Product FAQs:
What are the differences between base metal, sterling silver, gold filled etc?
Base metal: Base metal or plated refers to any item that has a non-precious metal core (usually an alloy of copper or brass) and a thin layer of precious metal (silver, gold etc.) plated over top to achieve the desired colour.
All base metal products will de-plate over time revealing the core metal. The time it takes for metal to de-plate is dependent on many factors. It even varies from person to person based on the oils and acids in our skin. For some people plated jewellery only keeps its colour for a couple months and for others it can last for years. There are things you can do to extend the life of the finish; always store the piece in a sealed ziploc bag and never expose the piece to water, lotion or perfume.
A common misconception is that gold plated jewellery with a karat will last longer. This is not the case and gold plated jewellery marketed by karat is often misleading. Any plated jewellery will wear the same way as longevity is determined by the thickness of the plating not the material used.
Pewter: Pewter is dark silver metal that is an alloy of tin, antimony and copper. Pewter pieces may be plated with other metals to achieve a different finish. All of our pewter products are lead and cadmium free (defined by the FDA as containing less than 0.005% lead). Any items with a SKU starting with T are made of Pewter.
Sterling Silver: Sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% of a non-precious metal (usually copper). Sterling silver will tarnish over time but it can always be brought back to a bright silver colour by using a polishing cloth or a jewellery cleaning solution.
Gold Filled: Gold Filled items are made of a core material (usually sterling silver or brass) with a layer of solid gold applied over the core. Gold filled pieces will last significantly longer (10-30 years) than gold plated ones because the outer layer of gold is much thicker. This option offers the same appearance as high karat gold at a fraction of the price.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a dark silver metal that does not tarnish, fade or discolour in any way. It is also extremely strong and durable. Stainless steel is considered hypoallergenic but does contain small amounts of nickel.
Waterproof Gold: Waterproof gold is made of stainless steel that is plated using the PVD vacuum plating process. This creates a surface that is 10 times thicker than traditional gold plated jewellery. The finish can endure 1-2 years of daily wear with exposure to water (showers, swimming etc.). This material is hypoallergenic.
How does seed bead sizing work?
The smaller the number, the larger the bead. For example, the largest size we carry is 6/0 and the smallest is 15/0. Below are the approximate sizes in mm for each bead. These measurements are based on Miyuki's seed beads and other brands may vary slightly.
15/0 = 1.3mm x 1.5mm
11/0 = 2.0mm x 2.0mm
8/0 = 2.0mm x 3.0mm
6/0 = 3.0mm x 4.0mm
What does AB stand for?
AB stands for aurora borealis. In the beading world, it refers to an iridescent rainbow coating that is applied to a bead (usually a crystal).
What does duracoat mean?
Miyuki's duracoat beads have an extra layer of clear coating applied to them to seal in the colour and finish of the beads. Duracoat beads will wear better over time, making them a popular choice with many of our customers.
What does Galvanized mean?
Galvanized beads use silver plating in their finishing process. Like any plating, this fine surface wears away over time exposing the glass beneath. Galvanized beads tend to wear faster than other finishes but, Miyuki also offers duracoat versions of their galvanzied beads.
What does perma-finish mean?
Perma-finish is Preciosa's verison of duracoat. Its another clear coating that protects the surface of the bead and prevents discolouring and deplating.
What does a wire's gauge mean?
A wire's gauge refers to its diameter. The smaller the gauge, the larger the diameter. See below for gauges converted to mm.
18 gauge = 1.02mm
20 gauge = 0.81mm
22 gauge = 0.64mm
24 gauge = 0.51mm
26 gauge = 0.40mm
28 gauge = 0.32