I am a little torn on one issue, and I'm hoping for some fresh opinions. I'd really like to have our members steer completely away from plated metals, for the same of building a reputation of quality with customers. I'd like this team to become known as a pool of artists that buyers can trust to provide durable, quality, and truthfully represented jewelry that won't deteriorate over time.
With that in mind, the issue of fused glass artists arises. I am a big fan of fused glass, I look at and buy a fair amount of it, and I would adore having some of the many incredible fused glass artists on the team. The only problem is, the use of silver and gold PLATED bails seems to be nearly industry standard. There are a number of artists I personally would have purchased from if only their pendants had utilized solid metal bails.
I think the reason for the prevelence of the plated bails is the fact that the only readily available commercial bails are plated, not that many of these artists are not passionate about quality. To hold true to the direction I'd like this team to go in, we'd decline members using plated bails. My dilemma is that making that decision would wipe out most of these artists from being able to join, regardless of their skills.
Should one of our first projects be to find sources of workable sterling and perhaps gold bails for fused glass artists and seeing if said artists would be receptive to switching over? Or is the notion incredibly arrogant on my part?
Should we accept or decline quality fused glass artists who use plated bails?
Please weigh in! :)
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3 comments:
This is a tough one.
Part of what I like about this team is that we have a standard of using quality materials; in that they won't fade, change or diminish over time. I cannot say that of plated metal.
I'm sure glass workers understand that material guideline and would be willing to switch to 925 if it meant being part of the team.
I know I'd (and others here)would be happy to make 925 bails if people were willing to switch ;)
I have to say I agree, and I got a convo from another member who shares our viewpoint.
Perhaps we should get some etsy folk making them, plus I can look up Rio's offerings, I'm pretty sure they have some solid bails that could be used for fused glass.
It would be a good move for the reputations of fused glass makers in general, and could lead to those rare few who use solid metal bails getting increased sales from descriminating buyers (including me!).
Would be interested in hearing from some more members on this issue, including any sources you might have for solid bails or any intent you might have to offer them in your own shops.
There is an etsy component shop called Prolifique that does a really good job with handmade components, I might suggest they add fused glass bails to their lineup?
Indeed. I just can't see any justification for using plated materials or findings except to keep purchase costs waaaay down. I'm of the mind that a minimal standard for quality should be not using plated metals.
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