How to Prevent Tarnish on Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver beads are the popular choice for jewelry making for their durability and beauty. But these beads get tarnished over time, particularly when exposed to air. Tarnish is a layer of corrosion that forms on the surface of the metal when sterling silver reacts to substances such as oxygen, water, or sulfur-containing foods. Fortunately, this form of corrosion does not break down the meatal like rust. With the proper jewelry care techniques, tarnish can be removed and prevented.


Wear It Daily

Yes, wearing your sterling silver jewelry every day can prevent discoloration of the metal. The oil from your skin plays a crucial role in protecting sterling silver beads and helps them maintain their shine for a long time.


Avoid Contact with Sulfur-Containing Products

One of the effective ways to prevent tarnish on sterling silver jewelry is to avoid contact with products that contain sulfur. Some of the products that can accelerate tarnishing are wool, onions, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, latex, and more. You should also avoid wearing sterling silver jewelry when you are swimming, bathing, and cleaning.


Safe StorageStore your sterling silver jewelry in sealed bags to limit its exposure to air and humidity. You can also add humidity absorbing chalk, activated charcoal packets, or silica gel packs into the zippered plastic bags where you store the jewelry for added protection. Ensure that you are storing each jewelry item separately to prevent tangling and scratching.


How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry?

Cleaning your sterling silver jewelry gives a good start and is an effective method to remove tarnish on the sterling silver beads.


The Electrolyte Method – For Resilient Jewelry Pieces

The electrolyte method for cleaning is used for sterling silver jewelry pieces that are resilient. This method reverses the chemical process that causes tarnishing and prevents endless polishing and possible abrasions on ornate or engraved pieces.


Cleaning Methods for Delicate Jewelry Pieces

Delicate sterling silver jewelry pieces that hold clear gemstones, such as Swarovski crystal beads and pendants, require more careful cleaning.


Soap and Water: This cleaning method is simple and safe, and it should be the first cleaning method you should attempt on your sterling silver jewelry.


Baking Soda & Water: Apply a paste of baking soda and water on your sterling silver beads jewelry and rub it using a polishing cloth. Use a thin paste for jewelry that has silver fancy beads or corrugated beads. When done, run carefully under warm water and dry it with a clean cloth.


White Vinegar & Baking Soda: You can use a mix of white vinegar and baking soda on jewelry pieces that are heavily tarnished. However, you should not use it on jewelry pieces with soft gemstones that can easily etch or scratch.


The Bottom Line

Get your sterling silver jewelry professionally cleaned if it has significant discoloration or is fragile, old, or valuable. If you are cleaning by yourself, use the proper techniques so that your sterling silver jewelry gives you many years of enjoyment. Visit https://www.crystalfindings.com/ to buy Swarovski crystal beads, jewelry-making supplies, and wholesale jewelry beads online.

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How Do Swarovski Stones Differ from Rhinestones?

Swarovski crystal heart pendants

If you love jewelry that sparkles and shines, chances are glitzy rhinestones and shimmery crystals like our dazzling Swarovski crystal heart pendants have caught your eye. What’s the difference between popular crystal beads, pendants, and rhinestones in the Swarovski line? Uncover the history of rhinestones and how the composition of the stones has changed over time.

The Story of Rhinestones

Once upon a time in the 13th century, rhinestones were made of small, sparkling pieces of quartz found in the Rhine River in Austria and cut to resemble precious gemstones like diamonds. As with all good, beautiful things coveted by the masses, supplies dwindled, leading to imitations made out of paste – glass powder, melted, molded, and formed into dense glass stones. Fast forward a few hundred years to today’s rhinestones, which are now offered in many options: Mass-produced gems created from a variety of qualities of materials, from acrylic and plastic to glass and crystal varieties, such as those by Swarovski.

The History of Swarovski Crystals

Swarovski crystals were first invented in 1895 by Austrian jeweler Daniel Swarovski. The crystals contain more than 30% lead, making for a harder, more reflective, higher quality stone. Swarovski crystals revolutionized the industry, using proprietary technology to cut faceted stones. The brilliance of the resulting stones was unrivaled. Swarovski crystals are now recognized as the highest quality machine cut and polished crystals in the world. These sparkling stones are used by more than 85% of US jewelers. Like rhinestones, they’re used to create necklaces, bracelets, and rings, adorn dresses and fashion accessories, and accent art and décor. 

The Difference Between Swarovski Crystals and Rhinestones

The original Rhinestones are made of quartz stones found in the Rhine River Austria. But with the dwindling supply, rhinestones are now being mass produced using pastes and plastics. 

As with their crystal beads, Swarovski is a leader in the rhinestone market that revolutionised the market with one of it’s kind man made high quality crystals. All Swarovski stones, including flatback stones/rhinestones, are easy to distinguish from competitors. Genuine Swarovski stones are cut with such precision, they’re flawless, featuring uniform sizing and a precise cut in which crystal facets meet at a single point. The surface is clear and uniform, with no bubbles, scratches, or swirl marks. There are no imperfections, as with lower quality options. 

Rhinestones have a glue on the flat backside that melts when heat is applied. It is called “Hot Fix” and the jewelry can be worn immediately. Swarovski hot fix glues are 8 times stronger than any hot fix glues. These are patented and copyrighted, thus making Swarovski a leader with indistinguishable quality.  Their unrivaled sparkle and shine make them the stone of choice of jewelry designers, resellers, and jewelry enthusiasts.

Ensuring the Purchase of Genuine Swarovski Crystals and Rhinestones

Genuine Swarovski crystals are made to rigid manufacturing standards and hold their value quite well. When shopping for Swarovski pendants, crystal beads, rhinestones, and pearls, make sure you’re purchasing them from a reputable supplier or a  website. Stones are sold and shipped loose, with the exception of Swarovski pearls, which are strung together.

Shop the largest collection of jewelry making supplies wholesale at Crystal Findings. We offer the largest selection of colors, shapes, and sizes of Swarovski crystal stones and flat back stones, including affordable Swarovski factory packs for bulk savings. Add the lasting brilliance of Swarovski crystals to your upcoming design today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/how-do-swarovski-stones-differ-from-rhinestones/

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Day to Day Activities that Are Ruining My Gold-Filled Jewelry

gold-filled beads and findings

You love showing off your gold-filled jewelry. But if you want to keep the gold-filled beads and findings you use to make your masterpieces looking their best and lasting as long as possible, certain daily activities are best avoided. What everyday tasks are you doing that are taking a toll on your favorite pieces?
Everyday Activities that Ruin Gold-Filled Jewelry

  • Showering damages jewelry

Body wash, shampoo, and chemicals in your municipal water supply can tarnish and dull gold. Leaving jewelry off and putting it on after you bathe is best.

  • Health and beauty products can cause tarnishing

Lotion, makeup, perfume, hair and body spray, and other products you put on before you go out can stick to jewelry, making it look dull and dirty and hardening beneath stone settings. Some natural stone beads like turquoise and opal can become permanently stained or damaged. The same goes for products you use during your nightly routine. The same issues apply. Jewelry should be the last thing you put on before you leave and the first thing you take off at night.

  • Household chores are hard on gold jewelry

Cleaning chemicals are not good for jewelry, dulling the finish and eating away at metals. Even sterling silver beads and findings can become damaged by household cleaning solutions. Friction damage from scrubbing and knocking into things is also tough on gold jewelry.

  • Yardwork can severely damage gold and settings 

If you’re headed out to the garden or work on your lawn, leave the jewelry in the house. Sliding your jewelry into your shirt or donning a pair of gloves isn’t enough to protect jewelry. The repetitive motion and force necessary to perform lawn and garden work can damage and distort gold jewelry.

  • Exercise doesn’t work out for jewelry

The gym is not the place for jewelry. Between knocking around your jewelry during cardio, pressure from weights and exercise machines, and coating your jewelry with tarnishing sweat, eventually, you’ll be lucky to leave with it in one piece.

  • Sleep wears gold jewelry down

Earrings and necklaces can become crushed or tangled in your hair and blankets as you sleep, causing breakage. Taking jewelry off before heading to bed ensures a more comfortable, incident-free night’s sleep.

  • Swimming chemicals increase tarnishing and dulling

Precious metals cannot withstand contact from swimming pool chemicals. Chlorine and other substances from pools and hot tubs can dull, discolor, and break down alloys over time, causing cracks and weakening joints.

Are you looking for ways to preserve the beauty and extend the lifespan of your jewelry creations? Shop the wide selection of high-quality wholesale beads and findings at Crystal Findings today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/day-to-day-activities-that-are-ruining-my-gold-filled-jewelry/

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Creative Jewelry Making Ideas Using Swarovski Rondelles and Balls

Bali silver spacers

Are you looking for a few new beading project ideas for the fall and winter season? If you’ve never ventured into the realm of Swarovski crystal beads, you’re missing out on some seriously swanky-looking yet surprisingly affordable designs. What new items might you add to your inventory or gift options this year?

Swarovski Pearl and Crystal Bracelets

These frosty tones of Swarovski pears and shimmering clear crystals give these bracelets a cool, wintry appeal. To make this bracelet, you’ll need a strip of jewelry wire cut to a 10-inch length. Next, slide a crimp bead/smasher onto the end of the jewelry wire. Follow the crimp bead/smasher with a jump ring, attaching it to half of the clasp. Bring the wire back through the tube, then fix it into place with crimping wires, hiding it with a crimp cover. Use the following pattern for the design:

For a more wintry feel, choose cool blue or grey tones. When complete, slide a crimp bead/smasher onto the end of the jewelry wire. Follow the crimp bead/smasher with a jump ring, attaching it to half of the clasp. Bring the wire back through the tube, then fix it into place with crimping wires, hiding it with a crimp cover.

Swarovski Dangle Earrings

These simply designed yet stunning earrings feature Swarovski rondelles and balls and are sure to be a conversation starter this holiday season. Graduating sizing and sparkling Swarovski crystals capture the eye. 

Change up bead colors or metals, using silver or rose gold for a fresh take on the design.

Looking for Savings? Buy Swarovski Beads in Bulk

Our beading supplies shop offers volume pricing discounts on most products, so stock up and save. Jewelry making is a great way to spend time at home by yourself, with friends, or with family over the cold-weather season. 

Add a little sparkle to your current lineup with Swarovski beads. Shop wholesale beads and jewelry supplies at Crystal Findings today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/creative-jewelry-making-ideas-using-swarovski-rondelles-and-balls/

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How to Use Shamballa Beads in Jewelry Making?

Gold Filled Beads

Shamballa beads reflect the Tibetan and Buddhist tradition and are commonly used in jewelry making, particularly bracelets. These colorful, shimmering beads make a striking statement in any jewelry design and can be used to make necklaces and earrings too. Like gold filled beads, Shamballa beads are becoming popular among jewelry enthusiasts, making these beads challenging to find.

Shamballa Beads and Spiritual Connection

Shamballa beads jewelry is in spiritual fashion and is worn by famous rap and hip-hop artists. These beads are considered to have spiritual vibes, that open and heal the mind and body. They are a unique mix between spirituality and jewelry. When you design your own unique Shamballa bracelet with a matching necklace or earring, it expresses your individuality and spiritual needs.

Shamballa Bead Shapes

Shamballa beads are made from plastic and have a synthetic base with a premium Czech lead glass crystal cubic zirconia embedded in them. These beads come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

– Traditional round Shamballa beads – Used for jewelry making

– Unique oval Shamballa beads – Adds a distinctive touch to your jewelry design

– Heart Shamballa beads – Can be used as pendants and dress pins

– Curved tube Shamballa beads – To create bangle bracelets

– Side hole heart Shamballa beads – Used for jewelry making

Shamballa Beads for Jewelry Making

Shamballa beads make a striking statement when used in jewelry. Here we’ve listed a few tips to use Shamballa beads in jewelry making.

Beads and Cords

From knotting cord to hemp cord, these beads pair well with many jewelry designs. You can intersperse Shamballa beads with gold filled beads and sterling silver beads to enhance the look of your jewelry.

Tools

All you need is a clipboard or a board with a binder clip to secure cords as you work when creating a square knot design. Making odd numbers of knots look more appealing, but you can create as many knots as you like.

Sliding Clasp

Creating the sliding clasp to finish the look of your jewelry design is one of the trickiest parts of Shamballa jewelry design making. But, once you learn the trick, it would be easier for you to make this popular jewelry staple.

Shamballa beads come at an affordable price range. This is great news for jewelry enthusiasts as it allows them to craft jewelry at the lowest costs. At Crystal Findings Inc., we supply Shamballa beads in bulk, and same-day shipping available. We don’t have a minimum order quantity, and we supply to both individuals and businesses.

Are you new to buying Shamballa beads? Check our unique range of Shamballa bead designs available, and you’ll soon love its unique design and stunning look. Buy high-quality Shamballa beads now and start creating beautiful jewelry pieces.

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3 YouTube Channels to Watch if You are New to Jewelry Making!

sterling silver beads and findings

There can be a lot of bumps in the road for those new to jewelry making. Fortunately, the internet is filled with information and ideas to ensure a smoother journey. YouTube holds a wealth of information, and you can’t beat its show-and-tell video format if you’re new to creating your own jewelry designs. To help you, we have scoured the platform and found three YouTube channels for you to watch if you are new to jewelry making.

Top YouTube Channels for Jewelry Making

• Jewel School

Jewel School is the perfect place to get fresh ideas and learn how to turn wire and beads into your own signature jewelry designs with the latest available tools and techniques. This fun, jewelry-making community is always making something great, releasing a new DIY project each week that you can create along with online instructors. Jumpstart your creativity, learning how to work with beading staples like sterling silver beads and findings. Then add a touch of pizazz with pro tips and advanced beading techniques, creating one-of-a-kind custom designs you can’t wait to show off to your friends. 

• Jeweler’s Academy

Jeweler’s Academy offers a 1-year online diploma in jewelry making for those interested in custom silver and gold jewelry making or expanding their creative capacity. This diploma program from the award-winning London Jewelry School is designed to take you from complete beginner to professional jewelry in 1-year, with a minimum 1-day per week minimum commitment. The program is highly supported, featuring one-on-one mentoring from trained professional jewelers, weekly group Q&A, and an active Facebook community. The program covers:

o Fundamentals like sawing, soldering, filing, polishing, and finishing jewelry

o How to make bangles, earrings, pendants, and rings with high-quality Shamballa beads, Swarovski crystal beads, stone beads, and other accents

o Designing and drawing jewelry

o Wax carving

o Granulation

o Making wedding rings

o Arranging tightly set stones

o Crafting hinges and rivets

o Incorporating business skills such as jewelry photography and how to launch a successful jewelry business

• Stardust Mine Jewellery

Artist Basia of Stardust Mine Jewelry is a self-taught jewelry metalsmith. Her artisan, handcrafted jewelry designs are truly stunning. On her channel, Basia shares her experiences making jewelry to smooth the process for fellow crafters and entrepreneurs. On her channel, you can:

o Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials

o Find out about timesaving, stress-reducing jewelry making tips and hacks

o Learn the basics of working with gold-filled beads in bulk

o Get need-to-know information on selling your custom jewelry designs

o Find out about the latest tools and product reviews

o Learn about cleaning, storing, and organizing your jewelry

o Get tips on photographing and shipping your jewelry

o Uncover how to get past a creative slump

o And much more – this channel is packed with information!

Are you feeling inspired? Begin your beading adventure. Stock up and start creating, shopping the wide selection of jewelry beads and stones wholesale available at Crystal Findings today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/3-youtube-channels-to-watch-if-you-are-new-to-jewelry-making/

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Bali Beads – How to Separate Real Beads from the Fake Ones

Silver Bali Beads

Intricately crafted silver Bali beads are a popular addition to jewelry designs. The fine artwork of high-quality Bali beads makes them easy for experienced crafters to spot. However, those unfamiliar with the beads can fall victim to cheap reproductions. With the glut of replicas on the market, how can you tell genuine Bali beads from imitations?

Genuine Beads are Made in Bali

As their name suggests, genuine Bali beads originate from Bali, Indonesia, whose silversmith culture reaches back at least 2600 years, when trading among Southeast Asian countries fueled the popularity of the beads. While other countries have begun crafting Balinese-style beads, they do not have the same style, detail, and quality. Only beads from Bali are authentic, showcasing the great artform passed down through generations.

Real Bali Beads are Exquisitely Detailed

High-quality Bali beads are created by the steady hands of dedicated master silversmiths. Each handmade bead is a piece of fine art and quite different from mass-produced, machine-made beads. Crafting techniques and patterns are passed from generation to generation, with new elements added as artists hone their skills.

Like cloisonne beads, Bali beads have a very specific manufacturing process. Bead designs are created by the application of granulation (silver dots) and wires soldered together in intricate patterns. The silver solder is heated by a torch flame, which oxidizes, turning the bead black. Some sections are later polished while others remain dark, creating a beautiful contrast. Even in beads that appear at first glance to be similar, you will notice slight variations in size, weight, and oxidation. Each completed bead is truly a unique work of art.

Bali Beads are Crafted from Sterling Silver

Real Bali beads are made of high quality .925 sterling silver (not fine silver). Choosing beads crafted only of sterling silver will ensure your jewelry will remain beautiful for years to come.

Crystal Findings Bali Beads Come in a Variety of Shapes

We offer beautiful, exquisitely detailed, handmade, sterling silver Bali beads. You can find the perfect Bali beads to use as a design centerpiece or accent with our expansive selection. We offer Bali beads and jewelry making supplies in a wide range of options to enhance nearly any design, from the simple to the ornate.

•    Fancy beads
•    Spheres
•    Rondelles
•    Ovals
•    Tubes
•    Spacers
•    Charms
•    Clasps
•    Silver findings
•    And more

Never mistake low-quality doppelgangers for authentic Bali beads again. Create stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry designs with genuine silver Bali beads. Shop wholesale beading supplies in the USA from Crystal Findings today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/bali-beads-how-to-separate-real-beads-from-the-fake-ones/

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The Easiest Tarnish Prevention for Sterling Silver Beads

Sterling Silver Beads

Sterling silver beads for jewelry making are a popular choice among jewelry crafters and customers. Though durable and beautiful, however, shimmering sterling silver items will tarnish over time. The darkening that occurs is a form of corrosion from reactions to everyday substances like oxygen, water, and sulfur-containing foods. But unlike rust, it does not break down the metal beneath. Fortunately, tarnish can be removed and prevented with the right jewelry care techniques.

Wear Sterling Silver Jewelry Regularly

Wearing sterling silver can actually prevent discoloration. The oils from your skin can protect sterling silver beads, helping them maintain their shine.

Avoid Contact with Substances that Cause Tarnishing

Don’t wear sterling silver Bali beads or other sterling silver jewelry when bathing or swimming. Remove bracelets and rings that could come into contact with cleaning products or foods. Also avoid contact with sulfur-containing products such as wool, latex, eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, and onions, which can accelerate tarnishing. Wait until after applying makeup and perfume to put on sterling silver jewelry, making it your finishing touch.

Store Sterling Silver Jewelry Carefully

Limit exposure to air and humidity, which accelerate tarnishing, by storing sterling silver items in sealed bags, such as zippered plastic bags that close tightly. Insert humidity absorbing chalk, activated charcoal packets, or silica gel packs in the storage container for added protection. Be sure to store each item separately to prevent scratching and tangling.

Clean Sterling Silver Regularly

Regularly polish your sterling silver alphabet beads and jewelry at the first sign of darkening and after wearing it to remove skin substances that cause discoloration. Do not use abrasive towels or tissues – only soft nonabrasive flannel and microfiber materials. Polish back and forth. Do not use a circular motion as this can magnify scratches.

Ways to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry

Cleaning sterling silver beads isn’t hard. There many safe options for cleaning and removing tarnish, including:

•    Silver polishing cloth
•    Tarnish-removing polishing cream
•    Easy Silver Cleaning Bath – The “Electrolyte Cleaning Method”

This at-home method is easy and safe. Start by lining a glass bowl or container with foil. Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt and baking soda. Place your sterling silver jewelry in the bath and let it soak for 5 minutes. (You may notice a rotten egg smell – this is normal.) After the tarnish disappears, rinse thoroughly with cool water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Note: For heavily tarnished jewelry, you may need to repeat the cleaning process a few times. But your persistence will pay off – cleaning can make even the oldest sterling silver jewelry shine like new again.

When to Enlist Professional Assistance

If your silver jewelry has significant discoloration or is fragile, old, or valuable, it may be best to have it professionally cleaned.

Sterling silver beads can provide many years of enjoyment. Create designs that remain bright and beautiful. Shop jewelry making supplies wholesale at Crystal Findings today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/the-easiest-tarnish-prevention-for-sterling-silver-beads/

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Tips Every Newbie Should Know Before Buying Jewelry Supplies

Jewelry Making Tools

Are you ready to progress from pre-assembled kits to purchasing bulk jewelry-making supplies for your own designs? Shopping for supplies in bulk can be overwhelming. It’s easy to end up overpaying if you don’t know what you’re looking for or how to shop. We’re here to break it down for you, ensuring you get the most out of your beading supplies investment with these tips for those new to purchasing wholesale jewelry supplies.

Take Stock of Your Tools

Your jewelry making school or crafting kit may have supplied all of the jewelry making tools necessary to complete each project. However, once you branch out on your own, you’ll need to source the tools required to complete each task.

Plan Your Projects

Sketch or create a diagram of your designs, noting what components you’ll need, including product numbers. Keeping these diagrams on hand will help you easily recreate customer favorites later.

Consider Future Production

If you plan on making several of the same jewelry design, take stock of your future plans. Purchasing these jewelry supplies all at once will get you the best possible pricing, uncovering the quantity discount that will work best: 10 for $10, 20 for $15, etc. Purchasing a large order for multiple items, all at once, will also help you save on shipping.  Whenever possible take the photos of jewelry  you making to re make  again of the popular selling items.

Make a Supply List

When it’s time to put your order together, make a supply list, including the product number and quantity of each jewelry supply you need. Research order quantity discounts. For instance, buying Shamballa beads wholesale typically offers significant savings over minimum or by-the-piece order quantities.

Watch Your Budget

Economize when you can. Have you chosen several gauges of wire when just a few would do? Could you purchase standard, frequently used supplies like sterling silver beads for jewelry making in quantity now, enjoying significant savings over time? Keep careful track of what you spend to accurately price your designs later, whether you use a simple spreadsheet or a special software program.

Find a Reputable Jewelry Supplies Wholesaler

The best suppliers will offer premium items such as Swarovski crystal beads wholesale at a quantity discount – not low-quality knockoffs. Purchasing from Wholesale jewelry suppliers is always more cost-effective than shopping at retail stores. When you compare online suppliers, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples to avoid buyer’s remorse. Don’t pick the first Amazon listing or Google shopping link you see. There are a lot of imposters out there.

Consider Quality Control

The best retailers have stringent quality control standards. They stand by the quality of their supplies and are knowledgeable about precise specs, such as gold and silver content and construction. Specifications will be clearly listed on each item, such as .925 sterling silver – not a “silver” color description lacking composition details. Trustworthy suppliers want to build relationships, serving you throughout your career.

Start your next beading adventure off on the right foot. Shop the wide selection of quality jewelry making supplies at Crystal Findings bead supply dealer today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/tips-every-newbie-should-know-before-buying-jewelry-supplies/

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All You Need To Know About Gold Filled Jewelry Supplies

Gold-filled Beads

The composition of gold-filled beads can be confusing for customers. Misconceptions abound, leading to improper handling and disappointment with jewelry designs made from these popular beads. What does “gold-filled” really mean? In this segment, we’ll break down common questions, taking the mystery out of gold-filled beads to help you make the best jewelry supply choice for your beading designs.

How are Gold-Filled Beads Made?

Gold-filled beads and gold-filled name plates feature a layered construction. They may be single-clad, featuring a single layer of gold on one side; double-clad, with gold on surface layers of two sides; or wire-clad, surrounding the material. A brass core is typically used. Gold is bonded by heat and pressure. To be labeled as such, gold-filled beads must be 5% or 1/20 gold by weight. This is typically marked in karats on the surface, such as 12 or 14kt gold-filled, stamped as 12/20GF or 14/20GF.

How Can I Tell the Difference Between Gold-Filled & Solid Gold?

Gold-filled items must be clearly labeled as such. Shortened 12kt or 14kt descriptions should not be used, as this is confusing and implies a solid gold content. It is illegal/deceptive to refer to gold-filled items as simply “gold.” Reputable retailers selling bulk jewelry making supplies clearly distinguish these two products.

What’s the Difference Between Gold-Filled and Gold-Plated?

Gold-plating is not the same as gold-filled. Plated products feature a very thin layer of gold which does not compose a measurable portion of its total weight. Gold-plated products have little protection and do not stand up to heat, water, or friction, wearing quickly.

Why Are Some Gold-Filled Products Different Colors?

As more manufacturers enter the global market and customer preferences shift, you may see variations from the typical “Hamilton” industry standard gold color, including tawny, yellow, and darker tones.

Do Gold-Filled Beads Tarnish?

Gold-filled beads rarely tarnish due to the thick layer of gold applied to the brass beneath. However, in rare instances of sulfide exposure it may blacken. This highly unusual occurrence can happen in extremely polluted shipping docks, in nail salons with high concentrations of chemical fumes, and in places where fire damage has occurred.

Why Can’t I Find Gold-Filled Charms?

Gold-filled beads feature a layered construction. Charms are cast, and cannot be made gold-filled, as this process involves melting metal materials. Attempting to create a charm this way would produce a big, mixed melted blob of brass and gold.

Why Can’t I Find Gold-Filled Solder?

Gold-filled solder does not exist. Though you may find 14kt gold solder elsewhere, soldering gold-filled jewelry is not recommended. It requires specialized laser welding equipment and training. Attempting to do so can result in dark solder stains and exposed brass, which becomes easily tarnished.

Are Some People Allergic to Gold-Filled Jewelry?

Individuals who react to gold alloys will also react to gold-filled beads.

Are you looking for quality wholesale beading supplies in the USA? You can rest assured, our gold-filled beads and findings deliver superior quality. Shop the extensive inventory at Crystal Findings today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-gold-filled-jewelry-supplies/

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