Comments on: What’s the Best Way to Store Base Metals

By: Shandee Gene

Shandee Gene — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:19:36 +0000

I currently have base metals, Copper, Brass and German Silver in my stash that is going on 8 years gone by and by storing them in plastic with the non-tarnish strips they are still clean. I wipe them with the polishing cloth as I am creating my pieces and they look like new.

By: Carol

Carol — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 14:49:12 +0000

I, too, store my bulk wire in labeled Ziploc bags, which I store in an accordion-type file folder. It has a flat base which makes it free-standing, and it has a handle to make it portable.

As to informing customers, I think Linda’s ideas are excellent. But beware…no matter what you make and no matter what you tell customers, there will also be those who won’t buy anything that isn’t sterling silver as well as those who won’t buy anything that will tarnish. After trying to please everyone and pleasing no one, I have learned to be true to my own creative drive (and pocketbook).

By: Linda Sinish

Linda Sinish — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 13:08:22 +0000

I just read Tove Michaelsen’s comments and she has a great point about informing your customers. The reverse side of my business card says ‘Please visit my web-site for how to clean & care for your jewelry. http://www.lindasinish.com‘ This will help your customer and drive traffic to your website or blog.

By: Linda Sinish

Linda Sinish — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 13:03:17 +0000

Whenever my wire arrives in large coils, I place a coil inside a gallon size zip lock plastic bag. Then I use a Sharpie to write the gauge of the wire on the outside of the bag. I then store my wire in a labeled large plastic bin, the type designed for scrap book paper. The plastic bin helps to reduce future kinks and bends in the wire. If you are still concerned, you can add a stick of chaulk to the plastic bag to keep tarnish at bay.

By: Tove Michaelsen

Tove Michaelsen — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 08:43:28 +0000

Base metal like copper, brass etc. will eventually tarnish. That is just the way of things. If you keep everything in ziplock bags you will delay the process. There are also some non tarnish strips you can buy and put inside the bags. You can perhaps add some info on your site or directly to your customers how to keep the jewelry shiny.

Buying in bulk usually means you get a better price, so you might want to consider that.