Metalwork FAQ

Material transparency makes life easier

What Metals do I use in my Jewelry?

For sensitivity purposes, all metals I use are nickel & lead free.

  • For Jewelry I mainly use Bare Copper, Silver Plated Copper, .925 Sterling Silver & 12k-14k Gold Fill;
  • For those ultra sensitive to silver, I also have Titanium & Niobium as an option;
  • For decor & sculptures I work in aluminum and copper.

Available on special/custom order request:

  • Fine Silver, Argentinian Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Brass, and Bronze

(My favorite is using Titanium & Gold Filled wire together because I love the contrast of mixed metals!)
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Base & Precious Metals

Bare Copper

I typically use this in pendants, bookmarks, and pins. Pieces are typically antiqued/oxidized and polished to a shine. However I do have pieces that are only polished and not antiqued.

Bare Copper Metal Composition

  • Untreated 99.9% Pure Copper
Silver Plated Copper

I use this in decor more than I do in jewelry. However, most of my jewelry pieces have a variation available in this tarnish resistant wire for price accessibility and metal sensitivities.

As a bonus, this wire is available in multiple colors due to the manufacturers (Parawire) meticulous color process

Composition

  • Pure copper core + 99% Fine Silver + non tarnish enamel coating
Niobium

Niobium is a lightweight & strong metal similar to titanium in being considered safe for those with metal sensitivities. I often use this for earring hooks, clasps, bracelets, and in adjustable rings.

Composition:

  • 100% Niobium

Niobium Attributes:

  • Hypoallergenic (Nickel & Lead Free;
  • Tarnish resistant;
  • Strong & lightweight
  • Color: Dark Grey Silver (darker than slightly titanium)
Titanium

Titanium is a lightweight & durable metal that's generally safe for those with sensitivities to metal jewelry. I often use this in bracelets, arm cuffs, and as accents in rings.

Composition

  • Grade-1, Commercially Pure Titanium

Titanium Wire Attributes:

  • Lightweight & Durable,
  • Hypoallergenic,
  • Tarnish Resistant
  • Silver-Gray in color (darker than sterling silver)
.925 Sterling Silver

The inclusion of copper in .925 sterling silver makes it harder than fine silver while still being durable. For pendants I often will antique & polish the silver. For rings I typically just buff and polish it to a shine.

Composition:

  • 92.5% Pure Silver + 7.5% Pure Copper

Attributes:

  • Hypoallergenic (Lead & Nickel Free)
  • Low Tarnish Rate (Tarnish is easy to clean off with the included cloths in each order)
14k Gold-Filled

I mostly use this in rings, ear cuffs, and as accents in sterling silver pendants, and as accents in bracelets.

Most of my copper & sterling silver pendants also have the option to be remade in 14k Gold Fill for an additional cost.

*Regular 14k Gold Wire is available at additional cost with custom order/request

Composition:

  • 83% 14 Karat Gold + 16% Copper + 1% Zinc

Gold Filled Wire Attributes

  • Non-Tarnish
  • Lightweight & Durable
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Color: Light Yellow-Gold

Gold Filled vs Gold Plated

What is Gold Filled Wire?

Gold Fill wire (sometimes known as Gold Overlay) uses a base metal as the core (i.e. copper core), then has at least 5% of the 14k gold melted onto the base metal.

Advantages of Gold Filled Wire:

  • Gold Fill is more durable and more tarnish resistant than gold plated wire.
  • It is also a popular metal since it's typically a more affordable option to Solid Gold Jewelry.
What is Gold Plated Wire?

Gold Plated wire also uses a base metal as the core (i.e. copper core). However, the core is then coated with a very thin layer of gold.

Features of Gold Plated Wire:

Plated wire often has a non-tarnish enamel coating added as well. It's main advantage is it's price point in comparison to Gold Fill and Solid Gold.

Metalwork Quick FAQ
Is the Jewelry Hypoallergenic?

I only work with metals that are lead & nickel free! I do my best to have pieces available in different metals, to accommodate different metal sensitivities.
Do you take any custom orders?

Yes! I open up commissions for a limited number of customs every month!

Use the Custom Order or Contact Page to start the process!
What's accessibility got to do with jewelry?

Accessibility in Jewelry can look like:

  • Magnetic clasps as an option
  • Adjustable versions of rings & bracelets
  • Bracelets that fit over wrist braces
  • Sensory descriptions when possible