Information about products and materials

Wooden beads

The wooden beads I use in the lanyards are high-quality beads made from European beech or maple by the Czech company Preciosa in a sustainable manner. The wood used in them is PEFC/FSC certified, meaning it comes from a responsibly and environmentally friendly managed forest. The beads are painted and varnished with non-toxic European products. The beads have a beautifully symmetrical shape, but their surface pattern is unique, as befits wooden beads. The wood grains visible on the surface of the bead can be seen through the dyeing in denser or sparser patterns.

Wooden beads can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Avoid using too much water or soaking. If wooden beads get wet, it is best to let them air dry as much as possible.

Stainless steel

The earring hooks and most of the other metal parts I use are made of stainless steel (304 / 316 stainless steel), which is considered a very allergy-free material. (As with all metals, allergic reactions are individual, so it is not possible to say that no one could get an allergy to this material, even though it is rare.) Stainless steel contains nickel, but it is chemically bonded to other metals in the alloy (mainly iron + chromium, manganese and molybdenum), and therefore is not released onto the skin. Stainless steel is long-lasting in use and therefore also an ecological material. Steel parts are also more environmentally friendly, because their manufacturing process consumes less energy and does not generate much waste. In addition, steel is a highly recyclable material. It is also a maintenance-free jewelry metal, the color of which does not change, and the surface does not wear out even with heavy use. A truly great jewelry material.

Jewelry metal

In some parts of the jewelry I use a material called jewelry metal, the composition of which may vary slightly depending on the product. The parts are either silver-colored brass or zinc alloy, which is a very commonly used jewelry metal. Zinc alloy is a durable metal that consists of zinc and varying amounts of other metals. Zinc alloy can darken like silver, but not as quickly.

All metal parts used in the products meet EU requirements for nickel, lead and cadmium content.

Jewelry wire

The jewelry wire, which is used to make key chains, is made of stainless steel coated with nylon. The wire I use is made in Germany of the strongest possible quality, consisting of 49 very thin stainless steel wires twisted together. The transparent nylon coating protects against wear and increases the durability & flexibility of the wire. Although high-quality wire does not bend or break easily, it is advisable to store jewelry made of wire hanging or loosely coiled. If the wire is tightly compressed, it may develop kinks, which can even break the wire over time.

PLA plastic

3D printed earrings are made of PLA plastic or recycled PLA plastic whenever possible. PLA, or polylactide, is made from renewable plant-based raw materials such as corn and is biodegradable (can be composted in industrial composting plants). Recycled PLA is an even better option for nature, because the material is already in its second cycle of use, and its production does not consume valuable farmland. This earring material is therefore quite environmentally friendly and does not cause allergies. Earrings made of PLA can be cleaned with water and a mild soap solution. PLA is prone to deformation at temperatures above 60 degrees. Therefore, earrings should not be stored, for example, on the dashboard of a car on a hot summer day.

Yarn used in crocheted jewelry

The yarn used in the crocheted key chains is OEKO-TEX certified cotton yarn. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is an internationally recognized certificate and the world's leading health label for textiles, which means that the products have been tested and approved for the fact that they do not contain chemicals and dyes that are harmful to health or are presumed to be harmful to health. The crocheted earrings are 100% mercerized cotton, which has been hardened with a non-toxic textile hardener. Thanks to the surface treatment, the earrings are also moisture-resistant. However, it is not a good idea to go into the shower, sauna or swim with crocheted jewelry. If the crocheted jewelry gets completely wet, it is a good idea to let it dry well, preferably on a surface, even on a table on a cloth. Usually the jewelry will be the same after drying, but I cannot guarantee this.

Glass beads

The tiny glass beads, so-called seed beads, that I have used in the earrings I have made using the slalom technique, are the prestigious Japanese Miyuki beads. Miyuki is a company and brand founded in 1930 known for its top-quality seed beads. The beads are of very uniform quality in both shape and color. My jewelry also includes glass beads made by the Czech company Preciosa.

Stone beads

Gemstones (also known as natural stones / semi-precious stones / gemstones) are minerals and types of stone that are polished for use in jewelry. Each gem is unique, meaning the appearance of the beads varies from one individual to another, as with all natural materials. It is not recommended to expose gemstones to chemicals such as perfume or hairspray.

However, porous lava stone can be used as an aromatherapy necklace by adding a few drops of essential oil or perfume, which will be absorbed into the lava stone and will have a long-lasting scent. However, when adding fragrance to lava stone beads, it should be noted that essential oil should not be applied directly to the skin. It is recommended that the fragrance be added to the beads when the jewelry is not in contact with the skin and that the oil is allowed to dry before wearing the jewelry. Please also take into account possible individual allergies and hypersensitivity to different scents.

Important things about wearing jewelry

Handle jewelry with care, even though it is made to be as durable as possible. Glass and stone beads in particular can shatter if dropped on a hard floor. Do not tug or tear necklaces, especially those made of wire.

Avoid getting cosmetics and chemicals on your jewelry. It is best to put on jewelry last, after any detergents, grease, and perfumes have had time to dry on your skin.

Keeping your jewelry clean will extend its lifespan. Regular cleaning is therefore worthwhile. Often, simply wiping it with a soft cloth is enough to remove dirt from the surface of the jewelry.

It is best to store jewelry made of wire hanging or loosely wound to prevent kinks in the wire.

Take off your jewelry at night, during sports, when doing yard work, and in other situations where it is difficult to avoid getting dirty or breaking it. Also, do not go to the sauna, shower, or swim with your jewelry on. Water and detergents, chlorine in swimming pool water, the heat of the sauna, and sweating from your skin are not good for your jewelry. Sunbathing and sunscreen can also damage your jewelry.

Jewelry made from PLA plastic may deform if exposed to very hot temperatures (around 60 degrees Celsius or above) for a long time, so it is not recommended to leave it in direct sunlight, for example.