Probably like you, this crazy economy is making me think differently about the materials I use in my jewelry designs. For example, I used to be a bit of a snob about using only precious metals in my jewelry, but now I’ve embraced copper, brass, and pewter for their color, availability, and lower cost. It’s been freeing to give myself permission to mix these types of metals in with my precious metal beads and findings, allowing me to be even more creative with my materials. Coco Chanel used to do the same thing, you know—she’d create jewelry and accessories that mixed high and low materials (like precious stones with glass) all the time. For her, the price tag wasn’t what made a piece special; it was the look. She once said, “Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.” Well said, Coco!...