[Jewelry making - Article 01303] - [Orchid] Nickel Silver

[Freak Style]

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    I hope this question hasn't been asked before - I've had a quick look
    through the archives but so far haven't found the info I need and I
    can only stay online a few minutes longer. 

    Just quickly, the story behind the question: 

    At short notice I've agreed to donate an art work for an auction
    that is being held by the organisation that I rent my studio from. I
    really want to support this organisation because they have supported
    me so much. I have a few prototypes made up in brass for new
    designs - today I weighed each and did the calculations - the
    cheapest will set me back $80-$100 (Aus) to make in sterling silver
    (cost of material alone). Unfortunately this isn't an expense I can
    take on at the moment - repairs on my car take precedence I'm afraid.

    Right now, I am looking at my options which are, as I see them a)
    come up with a new design quick smart that uses less metal or b) use
    a different, cheaper, metal for the design I've settled on.  

    a) isn't really an option because I just can't work that fast - I'm
    working an office job full time and just can't force the inspiration
    out of me to design and make up a completely new design in such a
    short space of time.  

    I'm thinking b) looks like my only chance. So, I'm thinking of using
    Nickel Silver or Brass (possibly with some sterling silver links).
    Brass I know plenty about and have used before but am trying to
    avoid as I would prefer this design in a white coloured metal - also,
    I would prefer to avoid the colour mismatch of silver solder on
    brass. Nickel silver I have never used before and have only read a
    little about

    As I understand it (please correct me if I'm wrong) - it is a bit
    harder than Sterling Silver, does not polish up as bright and solders
    okay with silver solders My questions though, are as follows: 

        -  Does it (Nickel Silver) tarnish quickly like brass?  What
        does tarnished nickel silver look like? 

        -  If worn against the skin does it mark the skin? (I am aware
        that some people have nickel allergies - this is  not what I'm
        talking about) -  Can it be tumble polished? 

        -  Can it be chemically oxidised like silver can be? 

        -  What care instructions should be given for it? 

    All artworks for this auction are needed by Friday of next week so I
    need to put in an order for the metal I am going to use ASAP.  If
    anyone is able to answer any of my questions I would appreciate if
    you could email me off-list so I can get your response more quickly. 

Thanks,

R.R. Jackson
freakstyle3 AT hotmail.com

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