the scratch test..

[karmelidesigns]

I make mixed media jewelry, and I often finish a metal piece with paints, dabbers, gilders paste, etc...
What 'durable' test to do?? I usually try a 'scratch test'. With a wooden tooth pick, with my nails, with a metal piece? but then I ask myself, who is going to scratch his jewelry with a knife!!!
So my question is, how durable (to scratches) a piece of jewelry has to be?

[Former_Member]

For me, a piece has to withstand 'every day wear and tear'. For a bracelet that would be being able to survive being worn and not getting damaged at all, including chipping.

I would expect them to retain their 'new look' for many years.

When you wear your own pieces from your collection do you notice that they get chipped or scratched?

[vintagecalif]

It also helps if you educate your clients about the proper way to store jewelry.

Had quite a few customers in my bead store thru the years that complained about scratches on their jewelry and then watched them pull their jewelry out with keys and brushes all mangled up together.

You would assume everyone would know they have to be gentle with delicate items.

You would be wrong.

Les ♥