J Liz Jewelry & More Parts Page
This page is mostly for those who are interested in having jewelry made or would like a different part put on their jewelry. There is also good information to know about ear wires and metals. From this page you can select the clasp(s) and materials(s) you like to help me create items for you. People with pacemakers should not have magnetic clasps, and this page also provides the options to choose from. Items with colors may differ slightly from the photos but I will make every effort to get them as close as possible. If there is a color that can be related to a well-known or accessible item, I will make note of it. More items will be added or deleted based upon changing inventory. If there is something you'd like but don't see, let me know. If I don't have it I will try to find it.
I must also say that this luxury of ordering custom pieces may not last "forever". I will always consider requests, but if I get too busy I might have to limit them to how many I take on per month. So like they say...."Get it while you can!"
I must also say that this luxury of ordering custom pieces may not last "forever". I will always consider requests, but if I get too busy I might have to limit them to how many I take on per month. So like they say...."Get it while you can!"
Toggle Clasps
Toggle clasps are so, so easy to use and have so many beautiful styles! If you have difficulty with other clasps, these are an excellent choice. They are a great choice if you have difficulties with your hands and cannot use magnetic clasps (those with pacemakers should not use magnetic clasps). These clasps are quick on and quick off.
Hook and Eye Clasps
Hook and Eye clasps are usually quick on and quick off. I personally am not a big fan of them because if you are active there's a chance it will unhook itself. There are many styles to choose from. I have found two that may endure activity without unhooking itself. I currently only have one style in stock. If you have a hook and eye style that you like, please let me know and I will do my best to get it for your order.
Self-Closing Clasps
Self-closing clasps are easy to use because all you have to do is apply a light amount of pressure on the clasp's bar and it will open, allowing the jump ring to slide right in. To take the jewelry piece off, all you have to do is lightly press on that bar to open it, and move the jump ring out. If you have large fingers or have difficulty with your fingers, this may not be the best option because these are somewhat small in size. Someday I hope they make a large size. They are very secure. You can jump or dance your heart out without a worry. Currently there is only one style.
Lobster Claw Clasps
Lobster Claw clasps are a common clasp, found on many commercially made mass-produced jewelry. The smaller ones are difficult to use and many are difficult to keep open long enough to get the jump ring in. Some are real nail-breakers. It is for this reason that I choose only the larger sizes, and currently there is only one super easy lobster claw clasp below, which is the stylish one with the flower. I will be getting more of these in different styles, so be sure to check back (or contact me) if this style is what you're interested in.
...More Clasps to be uploaded, so please be sure to check back or contact me to ask about more options.
EAR WIRES....
Note: If you would like to have the ear wires changed to a different metal, please contact me and let me know your choice when you order. In most cases there will be no change in price.
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SURGICAL STEEL ear wires can be worn by some people. I do not use Sugical Steel ear wires to make earrings due to the fact that jewelry-grade Surgical Steel has nickel in it, and I am allergic to it. They have a percentage of chromium that stays on the outer layer, keeping it from oxidizing, but it is not enough protection to prevent an allergic reaction.. --Most people think they're hypo-allergenic, due to the word "Surgical" being used. There are many different grades of Surgical Steel and many different uses for different grades. Jewelry grade Surgical Steel has just enough Nickel in it to cause problems for people allergic to it. A lot of people have given up wearing earrings because they thought this was their last sure bet. In fact, sometimes when people get their ears pierced they have Surgical Steel Posts put in. The reaction to the Nickel acts and looks like an infection. Surgical Steel ear wires are so commonly used that chances are you already know if you're allergic. ---Or maybe now you're rethinking some of those "problem earrings" that no matter how well you clean them, they make your ear red, sore and/or itchy.... If you suspect you're allergic, try Niobium, Titanium, Argentium Silver or Sterling silver .Nobium and titanium are your best bet if you've found you're allergic to a lot of metals....and if money is no object, Platinum may be your answer. I do not buy Platinum for my jewelry due to its very high cost.
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Silver-Filled (and Gold-Filled) Ear wires are different than --silver-plated---. The plating process puts a thin layer of silver over a base metal, like brass. Silver-Fill however, has a far thicker coating of Silver pressed on to them and the claim is that they will last a lifetime without the base metal showing through. I have tried these and have still found them to be inferior. The plating seems to oxidize quickly and you have the same issue of the base metal being exposed. I have stopped using it for ear wires and have replaced them with pure, natural metals.
It is important to note that ALL jewelry metals --except the Niobium, Titanium and Platinum-- should be cared for by using ANTI-TARNISH STRIPS. These are inexpensive. One piece can keep protect a jewelry box of metals from tarnishing for up to six (6) months. They are well worth it and I sell them for pretty cheap. Sometimes I include them in the purchase. At some point in time I may include an Anti-Tarnish Tab with all of the metals except for Niobium and Titanium.
It is important to note that ALL jewelry metals --except the Niobium, Titanium and Platinum-- should be cared for by using ANTI-TARNISH STRIPS. These are inexpensive. One piece can keep protect a jewelry box of metals from tarnishing for up to six (6) months. They are well worth it and I sell them for pretty cheap. Sometimes I include them in the purchase. At some point in time I may include an Anti-Tarnish Tab with all of the metals except for Niobium and Titanium.
Niobium is the most hypo-allergenic metal, next to Platinum. It is also far less expensive than platinum. Niobium is a natural metal, found on the Periodic Table of Elements. It does Not tarnish, but it is also not a shiny metal. Its natural color is a darkish grey. It is most commonly anodized and coated several times, offering a wide range of designer colors for your ear wires. They are also very hard, strong ear wires. They don't bend easily. There are a variety of colors for those that would like to have their ear wires colored. --If this is something you'd like, all you need to do is let me know when ordering!. Being that it does not tarnish, you will not need to use anti-tarnish strips with it. (It's still a good idea to get some for your other jewelry though...so you're not totally off the hook on that deal! : )
The ear wires on the leaf earrings above are niobium, which have been coated black.
TITANIUM, is a natural metal, also found on the periodic table of elements. It is also a very hypo-allergenic metal, great for those who have allergies to metals. Titanium is also commonly used in medical parts for their hypo-allergenic quality, and aircraft because of its toughness and its light weight. Titanium is a light grey metal. It is also very hard and will hold its shape, and last forever. Titanium also does not tarnish, so no need to use an anti-tarnish strip.
The ear wires on the leaf earrings above are niobium, which have been coated black.
TITANIUM, is a natural metal, also found on the periodic table of elements. It is also a very hypo-allergenic metal, great for those who have allergies to metals. Titanium is also commonly used in medical parts for their hypo-allergenic quality, and aircraft because of its toughness and its light weight. Titanium is a light grey metal. It is also very hard and will hold its shape, and last forever. Titanium also does not tarnish, so no need to use an anti-tarnish strip.
