I love chain especially the plated because of it’s quality and affordability.  I had a woman call a week or so ago to ask about the difference between Sterling Silver and the plated.  She was concerned about the quality and durability of the base metal chain.   I understand the concern especially if you are planning on selling your product.

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.