Much to my surprise, I’m winning the battle!  I haven’t cut off the head and to be realistic I’m not expecting to.  I realize that consumers need to be aware.  Are there deals to be had at the “Goliath”?  Sure there are, however the quality and content does not compare to your Local Bead Store (LBS).

May I give you an example of how I am winning?  “Goliath” is selling 2 lobster claws (“silver plated” but don’t know what the base material is) for, are you ready?, $1.97.  I sell silver plated over brass (I know what my product is made of) lobster claws of the same size for… .35 each.  Yep, that is 0.35 each!   So, you save .64 at my store.  Oh, another example… one silver plated (something) toggle set:  Goliath:  $1.97   My store:  $1.00   That is two examples to show you how your LBS is taking care of you.

Another concern for your beading budget.  Quality.  Did you know that there are beads made of plastic with a silver plating called “Plastic Metallic”.  There are also “silver plated” beads made of pot metal which break very easily.  Would you know the difference unless someone told you?  I would say yes, if you knew what you are looking for.   I carry three types of plated base metal findings: Copper, Brass and Pewter.  They all meet the strict California lead content requirement.  The quality is so good that most people with high acidic skin can wear the product (this is not a guarantee that all people can wear it), and it is very hard to tell the difference between my plated findings and sterling silver!  I will tell you the difference and not try to pass one off for the other.  I want you to be an informed customer.

The type of beads you can purchase from “Goliath” may seem to be more economical and I would understand why people believe they are saving money, but I will preach from the rafters: when looking for quality and good prices check your LBS as they have the knowledge and experience to guide you to “Beading on a Budget”.

Base metal which I will also call plated chain has brass as it’s base.  The plating, silver, gold, copper, gun metal and antique brass is traditionaly electroplated onto the base metal.  This creates a stable and even look to the coloring.  Brass is a lead free metal and the nickel content is very low and meets California law.

If you are concerned about the product “tarnishing” I’m here to tell you that the chances of that happening, especially to the silver, is possible based on two things.  One, if a person has a high acidity to their skin and with that condition will turn the plating, even sterling silver.  The second is if it is not worn.  If a customer puts the jewelry in a box and doesn’t wear it, it will turn but usually a dull yellow color.  I’m working on trying to find a jewelry cleaner for the base metal.  I’ll let you know.

The long chain and multiple chain necklace styles are big right now and what’s even better is if you have loose beads that don’t specifically “go” together you can create a whole necklace using chain as the space between your mixed beads then your necklace can be worn with many different styles.

Check Nordstroms, Chicos and J.Jill and see what their style of chain necklaces are selling.  Isn’t it nice to know that you can make those styles… What?  You’re not sure you can?  Check our class listings for Wire 101 as that is the class that will teach you those techniques.