Cloisonne and Green Skin

Cloisonne

Today, I want to share what it means when you read "Cloisonne Jewelry". The reality is, it's not necessarily a type of jewelry but rather it is one way jewelry is made when it comes to COLOR being applied.

Here's a quick definition of Cloisonne:

Cloisonne, referred to as ornamental work in which glass, enamel, and/or gemstones, are split into strips of compressed wire which then become placed edgeways on a metal backings, typically found in gold pieces. Cloisonne is a French term also known as partition, originated in the Turkish culture.

This is pulled out of a quick Google search. It's just a method by which to apply color to steel and other items that are normally hard to keep a permanent color on. Cloisonne is method or a concept. The definition basically describes HOW it is done. It is fine wires that act as spaces to separate the resins (colors) that will keep the colors from running over each other. This method is best on flat surfaces like pendants we started with back in 2013, the Sigil of Baphomet Pendant. (Notice how I say pendant and NOT a medallion). A medallion is something else and I shared more details on that in the previous blog post. I recommend checking that out for more definition.

Green Skin

Now that we clarified what Cloisonne really means. Understand that, it's NOT an expensive method of creating jewelry. It's merely a process. In this sub-topic, I want to share what I know about cheaply made jewelry.

Most people prefer to wear Silver, Gold, Steel, Titanium, etc. because those metals do not have a reaction to bodily contact. Have you ever seen a nasty looking penny? Its rusted, dark, and green. Well, pennies are made of copper. That is what some jewelry producers offer when they hide behind the words "Cloisonne".

It's all about marketing. Have you ever heard of Angus Beef? There is no such thing as beef that is "Angus". There is, however, a breed of cattle and that is Angus. The name used in marketing is to sorta separate themselves from "other" beef. However, all beef is the same. Angus beef is often used to designate a better quality product. But in reality, the term has nothing to do with quality grades, better marbling, superior taste, or even beef that is raised to some sort of stringent requirements. The same applies with describing jewelry as Cloisonne. In fact, Cloisonne is a method not a grade or type of quality.

One thing I can definitely share with you is that the cheapest jewelry you can find will be made of copper, brass, or some alloy of sorts that contain a high level of copper. This in fact, is why those who say they are allergic to jewelry because their skin turns green, its most commonly due to wearing cheap metal jewelry. Stainless Steel, Silver, Gold, and other precious metals are of a much better grade and they do not react to body chemistry or contact with human skin.

This is why it is important for us to state what type of metal our jewelry is made of. We will never use words that mean something completely different to avoid telling the public that our jewelry uses copper, brass, or an alloy that will eventually turn your skin green. We do not need to offer any additional "clear coat" (nail polish) to use as a barrier when the metal makes contact with your skin. It's just bizzare and awful to think that's what you're left with when it comes to using anything less than good quality metals for jewelry.

I hope that this blog serves the purpose to make the general public understand what you are buying. We set our standards high and we will remain keeping things that way. Next time you buy your next piece, read into the description and ASK, is this stainless steel, silver, or is it just an alloy? Most jewelry out there uses silver and gold plating to mask the metal that lies underneath. This too will fade away as your body's skin chemistry fades away that plating and interacts with the copper beneath it, leaving you ultimately with green skin.

Last Note

Finally, I will cover pewter. Pewter is just pewter no matter what country you buy it from. No matter the origin, don't fall for the marketing gimmicks. English pewter is no different than USA pewter. Pewter has the qualities of silver in that is shines like silver and it cleans like silver. Well, depending on how you clean it. If you use a dry cloth cleaner, it will definitely clean like silver. Also, pewter is very soft. Jewelry made of pewter is generally made really well. You cannot add color to pewter the way we can add it to stainless steel. Color to pewter is much like paint or enamel. It will come off as soon as you start wearing it. Yeah, you can be as careful as you want to be but eventually, it's going to come off, chip by chip. Pewter is one of the cheapest metals out there. It's so cheap, it's even cheaper than copper and yes, if you pay a high premium for pewter, you are paying for the artwork that went into it more so than what the piece will last you for.

Most people have had a tolerance for high prices when it comes to paying for artwork you can wear despite being an item that has little to no applicable value. This is perhaps the angle that any business offering pewter for jewelry knows well enough about its customer base. Ultimately, it depends on the buyer and their desires. Most people commonly prefer to buy art that you can wear and have it carry a value in itself if not for the art. Hence, it's also the reason why people invest in highly expensive jewelry. Even for us, we price our items based on long term value and creativity that our supporters want to see and support.

My last note is simply to say, buyer beware and choose wisely. In the end, you will be the one who ultimately wears it and values it for what it will mean to you.