Which Metal?
Discover the properties, benefits and pitfalls of each metal and find out which metal best suits your needs and how to care for it
More general information about caring for your item can be found here
For information regarding specific metals, please see below. The main metals we use are; or a mix of;
- Aluminium
- Copper
- Brass
- Pewter
- aluminium is easy to cut and drill
- easily scratched
- may be polished to a mirror finish
- shows fingerprints and becomes tarnished in time if not protected
- light-weight, with silver-like appearance
- may be too light for items that need some weight, e.g.earrings and pendants
- jewellers like this shining silvery metal due to its exceptional flexibility
- after stamping the aluminium does undergo certain processes to 'work harden' it, making it more hardwearing for use
- very popular and affordable alternative to silver
- hypo-allergenic
- available in different gauges meaning that some of our shapes will be 'crisp packet thin' whereas others are very chunky dependent on the design and requirement
- copper is an extremely durable metal
- as jewellery, copper will last a lifetime or longer, when cared for properly
- some people find it beneficial to wear copper jewellery for the purpose of having a small amount of copper absorbed through the skin
- will tarnish quickly if not cared for
People who are deficient in copper may benefit from wearing copper jewellery, since it can be absorbed through the skin. Jewellery is a good way of taking in the small amount of the mineral needed. The healing properties of copper, in the form of bracelets, necklaces, rings, or earrings, can allow a minimal amount of the mineral into the body without overwhelming it. Some wearers of copper jewellery find it relieves the symptoms of arthritis and circulation problems.
Occasionally, copper jewellery or the skin of its wearer can turn green. This happens when the metal interacts with sweat and is referred to as copper chelates. The chelates assimilate to the body and are absorbed, and many wearers expect this to happen as proof that the copper is working with their body. Green coloring on the skin comes off with soap and water, and polishing copper jewellery is as easy as finding an acidic item in the kitchen. Lemon and ketchup are both excellent for cleaning copper jewellery. Simply place the piece of jewellery in a small bowl and cover with your choice of cleaner. Let it soak for no longer than 20 minutes. If necessary, use a soft toothbrush to reach into crevices on the jewellery. Use mild soap and water to wash the acidic cleaner off the jewellery and pat dry with a soft cloth. The piece of copper jewellery should regain its shine and look new again
- brass is relatively easy to cut and drill
- shows scratches, but more durable than aluminium
- may be polished to a mirror finish
- shows fingerprints and becomes tarnished in time if not protected
- heavy, with gold-like appearance
- may be too heavy if used for large earrings
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc with a distinct gold-like appearance when polished. It is heavier and harder than aluminium, and also more maleable
- pewter is a soft metal
- relatively easy to cut and drill
- can show scratches
- may be polished to a mirror finish
- will dull in time if not protected or buffed
- heavy, with patina appearance
- may be too heavy if used for large earrings but perfect weight for keyrings and small pendants
- ideal for setting crystals and stones
- pewter has a very high tin content which is hardened by the additions of other elemants
- can be polished to a very bright silver like finish or darkened to create an old vintage look
Pewter is very much like other metals in the sense that it often depends upon your skin type, as to how it wears. Some find it gets a lovely sheen the more they wear it and others not so. You can use products like Protectaclear or Ren Wax, the same way that you would treat any other jewellery to protect it and avoid perfumes, hairspray or body lotions coming into contact with it. However, contact with water and mild soap will clean it up if it starts to dull. Any kind of mild abrasive will work such as toothpaste. The finer the abrasive, the shinier it will be. Brasso or a jeweller's cloth or any soft cloth will buff it up. Stamping Street will provide a Silver Polish Cloth where appropriate or you can ask for one to be included in your order.