New Market!! - starts tomorrow!

Just a reminder guys - we're at the Makers Market in Mulgrave tomorrow.  It's at the corner of Jackson & Wellington Roads - 8am - 1pm.  Don't miss is!

To Market, to Market

Forget fat pigs, come to our market to buy our wonderful hand made jewellery.

We are going to be at the Mulgrave Makers Market for it's debut on 24th October.  Come and say hello!

What is Gold Filled?

I'm always striving to increase the quality and value of the products I make, and occasionally make my jewellery from gold filled findings, rather than just gold plated.

What is gold filled? Gold filled or gold overlay is a process of pressure bonding a thin layer of gold to a base metal core (usually brass). Gold filled (unlike gold plating) has an actual layer of gold, giving it more value and making it tarnish-resistant.

Anyone for Good Luck?

Chinese Coins are round with a square hole in the center, which represents the harmonious union of Heaven and Earth. I keep them in my wallet and never run out of cash.


You could also stick them:

• To the underside of your doormat and everybody who will be entering your home will be bringing in money energy. 
• In your wealth corner (according to Pa Kua - Southeast) to attract auspicious money luck.
• On your account book, it will increase business luck.
• On your telephone or fax machine to receive good news and attract more calls from important people.
• On your cash box, cash registers or safe to ensure they are always loaded with money.

Always display them with the Yang side up. The Yang side has four Chinese characters whereas the Yin side has two.

Carats are good for you!

I don't normally work with "real" gold, mostly plated findings, however I came across this Carat table and thought it would be worth sharing.

I think in the US it is actually Karats, hence the K when you are talking about gold. But it looks better with a C don't ya think?

(K) Caratage                     Gold Content
24k                                   100%
22k                                   91.75%
18k                                   75%
14k                                   58.5%
12k                                   50.25%
10k                                   42%
9k                                     37.80%
8k                                     33.75%

The Silver Difference

I use 3 different types of silver, depending on customer requirements and what I am making, but here's a quick run down on the variances.

Silver Plated
This is usually a "layer" of silver over a base metal, which can be zinc, copper, nickel, lead, steel or any combination of those.  Usually this is done by "electro-plating" technique.  I try to buy nickel and lead free findings wherever possible due to allergies in the case of the nickel, and the health concerns of lead exposure.

Sterling Silver
Is 92.5% silver, with the rest being made up of other materials, usually copper.  This is why really old and un cared for pieces sometimes have a green tinge.  Usually marked with the word Sterling, or 925, or may have a lion mark.  Because a lot of my sterling silver jewellery is fine I may not have the ability to put this mark on.

Fine Silver
Is 99.9% silver, and because of this is a lot softer than Sterling.  Ok for Jewellery and delicate pieces, but not for your cutlery :)  I usually stamp my "Pure" range of Fine silver jewellery with 999, however occasionally I forget! 

All silver products will tarnish when exposed to air and water,  So keep in a sealed bag or box when not being worn, and clean often.