Materials & Care

Metals

  • Mild steel is a ferrous metal composed predominantly of iron and carbon. Other trace elements will also be present to enhance different working properties.

    Mild steel isn’t typically used for jewellery because of its tendency to rust when exposed to moisture which can cause skin irritation. The best way to prevent this is to keep it dry and/or use a protective coating. See the care tips further down this page for more information.

    Steel does not require hallmarking.

  • A very malleable metal and great conductor of heat, copper is used by many jewellers for prototyping designs prior to using more expensive metals. It is a beautiful metal in it’s own right and has been used in jewellery for thousands of years.

    Copper has natural antimicrobial properties and low chemical reactivity. If moisture becomes trapped between the skin and tight fitting copper jewellery, surface oxidation may occur which can transfer a temporary greenish tint on skin (this is not the same as an allergic reaction). Copper shine can easily be restored. See the care tips further down this page for more information.

    Copper does not require hallmarking.

  • A yellow-gold coloured alloy of copper and zinc, brass has also been used in jewellery making for thousands of years. It has attractive working properties similar to copper and, in my opinion, looks stunning whether bright and shiny or with an aged patina.

    If moisture becomes trapped between the skin and tight fitting brass jewellery, surface oxidation on the metal may create a temporary greenish stain on the skin (this is not the same as an allergic reaction). Brass shine can easily be restored; see the care tips further down this page for more information.

    Brass does not require hallmarking.

  • A white coloured ‘precious’ metal with a very long history in jewellery making. Its lustre, malleability and ductility make it very attractive to work with. It doesn’t react with moisture to produce surface oxidation in the way that copper and brass do, but it does tarnish when exposed to sulphur in the air; a property which is often exploited to create beautiful contrasting textures and finishes between the resultant black/brown surface colour compared to non-tarnished bright silver areas. Unwanted surface tarnish can easily be polished away. See the care tips further down this page for more information.

    Different purity grades of silver are available; I predominantly use 925 sterling silver which is comprised of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.

    Sterling silver is subject to UK hallmarking legislation when the weight of it exceeds 7.78 grams.

Second Season, Lasting Style

With good care, your pieces will last their own re-purposed lifetime.

Many metals develop a surface patina over time as the surface reacts with chemicals in the air or substances it may come into contact with. The degree of this will be influenced by your wearing habits, for example, if sprayed with perfumes, worn in the sea/shower etc. In some cases, a temporary greenish stain may appear on the skin. Some people like to see changes in patina over time, but if it’s not your thing, it’s easy to maintain a bright shine.

Expand on the tips below to help you when choosing and caring for your pieces.

    • Dry your jewellery off if it gets wet

    • Avoid spraying with perfumes, hairsprays, lotions etc. to minimise chemical contact

    • Avoid wearing at the gym or in the sea (salt water, sweat and chlorine can accelerate surface reactions)

    • Give it a little buff with a soft cloth before putting it away

    • For silver, copper, brass pieces, you could use mild soap and water or lemon juice and bicarbonate as a low cost household solution. Make sure you rinse and thoroughly dry it off afterwards. DON’T use this option for steel jewellery as it is likely to accelerate corrosion.

    • There are lots of different metal polishes available which are inexpensive and last a long time. They have the added benefit of providing some surface protection between polishes.

    • Small polishing cloths that are already prepped with polish can be found quite cheaply in local cobblers or online. They are mess free and last ages.

    • For steel jewellery the best care is keeping it dry and avoiding abrasives. If you do notice any tiny brown spots appearing, they can be removed with fine wire wool.

A woman with a bun hairstyle looking into a round mirror, with her reflection showing her face and hands as she fits an earring, and a cluttered industrial workshop in the background.