On the BENCH

With the recent drop in silver prices (yea!) I've begun creating a few new wide cuff-style bracelets. They have always been a big hit! However, this time I decided to work in FINE silver rather than Argentium or sterling silver. What's the difference, you ask?

Well, before I began working in precious and semi-precious metals, I thought the term "fine" was simply a word to describe the metal's aesthetics..like fine art. The term "fine silver" actually refers to the purity of the metal. Fine silver is .999 (99.9%) pure silver. In contrast, sterling silver is .925 (92.5%) pure silver which is alloyed with (typically) copper. Argentium sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver, 6.5% copper and 1% germanium. Although, different alloy recipes for Argentium exist.

The main disadvantage of traditional sterling silver is it quickly tarnishes. And, if you're like me, I dislike polishing my jewelry...I just want to put it on and look fabulous! There are some methods to slow the tarnishing (oxidizing) process, like storing silver jewelry in individual zip-top plastic bags or using anti-tarnishing strips in your jewelry box. Of course, some wearers like the look of aged or antiqued silver...so tarnish isn't really an issue. :)

This leads to the next issue: what are the causes of tarnish? It's the copper in the silver alloy which oxidizes in the air which causes the tarnish. Some areas of the US are especially harsh on jewelry (as I discovered while vacationing in Florida). Florida has a lot of sulfur in the environment and quickly turns silver black! (Tarnish is really silver sulfide) Other tarnish causing agents include eggs, onions, chlorine bleach, and latex.

What does that have to do with fine silver? Well, fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and, lacking copper, will stay bright and beautiful for a very long time! It's a win-win situation. Your jewelry stays bright and beautiful and you have an heirloom quality piece of pure silver adornment!

My new wide cuff bracelets are made from 1" wide fine silver and will feature a hammered texture with subtle cut-outs for interest and a slightly modern edge.

WHAT do I do?

Good question. Have you been able to pin-piont exactly what it is you do? Sure, it's easy to define your work through the process it takes to create the work. Example:

• I paint. Therefore, I'm a painter. I make and sell paintings.
• I string beads. Therefore, I'm a beader. I make and sell beaded items.
• I make clay pots. Therefore, I'm a potter. I make and sell pottery.

Now it is time to really expand the definition of your work. Saying, "I'm a painter" doesn't really SAY anything about your work. (my 3 year old nephew is a painter too!) Take for instance, an art museum. Every wall is sure to be covered in paintings, but each painting is different. Unique. Not just in subject matter, but technique too. Bold, subtle, modern, still life, nonobjective, etc.

Let's take a baby step. "I am an impressionistic painter." This one word adds so much definition to your work. People can almost picture in their minds what it is you do now. Maybe take another step. "I am an impressionistic painter who works in a warm color palette."

Why is this important? Because if you can't define your work, how can anyone else? Defining your work gives you focus, purpose, a direction, a style, meaning, life. Imagine you are being interviewed by your local newspaper as an up-and-coming-artist....what would you say about your work to make people interested in knowing more about YOU and your WORK.

If your having trouble defining your work, ask a friend or relative for some input. Lay out a bunch of your pieces, and ask them to come up with a word or three that describes your work. Watch them carefully. Look for emotion. Read their body language. If they are having a hard time coming up with any words...back to the drawing board for you!

Next: more defining your style...