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Durable jewelry finishes

September 3, 2008

Hi! I'm a jewelry designer who needs help to find really high quality durable finishes at a reasonable (ok, cheap) pricepoint. Some of the pieces I've had produced...offshore... lose their "goldtone" nearly immediately.



I would like to know where I can find a book or article on the CORRECT way to order pieces. These are only costume jewelry....no high quality stones or precious metals other than Sterling silver or 18k coating. Every industry has universal "buzz words" and terms....I need to learn these...HELP! Thanks

Norita Bergmann
product designer - Troy, Michigan

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September 4, 2008

I'm not aware of a book like you want, but you may get some good info from an internet search.

The real problem is this - when buying at the lowest price, especially from unknown overseas suppliers, do you get what you order?

Suppose, just as an example, you order a finish of 50 microinches 24K gold flash, a finish which might last a year or two on costume jewelery.

Do you get 50 microinch or 5? Is it 24K or 10K?

You have no way to check it, and precious little recourse against the supplier.

Caveat Emptor, and try to purchase from reputable firms.

You'll probably have better luck with actual manufacturers (not importers)in the USA or Europe, but no guarantee there either.

In any case, *really* cheap stuff will be...really cheap.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina

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