I have noticed that there’s a lot of interest in pewter jewelry lately. I’ll tell you now that I don’t have much experience with them but I’ve done some research. What I’ve found out is that some jewelry artists prefer to use them in their creations because:
- It costs less than sterling silver but can look like silver at first glance
- It is non-allergenic
- It does not tarnish
However, watch out for lead. Although the use of lead is on the decline, some pewter pieces contain a small amount. Another disadvantage is that pewter is soft. Since it is so soft, it’s really not a good idea to use pewter findings on jewelry that you want to wear for a long time. Clasps have to be opened and closed often and pewter clasps usually break after a period of time.
If you are interested in learning how to make pewter jewelry pieces, Naergi’s Costuming Site provides in-depth instructions. Practice with extreme caution however, it seems to be a messy and dangerous job!
This video isn’t about making jewelry, but it shows the process of using pewter – just to give you a general idea. You might find it informative.
