Basemetal vs Pewter - Question Answered

Recently Received a Really Good Question I thought I'd pass along to our Fans...

Question: What's the difference between Basemetal & Pewter?

Answer: In the jewelry industry, basemetal usually refers to any metal that's not a precious metal (such as bullion Gold, Silver, Platinum, Rhodium).

Examples of basemetals : nickle silver, tin, brass, AND PEWTER ("Tibetan Silver")!

So, pewter is a basemetal, but not all base-metals are pewter.

For a bit more detail about what pewter is, please see: http://www.silverenchantments.com/metal-charms.html
 Hope that helps!
==Michelle

Silver Turned Black... Means I'm Sick/Dying, Right?

We received an eMail recently : "My silver pendant and chain turned black & I read that means I'm sick and dying, right?"...

Well, have to legally state 1st that if you believe you're sick, please see a Doctor...

Sterling silver is actually a very complex substance.

What's more-than-likely happened is that you've recently worn your silver while swimming in a chlorinated pool, soaking in a hot-tub, or you ate some sulfur-rich foods recently (such as onions or garlic) and your body is excreting the sulfur.

Chlorine and/or bleach will instantly turn silver dark - why it's always advised not to wear your silver jewelry when taking a swim or relaxing in a hot-tub. Also be sure to thoroughly rinse yourself before putting your jewelry back on after your dip. Though not now used widely, these chemicals are used by some smiths to 'patina' a silver piece darker.

Silver is highly reactive to your body's secretion of salts, sulfides and chemicals (through sweat)... or sulphides in the air.

If you or a friend has ever worked with silver, PMC or other metals, you may have heard of a substance called : LIVER OF SULFUR ... it's comprised of sulfur compounds that turns metals different colors -- it contains sulfides (just like garlic and onions). If you leave liver of sulfur on too long, it will turn the metal completely black.

Here's a list of things that Silver has a bad reaction with: Wool, Rubber Bands, Latex Gloves, Oils from your Hands and Fingers, Ammonia, Chlorinated Water, Carpet Padding, Air Pollution, Perfumes, Hair Sprays. Here are some foods that can make Silver tarnish : Garlic, Onions , Mayonnaise, Salad Dressing, Eggs and Salty Foods.

To Clean :
A few Non-professional methods -- there are actually quite a few that can be found throughout web-land - These are recommended for Solid Sterling Silver Items (other methods should be used if you piece is a combination of gemstone & sterling):

1 - In a plastic flat-bottom, shallow container, lay a piece of aluminum foil in the bottom. Add to dish 1 tablespoon of baking soda along with tarnished silver item. Bring water to almost boiling, and pour water over to just cover the silver item(s). The silver will turn nice and shiny by the time the water cools. Rinse & pat dry. Please Note: the silver has to be in contact with the aluminum.

2 - Use plain tooth-paste. Mix it in a small container with enough water for it to be a thin paste, almost a gravy-like. Let the silver soak in it overnight. Then scrub it with an soft, old toothbrush.


3 - Use a mix of baking soda and some water. Mix in a small container with enough water for it to be a thin paste. Scrub it with an soft, old toothbrush.


HTH!

Spring Cleaning Clearance & Closeout Event

HAPPY SPRING!!!

Our Spring Cleaning Clearance and Closeout Sale is going on now... Save up to 80% off 100's of items.

Happy 65th!!!

Hope ya'll will join me in wishing Dianna a Very Happy 65th Birthday today!!!

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Know you're real sensitive about this birthday, so if ya need a laugh today, just remember the look on my face when people ask if we're sisters! You're still & always will be the most beautiful woman I'll ever know... Love ya, Ma

3 Day Dollar Sale Going on Now

3 Days of Savings... Dollar Sale

Ends : Monday, March 11, 2013

Yes, these items also qualify for our Automatic Discounts as well!

Shop our Dollar Sale Section now for best selection.

Our Facebook Fans & Newsletter Subscribers got advance notice -- Some items have already begun to sell-out. 

Yes, these items also qualify for our Automatic Tier Discounts -- Stack savings to Save BIG!