Materials

NIOBIUM is a pure metal, named after the goddess Niobe. Canada is the source of 24% of the world's supply of Niobium. It is considered a precious metal, with a value approximating Sterling Silver.

Termed a reactive metal, Niobium creates an oxide on its surface in reaction to the environment which makes it chemically inert. It therefore does not react to bodily fluids. For people with metal sensitivities Niobium is considered to be truly hypo-allergenic - as safe as 24 kt. gold.

This reactive nature is what led to its use in jewelry. When subjected to high voltage electricity Niobium produces layers of oxide which creates a range of beautiful interference colours: bronze, dark purple, navy blue, light blue, silver blue, gold-brass, copper, pink, fuchsia, purple, royal blue, turquoise and emerald green. Niobium does not tarnish. Some blends are also possible, and are very attractive. To see the colours visit Niobium Colours. When ordering Niobium, we will verify the colour or blend by email or phone.

Also termed a referactory metal, Niobium has an extremely high melting point (2468 C). This limits its use to cold joining or fusion welding applications.

GOLD-FILLED is a duplex material made by fusing a layer of gold to a base metal such as copper. This material is then passed through a rolling mill which hardens the gold and produces a very strong finish. The gold layer is firmly attached to the base metal and has excellent durability.

To qualify as gold-filled under the Canadian Precious Metals Marking Act, the gold layer must be a minimum of 1/20 of the total weight of the metal and must be a minimum of 10 karat gold quality. My gold-filled material is 12 or 14 karat.

Gold-filled should not be confused with gold plating in which a layer of gold 100 times thinner than gold-filled is electroplated onto a base metal.

STERLING SILVER will tarnish with exposure to air - especially humid air. Keeping the jewelry in a recloseable plastic bag when not in use will drastically reduce this effect.

I suggest cleaning silver with a gentle dip-it cleaner, window washing fluid, or a jewelry cleaning glove at the first sign of tarnish. Avoid cleaners containing sulphuric acid as this speeds up the tarnishing process in the long run . Should the jewelry be heavily tarnished any standard cream or paste silver cleaner may be used. Alternatively toothpaste and an old toothbrush will also do a good job.

COCONUT SHELL DISCS are made from recycled coconut shells and are formed into discs for me in the Phillipines. Received in a bleached white form, I dye them in a range of colours. Because they are a natural product som irregularities of surface and dye absorption can be expected and are considered part of their appeal. The dyes are completely colour-fast.

EARRING BACKINGS that I use are made from surgical steel, with an acrylic disc to keep the earring in position. The inside of these backings is rubber which provides a very strong hold. If the earrings have been sitting unused for a while or in humid surroundings there may be a fair bit of grab to the backing. Simply hold the earring securely (close to where the post is) and give it a good tug. After a few uses these backings become much easier to remove. You can also run a safety pin into the backing to slightly enlarge the opening.

I also have plastic backings for those with severe metal allergies.