CORK

Vegan cork leather is a true vegan and environmentally friendly leather alternative.  It is a versatile natural material, harvested from the cork oak tree mostly from the Mediterranean and Portugal. The bark can be removed without harming the tree. After the tree’s initial harvest at 25 years of age, subsequent harvests occur every nine years, producing finer and more desirable cork. The process of stripping cork bark is an ancient art. It requires skilled workers who use a small axe to carefully cut and peel the bark from the tree without damaging the delicate inner layer. One of the wonders of cork oak trees is their ability to regenerate bark after each harvest. Cork is not only a sustainable material but also a cultural treasure, representing the harmony between nature and industry.

ZAMAK

Zamak is an acronym for an alloy of four metals (zinc, aluminum, magnesium and copper) then electroplated with 99.9% sterling silver.  You likely won’t get any rash or discoloration from wearing hypoallergenic Zamak as it is designed to cater to sensitive skin.  It is lead, cadmium and nickel free, strong and durable. It does not get dirty like silver, so its maintenance is minimal and it is recyclable.

RESIN

I use the finest grade of jewelry resin for superior long term clarity as well as being strong and durable.

BEADS, CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES

I use high quality seed beads for my designs. Most of my metallic seed beads are galvanized which offer a durable, long-lasting luster that resists tarnishing. I use the highest quality crystals mostly Swarovski or Austrian. I search for unusual and beautiful gemstones from around the world. I choose most of them myself by visiting vendors at the Tucson Gem Show every year.

JEWELRY CARE

Avoid chemicals Harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and detergents can damage jewelry. You should also be careful with skin care products like sunscreen, lotion, and perfume, which can react with jewelry and damage it. 

Take off before bathing. Water can corrode metals, and soap can build up on jewelry while you bathe. 

Store individually Store each piece of jewelry separately in a soft cloth or pouch to prevent scratching. 

Avoid harsh cleaners Many household cleaners contain ammonia, which can be too harsh for delicate jewelry. 

it is best to store jewelry items in a sealed bag with an anti-tarnish paper when it’s not being worn. For silver, If tarnishing does occur, gently polish with a polishing cloth.

Cork is naturally resistant to dirt, dust, and moisture.  If cork jewelry or fabric become dirty over time, the cork can simply be washed with warm soapy water and then allowed to air dry.  The fabric will not stain or discolor.

CORK

Vegan cork leather is a true vegan and environmentally friendly leather alternative.  It is a versatile natural material, harvested from the cork oak tree mostly from the Mediterranean and Portugal. The bark can be removed without harming the tree. After the tree’s initial harvest at 25 years of age, subsequent harvests occur every nine years, producing finer and more desirable cork. The process of stripping cork bark is an ancient art. It requires skilled workers who use a small axe to carefully cut and peel the bark from the tree without damaging the delicate inner layer. One of the wonders of cork oak trees is their ability to regenerate bark after each harvest. Cork is not only a sustainable material but also a cultural treasure, representing the harmony between nature and industry.

ZAMAK

Zamak is an acronym for an alloy of four metals (zinc, aluminum, magnesium and copper) then electroplated with 99.9% sterling silver.  You likely won’t get any rash or discoloration from wearing hypoallergenic Zamak as it is designed to cater to sensitive skin.  It is lead, cadmium and nickel free, strong and durable. It does not get dirty like silver, so its maintenance is minimal and it is recyclable.

RESIN

I use the finest grade of jewelry resin for superior long term clarity as well as being strong and durable.

BEADS, CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES

I use high quality seed beads for my designs. Most of my metallic seed beads are galvanized which offer a durable, long-lasting luster that resists tarnishing. I use the highest quality crystals mostly Swarovski or Austrian. I search for unusual and beautiful gemstones from around the world. I choose most of them myself by visiting vendors at the Tucson Gem Show every year.

JEWELRY CARE

Avoid chemicals Harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and detergents can damage jewelry. You should also be careful with skin care products like sunscreen, lotion, and perfume, which can react with jewelry and damage it. 

Take off before bathing. Water can corrode metals, and soap can build up on jewelry while you bathe. 

Store individually Store each piece of jewelry separately in a soft cloth or pouch to prevent scratching. 

Avoid harsh cleaners Many household cleaners contain ammonia, which can be too harsh for delicate jewelry. 

it is best to store jewelry items in a sealed bag with an anti-tarnish paper when it’s not being worn. For silver, If tarnishing does occur, gently polish with a polishing cloth.

Cork is naturally resistant to dirt, dust, and moisture.  If cork jewelry or fabric become dirty over time, the cork can simply be washed with warm soapy water and then allowed to air dry.  The fabric will not stain or discolor.