What is Fine Silver?
Fine silver is almost pure silver, i.e., 99.9% silver. Sterling silver, on the other hand, is composed of 92.5% silver and an alloy, usually copper, to enhance the strength of the metal. To increase the strength of the fine silver jewelry, I tend to create thicker pieces so the finished result is usually heavier and more substantial than jewelry made of sterling silver sheet.
What is Precious Metal Clay?
Most of the jewelry in these collections is made with precious metal clay, which is an alternative to silver sheet metal. Precious metal clay was first developed in Japan in the 1990s. Recycled silver is used to produce the metal clay, which is composed of microscopic silver particles, organic binder and water. When the clay is sintered by firing at a high temperature, the binder and water are burned off, resulting in "fine" silver. Shrinkage up to 30% occurs as the binder and water are burned off, which can present some challenges when designing items to size, such as rings. The rate of shrinkage varies depending on the formula of clay used. Gold, bronze and copper are also being manufactured in clay form which results in pure metal after the sintering process is complete.
How is the jewelry finished?
Silver can be oxidized using Liver of Sulfur, which can produce an unpredictable range of colours. I like to make jewelry with a lot of texture, so oxidizing and then polishing the jewelry helps to highlight the texture and detail on each piece.
It also gives them an aged appearance. I also tumble the finished pieces for approximately two hours to work-harden them which increases the strength of the metal.
What kinds of stones do you use?
I use mainly semi-precious stones and natural crystals. When choosing stones that have inclusions and banding, such as Agates and Malachite, I prefer to select stones which have interesting patterns. It's fascinating to look at a stone and see figures or landscapes in the natural makeup of the stone. Some pieces include cubic zirconia stones because they can withstand firing and not shatter from the heat.
Why is the jewelry stamped with "FCD"?
For sentimental reasons! It is in memory of two of my pets, Frisky and Charlie, and my first initial.
How should I care for my fine silver jewelry?
Please refer to Jewelry Care.
Does your website have an SSL Certificate?
No, because personal and financial information is not collected or stored on this site. Orders from this website are processed by PayPal on their secure server.
Fine silver is almost pure silver, i.e., 99.9% silver. Sterling silver, on the other hand, is composed of 92.5% silver and an alloy, usually copper, to enhance the strength of the metal. To increase the strength of the fine silver jewelry, I tend to create thicker pieces so the finished result is usually heavier and more substantial than jewelry made of sterling silver sheet.
What is Precious Metal Clay?
Most of the jewelry in these collections is made with precious metal clay, which is an alternative to silver sheet metal. Precious metal clay was first developed in Japan in the 1990s. Recycled silver is used to produce the metal clay, which is composed of microscopic silver particles, organic binder and water. When the clay is sintered by firing at a high temperature, the binder and water are burned off, resulting in "fine" silver. Shrinkage up to 30% occurs as the binder and water are burned off, which can present some challenges when designing items to size, such as rings. The rate of shrinkage varies depending on the formula of clay used. Gold, bronze and copper are also being manufactured in clay form which results in pure metal after the sintering process is complete.
How is the jewelry finished?
Silver can be oxidized using Liver of Sulfur, which can produce an unpredictable range of colours. I like to make jewelry with a lot of texture, so oxidizing and then polishing the jewelry helps to highlight the texture and detail on each piece.
It also gives them an aged appearance. I also tumble the finished pieces for approximately two hours to work-harden them which increases the strength of the metal.
What kinds of stones do you use?
I use mainly semi-precious stones and natural crystals. When choosing stones that have inclusions and banding, such as Agates and Malachite, I prefer to select stones which have interesting patterns. It's fascinating to look at a stone and see figures or landscapes in the natural makeup of the stone. Some pieces include cubic zirconia stones because they can withstand firing and not shatter from the heat.
Why is the jewelry stamped with "FCD"?
For sentimental reasons! It is in memory of two of my pets, Frisky and Charlie, and my first initial.
How should I care for my fine silver jewelry?
Please refer to Jewelry Care.
Does your website have an SSL Certificate?
No, because personal and financial information is not collected or stored on this site. Orders from this website are processed by PayPal on their secure server.
Copyright © 2008-2010 Dawn Alexandra Fine Art Jewelry Designs. All rights reserved.
