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Schmoopie Art was dreamed up over the past few
years and finally up and running in 2008! I use a variety
of different materials in my creations. May favorite
materials to work with is sterling silver and Swarovski
crystals. Swarovski crystals do contain a small level of lead.
Please see the article below. I do have an
inexpensive/fun line of jewelry made with lead free materials (I
will state if it's unknown if a product contains lead), and
glass or acrylic beads.
Many SchmoopieArt!© designs are created using the
finest materials available including genuine Swarovski crystals,
semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver beads and components.
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How concerned should I
be about lead content? * According
to California Law, Children under the age of Six (6)
years old should not wear jewelry containing Lead.
Lead (Pb) is an element used to make alloys
(mixtures of metals) softer and to help alloys melt at
lower temperatures. The problem with using lead in
alloys is that it is toxic and can cause serious health
problems, especially in children. Because children's
bodies are still developing, lead can affect them in
ways it is not likely to affect adults (concern for
children is what initiated this legislation). The two
main ways lead poses a danger are when it is:
- ingested: if components containing lead
are sucked on or swallowed, saliva and/or stomach
acids can leach the lead out of the metal alloy and
into the body
- inhaled: when lead is heated during
manufacturing, or during soldering or repair work,
it can create dangerous fumes
Jewelry components containing lead are generally
considered safe for adults to handle and wear
externally. Nevertheless, as safety and environmental
standards continue to rise, measures are being taken to
use lead less, both in jewelry components and in
general.
Lead oxide (PbO) is a
compound sometimes used in glassmaking. Advantages to
using lead oxide in glass include increased refraction
(which creates the beautiful prism effect we associate
with glass crystal) and a lower working
temperature/viscosity (which makes the glass easier to
work with). During vitrification (when powdered
ingredients melt under heat to form glass), the lead
oxide becomes "trapped" inside the glass and can no
longer be easily absorbed. In normal use, the lead in
leaded glass does not leach out the way metallic lead
can.
Want to know more about lead, or lead in jewelry
components?
Then check out the state of California's
"Lead in Jewelry" Web pages and
Proposition 65 Web pages.
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- Swarovski is the acknowledged producer of the
finest quality full-lead cut glass crystals in the world. In
addition to their precise edges and angles, Swarovski
crystals are renowned for their brilliance and clarity. This
comes from the incorporation of lead into the crystal
refining process. In terms of overall quality, full lead
crystals are simply a cut above other glass crystals.
- Bali Beads are a specialized type of sterling
silver bead, characterized by intricate flourishes and
delicate, ornate bas-relief work. They are often handmade
and are typically imported from Turkey, India, or Bali.
Because these items are individually crafted from sterling
silver by numerous bead artisans, there may be slight
variations in size, form, hole size, and oxidation.
- Sterling Silver jewelry components including
silver beads, crimps, clasps, and alphabet beads are made of
92.5% pure sterling silver, and considered the best type of
silver for jewelry. Unlike many competitors who try to cut
costs by using base metal crimp beads and silver-plated
clasps, SchmoopieArt!© ! chooses only the finest sterling
silver components.
- Gold-filled Beads are a mixture of 14k gold and
sterling silver, they are NOT gold plated. These beads are
preferable to pure 14k for this type of jewelry because 14k
gold is a soft metal and can dent when placed next to
sterling silver or crystal beads.
- Freshwater Pearls are cultivated in mussels, not
oysters, in freshwater lakes and rivers in China, Japan and
the United States. Due to their easier cultivation,
freshwater pearls offer an affordable alternative to the
more expensive and rarer saltwater pearl. A pearl is a
natural object and is not designed to be in contact with
most manufactured chemicals such as perfume, make-up, skin
care products, hair spray or similar compounds. Contact with
these items can alter a pearl's luster or color. With this
in mind, it's best to make pearls the last thing you put on
and the first thing you take off.
Please note that with all semi-precious stones and
freshwater pearls there are subtle variations in hue, color
saturation, and shape which are naturally occurring. These
variations make each piece inherently unique and are not
guaranteed to exactly match product photos.
- 49-strand Beadalon® Wire is made from incredibly fine strands of
stainless steel wire with a smooth, kink resistant nylon
coating. This beading wire is considered the strongest, most
flexible wire available. It is more expensive, but superior
for holding its shape and resisting kinks.
- Stretchy Bracelets are made with beautiful glass
beads and base metal spacers.
- Beaded Earrings are made with quality glass seed
beads, and may include Swarovski crystal, gemstones and
sterling silver. Ear wires are sterling silver unless
otherwise indicated.
- Foto Charms are made with stainless steel links
Jewelry Care
If your piece contains silver, remember it is sterling and can
tarnish. Tarnishing is a natural process caused by oxidation,
and does not damage the silver. Tarnish can easily be removed by
rubbing the piece gently with a soft, treated polishing cloth.
Polishing cloths may be purchased from SchmoopieArt!© or from a local jewelry store. Many department stores,
including Target, also sell disposable polishing cloths. After
polishing, rinse the jewelry with warm water and pat dry with a
soft cloth.
Do not use tarnish-removing dips (or creams) on pieces that
have decorative oxidation. For example, letter beads and Bali
silver beads have oxidation in the grooves. Using dips may
remove the tarnish that gives your piece dimension. Never use
silver cleaners on pearls as they may lose their luster.
In addition, you should avoid wearing your bracelet while
swimming, doing dishes, cleaning with chemicals, or anything
else where the jewelry would come into contact with abrasive
soaps or chemicals. |
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