Bali and Thai Silver Beads:
All of the beads used are from Balinese and Thai Karen hill tribe silver-smiths. Unlike cast beads (mass produced), these beads are handcrafted. This means that they might be slightly different in size and weight and color variation, which makes them so lovely and different.
- Bali beads are made from a mixture of fine pure silver, copper and the metals will melt when they heated with a torch.
- Thai hill tribe silver beads contain little or no copper and tarnish much less quickly than bali beads. Because it is a purer silver content, it also lends it to be softer than Bali silver.
What Are Genuine Gemstones?
Read a wonderful article on about.com to give you some insight...
The gemstones I use are natural as (opposed to synthetic or manmade). I purchase from trustworthy and reliable sources and pay a bit higher for their quality. This quality reflects in my designs.
Natural gemstones may also have markings or inclusions and varying colors and shapes. characteristics that lend to their beauty.
Lampwork Beads:
The Lampwork beads used in my designs are individually crafted by several very talented artisans. I purchase from them because of the quality and craftsmanship. Although there are many pretty lampwork beads available, there are other factors to note. The artists I have chosen all cool their beads (anneal) in a controlled kiln to regulate the temperature. This is done to prevent cracks in the beads. I make sure that I all artist's I purchase from state their beads are annealed.Precious Metal Clay (PMC):
PMC is a material made up of microscopic particles of silver mixed with a moist binder to create a material that is similar to working with modeling clay. Pieces are throughly dried, then are torch fired or placed in a kiln to temperatures nearing the melting point of the metal. At this point the binder burns away and the particles have fused together to create a .999 pure silver piece! Sterling Chainmaille Jewelry:
Definition: Chainmaille (also known as chainmail, or simply maille) is typically armor or jewelry made by connecting metal rings to one another. The word maille derives from the French word maille (mesh), which comes from Latin macula (mesh of a net). Creating something out of maille involves a few steps:Wrap metal wire around a rod to make a coil.
Cut the coil, creating individual "jump rings."
Using pliers, link the rings—one at a time—into a pattern".
Cut the coil, creating individual "jump rings."
Using pliers, link the rings—one at a time—into a pattern".
All of my maille pieces are hand forged from beginning to end. From coiling, to cutting (my rings are cut using a jump ring maker that allows precision cutting of all rings for proper alignment and fit), to weaving and finally tumbling for strength and adding shine and luster.
Sterling Silver:
Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.
Swarovski:
The only lead crystal beads I use are made by Swarovski of Austria, the finest available.