Understanding Metal
Jewelry-making components come in a variety of metals, each with their own distinct qualities. Below is a list of common metals used in jewelry-making, along with a brief description of their qualities.
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper or other metals. Silver is inherently soft and the copper adds strength to the metal. Sulfur is the number one cause of tarnish on sterling silver. Cleaners can restore sterling but airtight storage containers can inhibit tarnishing for longer. Shop Goody Beads Sterling Silver beads.
Silver Plated
Silver plating is when you coat a base metal with a thin layer of silver using a process called electroplating. Silver plating offers the look of sterling silver but at a more affordable price. Many silver plated components are nickel-free and lead-free. Shop Goody Beads selection of silver plated beads.
.jpg) Gold Plated
When something is gold plated, a thin layer of 10K gold is applied to a base metal using a process called electroplating. Gold plated coating is sensitive to wear and tear, and oxidation, which can cause plating to rub off over time. Storing gold plated jewelry separately and in an airtight container can keep gold plated jewelry in good condition. Shop Goody Beads selection of gold plated beads.
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Rhodium
Rhodium comes from the platinum family and is usually silvery-white in color. Hard and durable, Rhodium is plated with other metals to produce a tarnish-free coating. Shop Goody Beads Rhodium beads.
Copper
Known for its reddish-brown color, Copper is a metallic element also used in the manufacturing of alloys such as brass and bronze. Copper is used for jewelry-making, household objects and for conducting electricity. Shop Goody Beads Copper beads.
Cloisonné
Cloisonné is a process in enamelwork in which metal filaments are fused to the surface of objects in a pattern or design. This framework is then filled with a colored enamel paste. Shop Goody Beads beautiful selection of handmade Cloisonné beads.
Pewter
Pewter is a silver/gray alloy of tin with various amounts of antimony, copper and sometimes lead. However, today, most pewter jewelry is lead-free. Shop Goody Beads pewter beads.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, silver-white metal, also used to form corrosion-resistant alloys. Alu
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