Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
April 4, 2011

Question:

I have 14/20 gold filled wire, but cannot find a marking stamp for it. I want to mark it 14GF or 14/20, because I also sell gold jewelry which is not filled. Do you have a source for me? Thank you!

-Nita in Murchison, Texas

Answer:

Hi Nita, some folks like to hang a tag on their finished jewelry, stating the metal used. However I agree that hanging an extra tag on a piece can take away from the design, or the tag is just too large (say for earrings) and it’s difficult to tag a ring!

If you would like to use a tag on a necklace or bracelet, Wire-Sculpture has a nice selection of Sterling Silver Tags. We don’t carry gold-filled tags; due to how small the tags are, we haven’t found an affordable vendor for that kind of tag.

My favorite stamp company is Microstamp. These folks will custom make you a stamp in about any size, to say anything you’d like, such the type of metal or even your personal company logo!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 30, 2010

Question:

Hi Dale, is there a stamp available with which to stamp a tag to include in a jewelry piece, which states its quality, such as 14kt Gold Fill? I don’t do shows, I sell in shops and online. I haven’t seen such a stamp yet, this is the problem, or I would have bought one. So how does one use a stamped tag? Do you know where a stamp like this would be available? Many thanks for your helpful answers.

-Patricia in Melbourne, Australia

Answer:

Well, there are a few options. Whenever I do a show, I usually have some of my wire with me. If a customer is curious, I show it to them and explain just what the metal is. You could also print a type of materials guarantee on the reverse of your business card, stating that the materials you use are genuine. I know other wire artists who attach small metal tags, with the metal type and/or karat stamped on them, to their work.

As far as actual jewelry tags, Wire-Sculpture stocks Sterling Silver Quality tags, which work great for your sterling silver jewelry. However, none of our suppliers carry 14kt gf tags, because they are so small to manufacture around the fill metal.

You can have your own stamps made online. The best place I know to go for jewelry stamps is Microstamp Online. These folks can make about any size, metal and wording you might need. They are very friendly and helpful!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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