 |
Bali Silver
Individually handcrafted in Bali, Indonesia, these beads are made of at least
92.5% sterling silver. Bali beads are not cast, but are patiently made one at
a time. |
| |
|
 |
Sterling Silver
I use the standard 92.5% sterling silver, which is fine silver (99.99%) combined
with copper to harden it. It is the whitest of metals so it looks great with
almost everything. |
| |
|
 |
Hilltribe Silver
The silver beads created in the Karen hill tribe village of Northern Thailand
are often distinguished by the decorative details stamped into the silver. It
is also 92.5% sterling silver or higher. The tiniest of hilltribe beads takes
2 artisans to create; the master for his skill and the apprentice for his young
eyesight. (Pictured here are Dragon Beads.) |
 |
|
|
|
| Since ancient times the purity
of gold has been defined by the term karat,
which is 1/24 part of pure gold by weight.
Pure gold is 24 karats (24k), 18k gold is 75%
gold and 25% of another metal (often copper,
silver or zinc). With the exception of crimp
covers and earring hooks (14k), I use 18k gold
beads and spacers whenever possible. |
| |
|
 |
Gold Vermeil [ver-may]
A layer of gold plating over sterling silver. The filigree vermeil that I
use in my designs is 18k gold from Thailand and has the warm glow that is
associated with a purer gold. With higher industry standards, vermeil is
much more durable than standard gold plating but should still be polished
with a soft cloth. The "S Hook and Eye Hook" clasps that I use are 18k gold
vermeil. |
| |
|
| |
Gold Fill
Gold Fill is created by bonding gold (usually 14k) to a core of semiprecious
metal (usually brass). Gold is essentially rolled around the core. The finished
product is strong, durable, and resistant to tarnish. Crimp covers, wire guards,
and earring hooks are gold filled. |
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
Lobster Claw
A metal clasp that gets its name from its 'lobster claw' shape. |
| |
|
 |
'S Hook' Clasp
Usually sterling silver or 18k gold vermeil from Asia or Indonesia. Easy
to open and close by pushing down on one of the hooks to release the jump
ring. Do not spread the hook horizontally or it will lose its shape over
time. |
| |
|
 |
Toggle Clasp
An easy clasp for the arthritic hand or that new manicure. Simply turn the
post end parallel to the strand and insert it through the circle end to open
or close your piece. |
| |
|
 |
hook & eye clasp
The Hook & Eye clasp is an even easier clasp to use. A lot of my clients
with carpal tunnel syndrome have requested this clasp. It is not as secure
at the Toggle Clasp so I only use these for necklaces. |
|
|
| |
| At this time, all earrings in
my collection are made with the ‘Fish
Hook’ style of ear wire. There is no closure with this style of ear
wire. It is wise to slide a rubber ear nut onto the ear wire to prevent loss,
especially for heavier earrings. Jewelry Pacifica does not provide or sell
these ear nuts. All Fish Hooks are 14k gold plated surgical steel or nickel-free
sterling silver. |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| These are the metal jewelry components
used to construct my jewelry. Clasps, earring
hooks, jump rings, crimp beads, crimp covers
and bead caps are considered findings. I use
the highest quality of silver, gold and copper
findings that I can find. |
| |
|
| |
Soft Flex(TM) Beading
Wire
Flex wire is constructed from many strands of marine quality stainless steel
wire which is woven together and then coated with clear nylon. The higher the
strand count (7, 19 or 49), the more flexible and kink resistant the wire.
I use mostly the 49 strand flex wire for maximum strength and flexibility allowing
a necklace to drape like thread without stretching. I have been experimenting
with the newer SoftFlex wire that is Sterling Silver, Gold Plated or Copper
and am trying the 19 strand on a few pieces but I stay mostly with 49 strands.
The 7, 19 and 49 strand wire comes in Fine,
Medium and Heavy weights. I use the Fine
Wire for lighter items. It has a test strength
of 10 lbs. I use the Medium Wire for most
of my necklaces and bracelets. It has a strength
test of 26 lbs. For the necklaces with larger
heavy beads, I use the heavy wire. |
| |
|
| |
Crimps
Tube shaped pieces of silver, gold filled, or copper used to secure the wire
around a jump ring or clasp by crimping and folding it in half. |
| |
|
| |
Crimp Covers
A soft decorative clam shell shaped ball in silver, gold filled and copper that
is pinched around the crimp and beading wire for a more professional finish. |
| |
|
