To date, this is the only mixed metals piece I have made. Well, the only one that has considerable work in it...
I really have mixed feelings about mixed metals. Especially mixing Sterling or Fine silver with copper or brass. Copper oxidizes soooo quickly. And brass, I'm really not sure how I feel about brass. I like the look of brass, but only if it's been oxidized.
This ring for example has quite a bit of silver in it, and only the heart is copper. Being a metalsmith, I know how to take care of it, or how to clean it up when it gets ugly. But what about the average customer?
Of course I'll do my best to educate my customers on proper storage, cleaning etc...but how often have you left a piece of jewelry laying around, forgotten about it and then discovered it was an oxidized mess?
Some may think it's beyond repair...
I don't know. Maybe I'm over thinking it. Maybe it's the jewelry snob in me. But I am seeing a lot of mixed metals lately. I know it's the price of silver that is fueling this trend. I'm just not certain if I want to embrace it or not....
What do you guys think? Mixed metals or no?
