Cosclay (Polymer Clay)
Composition:
- Blend of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) with plasticizers.
- Specially designed to remain flexible after curing.
Durability:
- Flexible and resistant to cracking, making it ideal for sculptures, jewelry, and models requiring durability under stress.
- Can withstand light bending after baking.
Uses:
- Used in all of our jewelry and sculptures
Safety:
- Non-toxic when handled properly.
Apoxie Sculpt (Epoxy Clay)
Composition:
- Two-part epoxy clay that combines a base resin with a hardener.
Durability:
- Hardens to a rock-like consistency once cured.
- Waterproof and non-shrinking with a high resistance to impact and weathering.
Uses:
- Used in some of our jewelry, and most of our sculptures
Safety:
- Contains chemicals that may cause skin or eye irritation when uncured.
Nickel-Free Stainless Steel
Composition:
- Typically made from chromium (≥10.5%), iron, carbon, and other alloys like molybdenum.
- Designed to exclude nickel, which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Durability:
- Corrosion-resistant and durable in a variety of environments.
- Retains shine and resists tarnishing.
Uses:
- We use Stainless Steel findings in most of our jewelry
Safety:
- Hypoallergenic for most people.
- No specific hazards unless machined, where metal dust may pose inhalation risks.
Sterling Silver
Composition
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Sterling Silver: An alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.
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Pure Silver (Ag): Provides the majority of the metal's value and luster.
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Copper: Added to enhance strength and durability, as pure silver is too soft for most practical applications.
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Other metals (like zinc or platinum) may occasionally replace copper for specific purposes.
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Durability
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Hardness:
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Pure silver is soft (2.5–3 on the Mohs scale). The addition of copper in sterling silver increases hardness.
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Wear Resistance:
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Suitable for everyday items like jewelry but prone to scratching and bending under significant stress.
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Tarnishing:
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Copper in the alloy reacts with sulfur in the air, forming a tarnish layer (silver sulfide). Tarnishing is superficial and can be polished away.
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Uses
We use Sterling silver earring hooks as an alternative to our Nickel free stainless steel ones.
Safety Information
General Safety:
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Sterling silver is non-toxic and safe for skin contact.
- Suitable for use in food-related items and does not leach harmful substances.
Allergies:
Rarely causes allergies, but nickel contamination in lower-quality alloys may lead to skin irritation for sensitive individuals.
Tarnishing:
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Tarnish (silver sulfide) is not harmful but may discolor skin on prolonged contact.
Care During Handling:
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Use polishing cloths and non-abrasive cleaners to maintain shine.Environmental Considerations:
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Do not expose to harsh chemicals (e.g., bleach, ammonia) or acidic substances (e.g., vinegar), as these can corrode the alloy.
Quartz
Composition:
- Silicon dioxide (SiO₂).
- Found in various forms (crystalline, microcrystalline, or amorphous).
Durability:
- Extremely hard (7 on Mohs scale) and scratch-resistant.
- Resists chemical weathering.
Uses:
- Used in some of our jewelry.
Safety:
- Safe in solid form but quartz dust (silica) is hazardous if inhaled, potentially causing silicosis.
Ruby
Composition:
- Corundum mineral (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃) with traces of chromium (red color).
Durability:
- Extremely hard (9 on Mohs scale) and highly scratch-resistant.
- Resistant to heat and chemicals.
Uses:
- Used in some of our jewelry.
Safety:
- Safe in its solid state.
- Dust from cutting or polishing can be harmful if inhaled.
1. Golden Acrylic Paint
Composition
- Binder: Acrylic polymer emulsion.
- Pigments: High-quality, lightfast pigments (organic or inorganic).
- Fillers/Modifiers: May include extenders, thickeners, surfactants, and preservatives.
- Solvent: Water-based, allowing for easy clean-up and dilution.
Durability
- Lightfastness:
- Rated for excellent lightfastness, minimizing fading over time.
- Adhesion:
- Excellent adhesion to various surfaces (canvas, wood, metal, paper).
- Flexibility:
- Flexible film after drying, preventing cracking on stretched surfaces.
- Water Resistance:
- Once dry, forms a water-resistant and durable layer.
Uses
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- Used for detailing in our jewelry and sculptures
Safety
- Non-Toxicity:
- Conforms to ASTM D4236 for non-toxicity.
- Safe for use by artists when used as directed
2. PanPastels
Composition
- Binder: Minimal binder (a proprietary mix) for smooth blending.
- Pigments: Highly concentrated, artist-grade pigments with excellent lightfastness.
- Additives: Contains small amounts of fillers for texture and consistency.
Durability
- Lightfastness:
- Rated for high lightfastness, resistant to fading.
- Adhesion:
- Requires a textured surface (e.g., pastel paper) for adherence.
- Fragility:
- Easily smudged or removed if not fixed with a spray fixative.
- Longevity:
- Properly fixed PanPastels can last for decades without degradation.
Uses
- Used as a base coloring in most of our jewelry and sculptures
Safety
- Non-Toxicity:
- Conforms to ASTM D4236 standards for safety