~~~ Prices and ordering information are released only to qualified wholesale buyers ~~~
Enameled copper wire:
The term "enameled" used to describe this wire has nothing to do with the process of copper enameling. Enameled copper wire is a pure copper wire which has been silver plated then coated with a thin layer of polyurethane. Polyurethane is an incredibly flexible and resistent polymer material and the underneath layer of silver makes the colors really pop.
There are many benefits to using this type of wire in jewelry:
- it is affordable,
- it is hypoallergenic (the skin is in contact with the polyurethane, not the metal),
- it does not tarnish,
- it is easy to maintain (clean in soapy water, rinse, pat dry and voilà),
- it comes in a wide variety of colors and the silver and gold colors totally mimic the real thing without the high price.
Sterling silver:
Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and copper. It is beautiful, shiny and prestigious. Unfortunately, the price has really increased these last few years.
Please, note that although many people request sterling because they think it is hypoallergenic. It is not. Sterling contains about 8% copper and, although it is not very common, I have met people who are allergic to sterling.
Niobium:
Niobium is a true hypoallergenic metal and I use it only for ear wires. It is naturally grey and can be anodized to give it some colors. The anodizing process does not alter its hypoallergenic quality.
Non tarnish copper:
Copper is a natural and gorgeous that unfortunately suffers from a bad reputation of tarnishing and leaving green marks on the skin.
Non tarnish copper is a pure copper wire coated with a thin layer of clear polyurethane. It will give you the best of both worlds: an affordable and beautiful material that is also hypoallergenic, won't tarnish and is easy to maintain.