gold colored pewter beads

KarenO@30 wrote

on Nov 4, 2009 6:26 AM

I have purchased some gold colored pewter beads, and wonder if their color comes off after time.  Do they turn a pewter color?  Any help would be appreciated.  Karen 

LoisB@23 wrote

on Nov 4, 2009 6:52 AM

 Hmmm.... I don't know the answer to that one. I haven't had a problem myself, but I don't use lots of gold-tone beads.  I'm sure someone else will be able to better tell you. Welcome to the forums, BTW

Lois

JSmaz wrote

on Nov 4, 2009 7:30 AM

I have some from Fire Mtn Gems that seem to be holding up just fine, but they haven't been subjected to a lot of wear and tear either.  I imagine the plating will wear off over time and that it will eventually turn pewter color.  I suppose as long as pewter won't look horrid with the design it may not be a bad thing.  I make sure to keep anything made with plated materials stored in sealed ziplocks as much as possible just to be safe.

Gyspy Mary wrote

on Nov 4, 2009 9:10 AM

 Welcome to the Beading Daily Forum.

I don't know the answer, but, I think, you could contact "wherever you purchased" the beads and they could tell you.

I have a high acid system that will rust stainless steel needles.( and yes, Ear wires too. )

I think it would really come down to how much wear, and by whom.

(humm, maybe that helps

KarenO@30 wrote

on Nov 4, 2009 10:10 AM

 Thanks everyone.  They are bead caps, so may hold up o.k.  I bought them at a bead show and she said they will hold up, but I am skeptical.  I think with the beads I am using they will hold up o.k.  A lot cheaper than gold or vermeil.  Karen

JSmaz wrote

on Nov 4, 2009 10:37 AM

As long as you know what you're getting and are prepared for what may happen it should be fine.  I notice that plating has gotten a lot better in recent years, though it still varies.  Some of my older plated things just need to be binned.

LoisB@23 wrote

on Nov 4, 2009 1:16 PM

 Jeni-- *L* you've been overseas too long. You're starting to sound like my sister who live in the UK. Sorry, just made me laugh.

I do agree that a lot of the plated items seem to be better now than they used to be. BUT if you have a highly acidic system like Mary (and my mother apparently) then the plating won't hold up. I made a necklace with silver plated links, my mom wore the silver off in 2 days! course, turned out she was wearing it while they were doing MAJOR landscaping, in 90 degrees and she was sweating like crazy... so I'm sure that didn't help any! She's not exactly easy on jewelry. *sigh*

Lois

AndreaM226 wrote

on Nov 4, 2009 3:41 PM

 I think the old adage "you get what you pay for" is accurate when it comes to plated beads.  In my experience the "gold" does eventually wear off, particulary if used in a bracelet or a necklace that lies next to the skin.  You should be sure to advise prospective buyers that you have used plated beads in your design so that there aren't any unpleasant surprises later on.  If you are making jewelry to sell it's probably a better idea to stick to goldfill or vermiel.