White Bronze

We have a winner!!! Nancy Riordan guessed 1,2,3 and 7. Congratulations!!!! The magic that goes into this alloy is as follows:

Copper 61%

Manganese 17%
Zinc 16.3%

Beryllium 2.05%

Nickel 2% max

Lead 1.5%

The metal is durable. The manganese supports the lack of tarnishing. There is a very small amount of Nickel and Lead in the alloy. If you are concerned about reaction - the clasps can be clear coated using non-yellowing indoor-outdoor laquer.

The magnetic clasps are on the site now and advance orders are being taken.

Soon I will have many of your favorites like the Polka Dot Ruffle, Sea Urchin Ruffle, Chartres and Deco Triangle as well as the Gingko clasp available. I am having the cones done in white bronze so that those of you that do bead crochet, kumihimo, and multiple strand pieces can have the brilliant white of white bronze without the cost of silver. The clasps will be at the bronze price point.

White Bronze or Sterling Silver - Can you tell the difference?

With silver prices approaching $40 I figured something needed to be done to offer my customers clasps and finding product that would give them the durability and beauty that silver, jeweler's (or silicon) bronze and pink silver (or shibuichi) do.

As a white metal - pewter is an alternative that some have taken on. Since I work with clasps and other components that need tensile strength that is not acceptable. Plating is another thing that some have done, plating silver over brass doesn't work for me as many of my pieces rub each other and I don't want my customers coming back to me telling me their skin is turning green when the plate wears off.

I wanted to offer quality at an affordable price so we set out to do an experiment. We made some of my most expensive clasps out of an unexpected metal - white bronze. White bronze is an alloy of nickel, copper and zinc.

After the order was placed I waited nervously for the samples. Today they came.

I now have a challenge for you. I have taken a picture of both silver and white bronze clasps together. The first person who correctly names the clasps that are white bronze will win $25 worth of product on my website or $25 credit with your next purchase. One try per person.

There was no color correction used on this photo. If it is hard for you to figure out the difference I am thrilled and hope you are too. Email me at phxfox48@msn.com with your answers.

I am adding more clasps to the inventory this coming month and will post them on the website as I get them. This will offer you an option in white metal that is durable and affordable. Check http://www.handfast.biz/ for listings.