co (No 5 Jr Hand Punch) if you need to add holes to the stampings. The 1.5mm bit is sold separately but there are several which come with it.
Accessoriessusan.com products are in compliance with California's Lead-Containing Jewelry Law. Please note that the lead of concern is the type used in painting of or adding weight to cast costume jewelry. There is no lead in brass nor is there any used in the plating process of the items you buy here. All our items are also nickel free unless otherwise noted in the ad.
Most of the items we offer are representative of the Victorian or Renaissance eras and perfect for vintage style jewelry, so a bright shiny finish would not be appropriate. That is why you will only find rich antique finishes on the component parts we offer. The antique finish greatly enhances the details of these pieces but it also allows you to manipulate them with little or no plating "pop" when you do.
Visit either of our store web sites www.AccessoriesSusan.com or
www.VintageJewelrySupplies.com