We are getting ready to expand our wholesale product line. Up to
this point, we’ve used 14k for our samples, as we deem it important
for people to have the ability to inspect the finish on our pieces
and really get a good feel for our designs in their hand. However,
with the price of gold what it is, and our desire to soon add a
second sales person (thus creating the need to completely reproduce
the line) we are considering creating some of our samples in a base
metal.
Ideally, the metal we would use would look like carat gold, with
great finishing characteristics. Finish is very important to us- Very
Important. We would like a decent heft to the metal- not too
lightweight. And, ideally, we would not have to plate the material.
We are aware that we are asking for the world here.
So, for any of you who may have crossed this bridge already, what is
your cheap metal of choice? Have you used any alloys you hate and
would never use again? Anything that could help us narrow the field
would be of great benefit.
Here’s our website link if seeing the jewelry is of benefit.
by far the best choice i can reccomend is Tigold by Hoover and
Strong. up to 2 years w/o tarnishing in a display case, looks and
feels like karat gold,works very well- highly malleable, and its
incredibly heap 5 bucks or so an oz. plus 5 bucks or so for the “
alloy B” you add to it to prevent oxidation, and make exceptional
samples! I have used it many times for sample lines, and catalogs -
I did try to order some dec. 22, and they had it on backorder though,
so call to see if it’s in-stock yet. Truly, one can’t go wrong with
this prodct, particularly if you do a lot of 14 kt./ price tier
pieces. and if you want a colour that will match a lot of suppliers
golds.
R.E.Rourke
New Orleans Studio: (504)-875-0490
315 N.Bernadotte St., New Orleans LA 70119
by far the best choice i can reccomend is Tigold by Hoover and
Strong. up to 2 years w/o tarnishing in a display case, looks and
feels like karat gold,works very well- highly malleable, and its
incredibly cheap
Has anyone used this to make pieces to wear? My students would
probably like to be able to use a gold-like cheap metal for casting.
Has anyone used this to make pieces to wear? My students would
probably like to be able to use a gold-like cheap metal for
casting.
Of course. I would not recommend a product if it were not wearable
as well as being what you asked for in your previous post:
inexpensive and with qualities like 14 kt yellow gold…perhaps you
should look it up on hoover and strong’s web site if you need further
proof, or reassurances or call Stewart grice, their metallurgist and
ask him if cost, malleability and ductility is not enough to factor
into an alloy for beginners to use…don’t overthink things- just jump
in and learn…