[Jewelry making - Article 00229] - Re: [Orchid] [Info needed] Brass and copper

[LenandJudy]

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    Mazen, I work almost entirely in brass, copper, and nickel-silver
    because I enjoy making larger jewelry pieces and the cost of the
    material in base metals is negligible.  It also has the advantages
    of making experimentation a lot of fun, and the three contrasting
    colors of the metals can be used in designing. 

    If I did this full-time, I could probably make a modest living at it,
    but, fortunately, I do not have to!  I find that my best customers
    are the same people who can buy much more expensive things but who
    appreciate finding modestly-priced pieces as well.  (My customers
    often tell me I should raise my prices!  I do, but I also remember
    the days before I made jewelry when I couldn't find anything I liked,
    and if I did, I couldn't afford it.)  Such customers also appreciate
    interesting and whimsical designs. 

    Of course, base metals go "off" in humid weather.  I do not lacquer
    my pieces because it will only wear off in places, leaving a
    patchy-looking piece.  More and more, I chemically "oxidize" my
    jewelry (using, e.g., Jax Black), which produces nice shadows on the
    surface and prevents much further oxidation.  I offer my customers a
    free list of suggestions for easily cleaning base metal jewelry. 

HTH (Hope This Helps)
Judy Bjorkman

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