Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

JudyB — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:10:50 GMT

CJE said, " I have purchased copper rings but my skin turns almost immediately when wearing, not comfitable trying to sell a product that does that. Is there any finish that can be used on a completed project to stop or slow down the tarnish?" I'm a metalworker, not really a beader, have used copper, nickel-silver, and brass for 30 years, and love them! To cut down on rapid tarnish, I use a patina (Jax Black) on the metal. Rub off the excess with a slurry of pumice & water. This leaves nice shadows in the background and slows tarnishing. Of course, the rapidity of tarnishing also is related to humidity (bad!) and to one's body chemistry. --JudyB

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

1catlover — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:05:06 GMT

TY Jean for writing this article. Like MimiM said, "it's liberating!" I've been beading for 3 years now and am sick and tired of feeling guilty about not using precious metals. Plus, think of it, look what's available for us in the online stores, primarily B, C & P metals. Loved the quote from Coco, so French, lol. She's a personal inspiration of mine.

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

SueC — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:15:46 GMT

I just sold a necklace that I created with copper split rings, silver plated split rings and black glass beads. Most of my customers were not interested in the copper but once the customer put the necklace on everyone liked it. I like the idea of mixing things up and making things look different.

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

CJE — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:12:21 GMT

Thanks for all the infomation regarding cleaning copper. I have purchased copper rings but my skin turns almost immediately when wearing, not comfitable trying to sell a product that does that. Is there any finish that can be used on a completed project to stop or slow down the tarnish?

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

MimiM — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:05:32 GMT

Thanks for sharing this, it's liberating! There's an "effete snobbery" sometimes among beaders, jewelry makers, etc. who simply wouldn't even consider using anything but precious metals. I love to bead, make jewelry but honestly can't afford to use precious metals in everything. They're for very special pieces. And I really LOVE the way glass looks; the light coming through the color is captivating to me. And the picture of Coco Campbell was fantastic!!

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

Lee Anne — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:23:25 GMT

I started making wire jewelry 3 years and began with copper because it was less costly, to learn on, than silver. I became known as the "Copper Queen" at the local bead store and I still am. Three years later I still prefer copper and bronze with silver accents. If the copper becomes tarnished I use inexpensive worcestershire sauce. It does not have to be Le & Perrins Put a tablespoon or 2 in a small cup and swish it around for a moment and it will be clean. Rinse with water. It may need another swish if heavily tarnished. DO NOT USE IF IT HAS A PATINA!!! it will take off liver of sulfer. Wired,Hammered,N' Worn.

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

Margaret — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:58:03 GMT

The picture labeled "Coco Campbell" is actually Coco Chanel!

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

annmarie — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:40:06 GMT

Karen above said it as far as cleaning brass and copper. But do you reaize that brass and copper are considered precious metals? My husband who is in construction, they always saved the copper and brass and made thousand of dollars on amounts that were not very large. Copper is #1, then Brass and pewter last, tho good pewter is quite valuable. I have used all three in my jewelry for over 10 years, economy had nothing to do with it. Just think about birthstones, they are semi-precious gemstones BUT they also include diamond, Emerald Sapphire and Ruby, can you get more precious gemstones than them? Yet they are in the birthstone catagory! So these three mertals are not at all a means to a cheaper product. Beadbender

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

KarenV — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:15:41 GMT

I often use brass and copper in my wire wrapped jewelry and I use a mixture of salt and lemon juice to clean it. It's non-toxic, cheap, and really works well. The proportions are about 3 Tb. of lemon juice to 1 Tb. of salt. I keep a sealed container and reuse it. Just dip and swish and the tarnish disappears. Rinse with warm water and dry. Ketchup will also work, but it's a whole lot messier!

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

lisa.arrow@verizon.net — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:29:13 GMT

I have long been a fan of copper and brass, especially copper. I just love the warmth of the metal and the way its richness combines with certain colors/stones. Sometimes it can be a challenge to mix copper findings purchased from different vendors in the same piece -- the colors might be slightly off from one another or one might be shiny and another oxidized. In those cases, I oxidize the entire thing using a hard-boiled egg. It really helps match the tones to give the piece a cohesive look. I also enjoy mixing metals from time to time in one piece, especially sterling and copper. It makes for a funky and eclectic look that works well with certain charms and findings.

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

I Create Wonders, Inc — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:07:45 GMT

Thanks for all the info on the various metals. I also try to use SS and gold filled and/or plate, but I really like the look of pewter. it is underrated, in my opinion, since manyy ears ago pewterware was quite the rage and antique pewter things are quite collectable. I also use copper beads, especially the ones with designs on them, as well as copper and antiqued copper findings. Some of my beads and gems just lend themselves more to copper than SS or gold. And of course, copper has been 'in vogue' more and more in the last couple of years. Hallie J.

re: Brass, Copper & Pewter: Using Low-Cost Metals in Jewelry

seedbeader — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:07:15 GMT

Jean - This chart has great information and I appreciate you sharing this with us. Not only has the economy affected the materials some of us like to use in our designs, but has had an impact on what customers will pay for nonessential items. They are more willing to pay for silver plated instead of sterling silver or precious silver because they can get the same "look" at a much reduced price. Who can blame them?