Transparency about materials matters. Here’s exactly what’s in the pieces, and what the words on the listings mean.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is not a coating, but a solid alloy made primarily of iron with added chromium and often nickel, molybdenum, or other elements to enhance corrosion resistance, strength, and durability. Stainless steel is on the pricier side due to the strength and durability of the metal. All pieces using stainless steel metal will never tarnish or turn your skin green.
All chain, jump rings, eye pins, earring hooks and small clasps are made using stainless steel. Most charms are made using stainless steel, but are labelled alloy if not.
Alloy
Alloy jewellery is any piece made from a blend of two or more metallic elements melted together, rather than from a single pure metal like 100% gold or 100% silver. Alloy is on the cheaper side but will tarnish over time. Small side charms are sometimes used for pieces, but are labelled if so.
Resin coating
I love resin. I have been using resin for over 4 years now and have grown fond of the way it works and how it can be used for pretty much anything. All resin used currently is epoxy, which is a type of thermosetting polymer that starts as a liquid and becomes a rigid solid through a chemical reaction called curing. I use resin for photo frame charms, certain alloy charms to increase longevity, small diamonds and sparkles on charms as well as piercings used for my pieces.
Stone beads
Stone beads are one of my most commonly used beads when crafting. This is my favourite type of material to use for beading as its durable, good quality and not covered in horrible plastic paint that eventually wears off after a couple wears. Stones range from basic, to gemstones such as amethyst and quartz.
Glass beads
Glass beads are a common bead used for creating my pieces. Glass beads have a beautiful shiny and sometimes sparkly finish to them which just makes the piece look so sophisticated and stand outish. This material is beautiful quality that won’t wear off and will sit on your neck perfectly and lightly, catching the sunlight when needed.
Acrylic
Acrylics are synthetic beads and charms made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a transparent thermoplastic polymer known for its clarity, strength, and resistance to breakage. Unlike general plastic beads, acrylic beads have higher optical clarity, better UV resistance, and stronger scratch resistance, making them visually appealing and long-lasting. Acrylic is only sometimes used for fun bow charms, crosses and stars and are labelled in description if so.