You may wonder why I like creating Jewelry with Antiqued Brass Filigree and Findings, or how best to care for your original Jewelry made with Antiqued Brass or plated finishes.

Brass can hold fabulous detail when it is molded or stamped.  It can be coated and given durable finishes that match gold or bronze and it is very sturdy.  

My most favorite reason to use Antiqued Brass is that there is a huge selection of fine quality Stampings and Filigree from antique Molds.  This is what originally attracted me.  I love the Victorian and Art Nouveau eras, and the remaining Jewelry Molds from those eras are producing gorgeous stamped and molded Antiqued Brass pieces.

Because of reasonable cost and high quality I have embraced creating Jewelry with Antiqued Brass Filigree and Findings.  I do create in Gold and Silver but I love using the Filigree that I find in Antiqued Brass. 

If you are kind to the pieces I create they should last a lifetime.  Do not wear them at the beach or pool, and don’t bathe with them.  If needed, wipe them with a soft cloth, such as the kind used to clean Eyeglasses.  Don’t use Cleaners on them. 

I use a high quality Antiqued Brass, so the Earring Wires and Posts are safe for sensitive ears and the Chain will not turn your skin colors with normal use and care.

I hope you enjoy shopping through my original Filigree Jewelry.  It will grace your person and bring you more attention due to it’s beauty.

CARING FOR ANTIQUED & PLATED JEWELRY…

Fine Antiqued Brass Filigree and Plated Jewelry products usually have a protective non-toxic Lacquer finish.  This Lacquer is there to protect the finish from turning color over time. 

Do not use a Polishing Cloth, Silver Paste or other methods to polish your Antiqued Brass and Plated Jewelry, as you will remove the protective Lacquer and possibly the plating too, and will then have unprotected Brass or exposed base metal.  If you already have pieces that have been damaged like this, gently polish them and then collect oil from your face on your finger-tips and gently rub it in to coat the piece. This will provide a light protective layer.

The best option is to use a dry Eyeglass Cloth to clean a piece with.  If more serious cleaning is needed, a damp soft cloth can be used.   Most people don’t realize that a Polishing Cloth is impregnated with heavy-duty chemicals, as is Silver Paste.

STORING ANTIQUED & PLATED JEWELRY…

How should you store or maintain Antiqued or Plated Jewelry when not using it? The answer is to keep it in a sealed Baggie. The reason is the level of oxygen in the air.  Oxygen will cause fine dampness and oxidation over time, so unless you are wearing your Jewelry it is best to keep it in an air tight Baggie.

Wearing your Antiqued and Plated Jewelry protects it because of the oil in your skin.  It gives a fine coating over time and plays a vital role in making Antiqued and Plated Jewelry retain it’s shine.  I provide my customers with an appropriately sized Jewelry Baggie for each Jewelry item purchased.  This will enable you to store your handmade Jewelry safely when not wearing it.

Perspiration is another matter and is damaging. In summer and when it’s hot, your sweat contains elements that will make Antiqued or Plated Jewelry lose gloss and finish. 

Do not wear your Antiqued and Plated Jewelry to hot outdoor events or when you know you will be active and perspiring heavily.  Be sure to take your Jewelry off at bedtime and when you go swimming or bathing.

If you treat your fine, hand-assembled Jewelry well it will last a lifetime and remain as lovely as the day you got it.

WHAT IS A STAMPING…

Solid Brass and other metal is used in thin sheets to create detailed pieces.  A ‘Press’ is used to stamp the Brass into a Mold or a Die as they are called, and the result is called a Stamping.

Normally a Stamping is hollow on the reverse side, and lightweight.  This makes it wonderful to use in Jewelry. 

Jewelry created using Filigree and Stampings from the original Molds or Dies made over a 100 years ago gives you the same exact Stampings as you will find displayed in books on Vintage and Antique Jewelry. 

WHAT ‘ANTIQUED’ OR ‘PLATED’ MEANS…

The Filigree and Findings I use have been professionally plated.  A thin layer of metal or finish has been bonded to the surface, giving rich finish and smooth edges.

If an item is not solid Brass, the base metal is Lead and Nickel free and is usually made in the USA or Germany.

WHAT ‘FINDING’ MEANS…

You should think of the parts that are used to assemble a piece of Jewelry when you hear Finding… rings, pins, clasps and so on.

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