Posted by Alicia E. Staz on August 30th, 2006 — Posted in Jewelry Materials
Even though I use Bali beads in my designs at Beaded Royalty, I have always wondered what Hill Tribe silver beads were. What makes them different from Bali silver beads? Here is what I found…
During the last decade, artisans from the several of the Hill Tribes in Thailand have gained a wonderful reputation for their unique silver beads. The term ‘Hill Tribe’ refers to ethnic minorities who live in the mountain regions of northern Thailand. Their origin dates back nearly 2000 years, when most migrated to Thailand from Tibet, Burma, China and Laos. There are 6 main Hill Tribes: the Mien (also known as Yao), Karen (Thai Gariang), Akha (Thai Egaw), Lahu (Thai Musay) Hmong (Thai Meo) and Lisu (Thai Lisaw).
Each tribe has their own characteristic dress, customs and styles of ornamentation, but all of the tribes do silversmithing. They employ traditional tribal methods that have been passed down from generation to generation. Hill Tribe silver beads are amazing works of art, each made by hand, with little or no machinery. No two pieces are exactly alike. Some beads are hammered and etched, while others are literally sculpted. Hill Tribe silver beads come in an endless array of shapes and sizes, often emulating objects in nature such as: ladybugs, butterflies, fish, shells, leaves, and flowers.
The silver content in Hill Tribe silver beads is 95-99% rather than the 92.5% of Bali beads (sterling silver). The higher silver content is softer and is therefore easier to shape into the countless designs that are available. Many Hill Tribe silver beads are made from Indian and Burmese silver coins that have been melted down. After the silver is melted with torches and poured into moulds, very small pieces are shaped by a long process of tapping. The process is very similar to that of the Bali artisans, but the style is uniquely Thai.
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Posted by Alicia E. Staz on August 23rd, 2006 — Posted in Jewelry Care
patina \PAT-n-uh; puh-TEEN-uh\, noun
What is patina?
Patina is a chemical compound that forms on the surface of any metal. It is the physical reaction of metal with the elements - or air. For sterling silver jewelry, it is a faint golden glow that you notice after wearing your piece for months or years. Patina can also be defined as the change an object goes through over the course of time. It is the “old look” that gives an object a rich and attractive appearance. If an object is described as having a “fine patina” it’s usually meant as a compliment.
How do I prevent patina?
Keeping your jewelry in a closed pouch or inside a jewelry box when it is not being worn will slow the process considerably. I provide a velveteen pouch with each piece of jewelry I sell at Beaded Royalty for this reason. Wearing your jewelry regularly will also slow the process. The oils that are on your skin coat the jewelry and protect it from reacting with the air.
How do I remove patina?
If you prefer the new look of sterling silver, periodic cleaning will restore its original luster. Follow these guidelines:
- Clean in a mild soapy water mixture and a SOFT toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely with a Jewelry Polishing Cloth.
- Do not allow your jewelry soak in water, as it could corrode the wire the jewelry is strung on.
- Do not use jewelry cleaners or dips if your jewelry was designed with oxidized beads. Alphabet beads and Bali beads have an “antiqued” appearance. They have been oxidized to enhance the details. Jewelry cleaners will remove this oxidation.
- Do not use a silver polishing cloth if your jewelry was designed with crystals. The chemicals in the cloth will dull the surface of your crystals.
Until next time,
AS
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Posted by Alicia E. Staz on August 20th, 2006 — Posted in General
Welcome to Handmade Sterling Jewlery! I hope to make this one of your favorite blogs so please check back often. Here’s a little bit about me:
My name is Alicia Staz and I am the owner and sole designer at Beaded Royalty. I started this blog because I love sterling jewelry. I used to wear nothing but gold, but once I discovered sterling silver, I never went back.
Before my son Joshua was born, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry (where I was a Project Manager). I really enjoy research and writing so this is a natural outlet for me. If there is a related subject you are interested in learning more about, contact me. I will research it and post the results.
Welcome to Handmade Sterling Jewelry! I look forward to getting to know you!
Alicia E. Staz
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