WHITE METALS FERVOR MONTREAL “There seems to be a lot of confusion about the difference between 925 and sterling silver, when in fact there is no difference,” Smith says. “I always try to give a simple answer that sterling is any silver that is 92.5 per cent pure silver or higher. I explain that sterling silver is way too soft to work with when it is pure, so it is most frequently mixed with copper to give it strength; this is a story I find myself saying over and over, particularly at trade fairs. I’m amazed there is still a lot of confusion about what constitutes sterling silver and how it relates to ‘925’.” In a well-covered corner of the market, one way Smith is distinguishing his product is with a unique alloy. “We use our own proprietary alloy of sterling that gives our items the right mix of strength, flexibility and tarnish resistance,” Smith explains. “One of the biggest issues with sterling silver is tarnish. Being able to add tarnish resistance helps a lot as it greatly reduces time spent polishing silver jewellery on store shelves.” Darren Roberts is director of men’s jewellery supplier Cudworth Enterprises. He too believes there is confusion regarding the properties of sterling silver, particularly amongst males. When discussing new technological innovations and design methods employed by Cudworth, Roberts points to gun metal and pearl rhodium plating. “Gun metal is a dark grey colour and pearl is similar to brushed with a slight satin finish,” he explains, adding that the plating gives the pieces a more modern and masculine look while also preventing tarnishing or oxidising. Jodie Tilia, director of Fervor Montreal local distributor JLM International, explains that a recent addition to the Solitaire collection is a brushed finish designed to highlight the sparkle of the Swarovski crystals used in the sterling silver pieces. When asked about recent technological advancements, Tilia discusses the Crossfor technology incorporated in the Canadian range’s Dancing Gems collection. Using the technology, the crystals are set in a way in which they imitate the movement of a swing. Understanding the properties of sterling silver and being able to communicate these to consumers is also important given the influx of plated base metal jewellery, according to Smith. “With so much plated base metal jewellery in the market, it raises the perceived value of solid sterling items,” he explains, adding, “For those of us producing highquality, solid sterling silver jewellery, there is no point in competing on TWIN PLAZA METALS price; however, it is important to educate stores and sales staff so they can explain the differences between solid and plated jewellery.” #101 WHITE GOLD is an alloy of yellow gold and at least one other white metal, such as palladium or silver. The colour of white gold can vary, depending on the alloy formula used, and pieces are normally plated with rhodium to enhance the white colour. Rhodium does wear, meaning white gold should be re-plated about every 12-18 months, depending on the frequency of wear. It is available in a variety of carats. PLATINUM is used in jewellery in an almost pure form, about 95 per cent. This rich purity makes the metal hypoallergenic, and its natural white colour will not tarnish or lose its lustre. Platinum is long-wearing and one of the strongest metals to manufacture. PALLADIUM is part of the platinum group of metals but has a slightly different shade of white than platinum and is less dense. It is resistant to corrosion, won’t tarnish and doesn’t require rhodium plating. PLATINUMSMITH INDIRI STERLING SILVER is a highly malleable metal, which lends itself to a wide range of design options. It is also less expensive than other white metals such as gold, platinum and palladium. It is, however, inclined to tarnish and is much softer than other metals, meaning it is not ideal for everyday use. STAINLESS STEEL is resistant to corrosion and offers affordability and low maintenance. The metal is quite rigid and inflexible and has long been popular in the men’s market; however, a host of technological advancements that allow for the incorporation of feminine elements like gemstones and intricate designs has meant that the demand for the metal among women is definitely increasing. 18 <strong>Jeweller</strong> <strong>November</strong> <strong>2017</strong>
GERMANY Timesupply watches + jewellery p +61 (0)8 8221 5580 sales@timesupply.com.au timesupply.com.au exclusive distributor AU & NZ
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