Caring for Your Copper
and Other Base Metals
Many potential customers worry about purchasing jewelry made from copper and other base metals because of oxidation or tarnishing. Not to worry! If the piece you purchase from Nonpareil can be submerged (e.g., doesn't have a velvet backing or painted surface), you can make this simple solution in a small dish:
  • 2 parts water
  • 1 part lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt

Mix the ingredients until salt is dissolved. Submerge the piece in the liquid. Let soak for a minute or two, then swish (gently agitate) in the solution for another minute. Rinse with tap water and pat dry in a soft cloth or towel.

If the piece is not submergible, dip a cotton swab, gauze pad, or small soft toothbrush into the solution and rub the areas lightly that you wish to clean. Wipe clean with a gauze pad dipped in clear water and pat dry.

NOTE: This solution works on bronze and brass as well!
More on Cleaning ...
If you would prefer to have Nonpareil clean your purchase (this service is for Nonpareil creations only), please click the payment links here. The $15.00 cost includes cleaning fee and return postage. Your piece will be returned via USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation.
Clean One Item
(1 Item = Neckpiece, Bracelet,
Pair of Earrings)
Clean Add'l Item
(For more than one additional item, please use the Update feature on the View Shopping Cart page.)
Materials Used - Mixed Media
Nonpareil art jewelry is made with a variety of mixed media materials: wire-wrapping and wire sculpting in copper, bronze, brass, German (nickel) silver (which doesn't tarnish), papier mache, and Patina Onlay--a technique I developed that adds my distinctive rich background texture to the work. I prefer the base metals listed above because they change over time and evolve in a life of their own ... but I also work in Sterling Silver and 14kt Gold Filled Wire.
Nonpareil Accepts Commissions
Perhaps you have an "inspiration piece"--a tumbled stone, a cabochon, an interesting piece of fused or lampworked glass, or some other cool "found" item that you would like worked into a wire-sculpted piece ... Just take a digital photo of the item and email the .jpg file along with a description of what you envision for the piece or collection. That's all it takes to get the process started. And it's your opportunity to participate in the design process. Once you have accepted the price quote and mailed in your deposit of at least 30% and your "inspiration piece," work will begin. Commission pieces generally take 3-4 weeks to complete, sometimes longer depending on the complextity of the project and availability of needed materials. Look forward to working with you on something special!
Preferred Customer Profile
Are you one of my loyal collectors? Click here if you would like to complete a Preferred Customer Profile. I will maintain your contact information and style choices for reference on future purchases.
Preferred Customer Profile Form
coming soon ...
Caveat on Metal Allergies
Some people find that they break out in a rash or develop skin irritations when wearing costume jewelry. Most likely that is due to nickel allergy. I do construct some pieces with German/Nickel Silver--like the fact that it does not tarnish--but earrings constructed of nickel silver usually have Sterling earwires or nickel-free posts to minimize or prevent irritation.
NOTE: If you have allergies to any or all metals, Nonpareil Art Jewelry may not be for you.
Click here for Gift Certificates!

Here is a video I discovered online that you might enjoy on the history and collecting of costume jewelry ...
What is "Art Jewelry?"
Art Jewelry is that
which is individually created to achieve an artistic vision, often incorporating one or more mixed media methods. Art Jewelry pieces are usually one-of-a-kind --they strike your fancy, grab your heart from the shelf and don't let you go ...
Troubleshooting
Do you experience any of these problems:
  • Nickel Allergy?
  • Large or Long Earlobes?
  • Thin or Small Lobes?
  • Stretched Piercings?
  • Keloids?
  • Very Narrow Wrists?
  • Very Slender Fingers?
  • Thick Wrists or Fingers?
  • Other problems?

Nothing is more discouraging than shopping in department stores and not being able to find things that work for you. Custom designed jewelry can be the solution to your problem--you get to participate in the design process, resulting in a product that fits your taste and suits your individual needs. For more on special commissions, click here. To discuss your personal challenge, send me an email and I will try to develop a solution that works for YOU. I will be expanding this column in future months with solutions and research info.
Site
Links
This page is all about YOU--the client: Here you'll find information on caring for your pieces, creative problem solving, wire working tips and tricks, favorite links--all kinds of interesting and helpful information about the Nonpareil world of art jewelry!
Client Care Page