I have been thinking about attempting to sell some designs that are
made primarily from brass and/or copper. Generally, working in these
metals would allow me to work on some of my larger, more eyecatching
designs which I cannot afford to make with precious metals at this
stage.
My own self imposed rule has always been to be up front and honest
with customers about every aspect of a piece of jewellery they may
purchase… and, realising that very few customers are aware of the
different properties of different metals I feel that I should take
responsibility to inform any potential customers that a piece made
from brass or copper will tarnish more quickly and noticably than a
piece made in silver or gold… also, that it may colour their skin
green when worn for prolonged periods.
I have been thinking about what may be the best way to inform and
educate potential customers about these things but keep coming back
to the same question - once they know these things won’t potential
customers be turned off the purchase? And, if I don’t tell them
these things, once they find these things out for themselves, won’t
I lose a potential repeat customer?
I know that there are at least a small handful of orchidians who
work in these types of metal and I wish to enquire as to how you
handle this issue? Also, I would be interested to know what type of
care instructions you give customers and what type of cleaning
instructions - if your recommend that they should clean/polish the
jewellery themselves.
Thanks for your replies,
RR Jackson