Michon jewelry is created one piece at a time in my art studio. I make one of a kind (OOAK) pieces and limited editions, using primarily handmade components in argentium sterling silver (or fine silver, gold fill, or copper) combined with pearls, gemstones, and alternative materials such as resin, seashells, and found objects. All of my handcrafted artisan jewelry is designed and made by me. I love working with metal and experimenting with new techniques and materials. In addition to designing and making jewelry, I’m a mom, work part time at a non-profit, and teach classes at my local YMCA.
To learn more about me and my creative process, read my blog.
A little information about some of the materials I use:
About argentium silver: Argentium sterling silver is a relatively new material. It is sterling silver, which means it is 92.5% pure silver. Unlike the standard sterling silver, however, Argentium contains a very small amount of germanium, which gives it a little bit of tarnish resistance, so that you don’t have to clean it as often. From a jewelry maker’s perspective, I prefer working with it because it fuses much better than regular sterling silver, so I am able to do my metalwork without many of the potentially harmful chemicals found in solder, flux, and pickle, which are traditionally used for soldering. Also, to correct a common misconception: it is not from Argentina, despite having the similar spelling.
About fine silver: Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver. It is softer than sterling silver, so it isn’t suitable for all jewelry applications, but when it can be used I love working with this metal. It fuses beautifully, and has a nice shiny, whiter silver color than either sterling or argentium. NOTE: I do not currently use precious metal clay. Silver metal clay is a form of fine silver that is very popular, and I know several artists who do incredibly beautiful work with it. It is not a material I’ve tried yet though – the fine silver that I use comes in the form of sheet metal and wire, not clay.
About copper: the copper wire I use is pure copper with no other metals added to it.
About gold-fill: the gold filled wire that I use is 14/20 gold fill, which means that 1/20th the weight of the metal is 14 karat gold. The gold is a thin layer which is bonded to a core of brass. I prefer gold fill to gold plate because there is more actual gold in gold fill, and unlike gold plated metal, it generally doesn’t wear off – which means jewelry lasts longer without maintenance.
About freshwater pearls: unless otherwise noted, all pearls used in my jewelry are cultured freshwater pearls. Some have been dyed or color treated, while others are left as natural colors. Natural pearl colors are often a peachy color or light pink, or creamy off-white. Lavender is possible as well. Most other freshwater pearl colors are not natural, but they are definitely beautiful!