Re:
When I was in college, I had 2-3 pieces that were being considered for addition to the school’s permanent collection. But none of them made it because- unbeknownst to me- there were materials I used that were unstable as I used them, so the creations simply disintegrated over time (for various reasons).
From the “experience creates wisdom” files, I just avoided using unsuitable materials for a nifty beadwork design I had in mind.
I designed a hematite bracelet, and as I was shopping for materials, I found out that new colors were available*. The new colors inspired me to modify my design.
But the new colors, weren’t natural, they were dyed/plated (sites differed on terminology). And as I dug deeper, I found that the modified hematite finishes were not durable, especially when exposed to water or certain chemicals. Which a bracelet would be.
My initial reaction to this info was to add more of the material to my shopping cart so I could make duplicates for when the finishes would start failing. Older, wiser me called younger me an idiot, and removed the modified hematite from my cart.
I’m going to do the bracelet according to the original design, but I’m ALSO currently shopping for different materials to realize the version of it that would have featured the other colors.
* FYI: natural hematite polishes to a shiny gunmetal grey appearance. The modified types come in metallic silver, bright silver, and shades of gold.
Strand Length: approx. 15.5 inches. Dimensions: 3mm x 6mm. Hematite beads make great spacers and can add some weight to your to your jewelry. Tejas Beads Hematite · Smooth · Rondelle Disk · 6mm Bead
www.tejasbeads.com