Gold and all its variations for findings

On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 14:31:59 -0400, Su/Cutworks wrote (in message ):

First choice: Solid Gold. Very pricey, but lovely. Comes in a lousy variety of styles.

Second: Gold Filled. It's gold mechanically bonded to a base metal and is hundreds or thousands of times thicker than the gold in "gold plated" stuff. The gold will not wear off in the normal course of things, and should last a lifetime. Because the gold is mechanically layered onto the base metal, it cannot be cast, so it comes in a lousy variety as well.

Third: Vermeil. It's the same as gold plated stuff, but it's silver instead of base metal underneath. The gold will wear off, and relatively quickly. Comes in a wide variety of styles, though, and if it's used in a place where it isn't rubbed, like spacers between larger beads, it'll be all right.

Fourth: Gold Plated. Extremely thin layer of gold over base metal findings. The gold will wear off, and the base metal will be smelly or turn your skin green or both. Comes in a lot of styles, but wears so quickly that it's not worth your time.

Last: Gold plated plastic. Doesn't wear quickly, considering. Doesn't come in findings, only beads. Beads are often rather detailed and come in ethnic or children's styles. Beads are very lightweight for their size, and are usually pretty darned cheap. Okay for kids crafts or when weight is a crucial issue.

Kathy N-V

Gold filled doesn't wear through to the base material as fast as the others. They do wear off. So gold filled is the best, IMO. However, it's hard to find it in pretty pieces, as it's machine-made. ~~ Sooz To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. ~~Joseph Chilton Pearce

In article , Su/Cutworks writes

Personally I go for Gold filled cos as far as I know the plating is thicker and so doesnt wear off so quickly and the choice of beads and clasps made in it are greater. I never use gold plated.

I do have some vermeil beads though just cos they were nice and I liked them. :-)

Thanks. I was not sure about these two, so was wavering between which to use on a regular basis. Your explanation was not only useful but succinct, and exactly what I needed. As always this group is the place where I feel I can get help if needed.

So, now I'm off to order gold filled findings for something special I am working on.

Did I mention you're a star? It's true.

-Su

Thanks for the info. I really only want it for things like findings as I plan to do the beady bits myself. I have these really nice beads that won't go with silver, you see, and so I now have to educate myself about gold and its joys. I figure I owe it to the beads as well as the person wearing them to use the best stuff I can find.

-Su

Actually, "first choice" would be solid gold/gold alloy... IF you can justify the expense.

If economy is necessary: Vermeil is "first choice" if you need "all precious metal", but the gold layer is usually thinner than gold-filled. If that bead/finding is going to get a lot of wear, you will probably end up with a silver bead with gold accents. However, I've used vermeil earwires that have lasted the recipients several years, and are "still gold". If the bead/spacer is protected-- say by a larger bead to each side-- there shouldn't be a problem. The "Bali vermeil", and other Hong kong processed vermeil tends to be a brighter, more yellow gold than the US made-- maybe too bright for some things. The "Bali vermeil" dealer I've bought most of mine from has 22K, "double dipped" plating on hers.

Gold fill is usually the thickest coating, usually on brass, and is rolled (physically bonded) to the metal, not plated on electrically. Usually either

14K or 10K is used for the gold layer(s), so the "goldness" is softer than most vermeil.

Gold plate is great for "costume jewelry"-- something for a one or two time use for "fun" stuff, but otherwise, I'd say get gold-colored pewter or anodised aluminum or niobium. Kaytee "Simplexities" on

Have you got a place in UK for them Su.

I use International for mine and I do not have to have a big order either. Shirley

Thank you KATHY! Part of Bead Notes now. Will be updated very soon....it's in my file, but will go to beadershaven, beadersheaven, and Kandice's website asap.

~~ Sooz To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. ~~Joseph Chilton Pearce

Su, PMC also comes in gold! So you could, if you can afford it, go that way too. ~~ Sooz To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. ~~Joseph Chilton Pearce

a-hem..we have the bead notes in OB, too:)

Not as yet, I'm still doing the research.

Bring your notebook on Saturday!

Oh, and any preferences/restrictions on things to go with tea?

-Su

It crossed my mind. I let it hit the next intersection and then ran like hell before it could turn and cross again. Only because I have too many things I want to try now that PMC just seems like it would be the last straw. But... on the other hand.....

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll see if I can find space and time. Where's the Tardis when you need it! You see, I'm working on something I want to be really really klunkable when it's done.

-Su

You know, Su, if you did PMC and the DH does glass......what a double threat you guys would be. Whoa. ~~ Sooz To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. ~~Joseph Chilton Pearce

Oh yeah - so true!

Kathy K (who really needs her little kiln HERE)

I will bring the catalogue for you to look at.

No sugar, maybe a thin slice of cake if it is on offer. Low on fat and carbs.

For all who are wondering I am visiting Su on Saturday and I get to see the SHED.

Shirley.

Just make sure you call someone on the hour every hour if you go into the SHED. *snickers* It sounds like a scary glass melting place.

Aside from that, I am so jealous:) Can't wait to hear all about your visit.

Oooh! I can't wait. I'll show you the project I'm working on.

*taking notes*

Yep. Mike's getting it tidied up today for the visit. That means of course simply rearranging the hanging gardens of stuff on the shelves. I really need to get those sorted out....

-Su

I'm flattered you think so. :-)

Right now I'm working on finding a style of jewelry I'm comfortable with, which is happening now. Mike's new beads are really good, I think he's put together several sets that are ready for sale. I'm really cracking the whip over us both now as it would do us both a world of good to have something positive what with him being off work since June. This started out as something to give him a way to focus on the positive and it's working out so much better than I'd hoped. He actually looks forward to getting in the SHED every day.

And I have some quiet time to work, or do whatever. It's great.

-Su

I think gold-filled is sometimes referred to as rolled-gold over here,

Rachel