Looking through an iolite lens, they could determine the exact position of the sun on overcast days and navigate safely. It has also been called "water-sapphire," because its color is akin to blue sapphires, and "Vikings' Compass." When Viking mariners sailed the ocean, they used thin pieces of iolite as a polarizing filter. Another old name is dichroite, a Greek word meaning "two-colored rock", a reference to cordierite's strong pleochroism. The name "iolite" comes from the Greek word "los" meaning violet. Iolite is the gem variety of the mineral cordierite. This collage showcases some of my jewelry highlighting one of my favorite gemstones, iolite. Washing Pacific Silvercloth will destroy its ability to prevent tarnish.For more information and Pacific Silvercloth products, see: Also, authentic Pacific Silvercloth is 36-38" wide, whereas other products are always wider. Other manufacturers' products are not embedded with silver but are treated with other metals, such as zinc, and do not discolor. Authentic Pacific Silvercloth is always brown and turns various shades of brown as the embedded silver tarnishes. These particles catch the tarnish-causing gases before they reach the silver article stored inside. Pacific Silvercloth is a cotton fabric embedded with thousands of particles of fine silver. The photo above shows a small pouch of Pacific Silvercloth that takes only a few minutes to stitch.
#LUMINA GEM FREE#
Storing your silver in Pacific Silvercloth can keep your silver tarnish free for a very long time. Silver Care Twinkle is a very mild and effective silver polish that is recommended by silver experts and is widely available. The oil in our fingers can also lead to corrosion patterns if not removed.
Some examples of tarnish-causing elements include paints, fabrics containing wool or felt, rubber bands, latex gloves, and foods containing eggs, onions, or citrus. High humidity levels will also accelerate the formation of tarnish. Argentium silver is a variety of sterling that replaces copper with germanium for increased tarnish resistance.Ĭauses of Silver TarnishCompounds containing sulphur in the air, hydrogen sulfide and sulphur dioxide, cause silver to tarnish. Fine silver can also be seen in items made of precious metal clay (PMC) which is shaped and heated to form a solid metal.Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. It is softer than sterling silver and, in wire form, is used for crochet work and wire wrapping. As the purity of the silver decreases, the problem of corrosion or tarnishing increases.įine silver is very bright and highly tarnish resistant compared to sterling silver. Fine silver is 99.9% silver, Thai Hill Tribe silver is 95-99% silver, and sterling silver is 92.5% silver. Silver used in fine jewelry varies in its purity and tarnish resistance. Jewelry makers who are interested in the EZ Necklace and EZ Bracelet cones shown in the photo may find out more about them here: Of course, gifts involve much more guesswork! Sizes can be adjusted after purchase, but it's easier on everyone to get it right the first time.
For necklaces, I suggest that you measure the length of a thin chain that falls on your neck where you want the chosen necklace to fall. I think most are comfortable with the "somewhat loose" fit. For a snug fit, I figure on an inner circumference 1/2 inch greater than the wrist measurement, one inch for somewhat loose fit, and 1.5 inches for very loose fit.
Most artisans offer this service at no additional charge whenever possible.įor bracelets, I always suggest that you start by measuring your wrist. One of the great advantages of ordering handmade jewelry from the artisan is being able to have your bracelet or necklace custom sized. Similarly, the bracelet shown is 8.5 inches long when stretched out flat but 7 inches when worn. For example, the necklace in the photo is 20 inches long when stretched out flat but 18 inches when worn. A necklace or bracelet with large beads or other bulky components has a much smaller inner circumference than its length when measured stretched out flat. Well, that depends on what measurement you're talking about.