By Sandra J. Paluzzi
The Bead Peddler®

The price of gold, silver and copper are going through the roof.  People are learning to design without metal or to use the metal sparingly in their designs.  People are also examining different types of metals. This month, I've decided to examine some of the metals used in beads.

1)  14k Gold.  This is the most expensive type of bead available. 

2) Gold Filled.  An affordable, durable alternative to 14k gold.  A solid gold tube is filled with an alloy (usually brass).  Will not flake or chip.  Gold filled will look as good 50 years from now as it looks now.

3) Gold Plate.  A thin layer of gold flakes is electroplated (dipped) onto a base metal.  While this metal initially looks good, the gold plate will chip and flake off.  While it is cheaper than gold filled, it will not stand the test of time.  Nickel is typically used in the plating process.  Many people are allergic to nickel and therefore, to plated metals.

4) Vermeil.  Gold electroplated onto sterling silver.  Nickel is NOT typically used in the plating process.  Therefore, it can be worn by people with the nickle allergy.

5).  Sterling Silver.  92.5% silver.  Less expensive than gold or gold filled.  Sterling will tarnish over time although they currently market storage materials that prevent tarnishing.

6).  Silver plate.  A thin layer of silver flakes is electroplated (dipped) onto a base metal.  While this metal initially looks good, the silver palte will chip and flake off.  While it is cheaper than sterling filled, it will not stand the test of time.  Nickel is typically used in the plating process.  Many people are allergic to nickel and therefore, to plated metals.

7).  Pewter.  Another white metal which does not tarnish.  Pewter is cheaper than silver and is frequently finished with an antiquing process.  It is also  plated at times.  Please note that pewter produced in the USA is lead free, pewter produced in China is not necessarily lead free.

8).  Copper.  Reddish brown in color.  Copper is no longer as cheap as it once was.  Copper has always had its captive audience.   Know whether you are buying solid copper or a copper plated bead.  Again, copper plating involves dipping a thin layer of copper onto a base metal.

9).  Brass.  Low cost, yellow metal.  Brass is sometimes sold as is as an alternative to gold plate.  It is also frequently plated with gold, silver or copper.