Durability testing for handmade jewellery

[rixy]

Hi,

I have recently started selling my jewellery pieces, am relatively new to actually selling my pieces and learning on the job so to speak.

I am a true perfectionist and want to my jewellery to be of a high quality and I want my pieces to last and be durable. I am looking for any tips on how people test for durability once thay have made a piece to ensure this.

I want something simple but cost effective when making numerouse pieces at a time.

Any advice would be great, thanks

[Solunar Silver Studio]

Hi Rixy and welcome to the forum!! I make fine silver chains and so I repeat the same range of designs over and over. I always try out a new design by wearing it to death. I am a very hands on practical person so my jewellery really goes through it as I never take it off!! If it survives my treatment of it over a period of weeks then that design becomes part of my range! Obviously you can't do that with 'one offs'.....so I guess a bit of strategic pulling and twisting is the best you can do - especially if you have a lot to check! But if you are a perfectionist you will know as you are working if there is any area that might be a problem! Just don't get too bogged down with it....most people care for their jewellery - not too many will try to tow a truck with it!!

[Moon Cottage]

judicious pulling and twisting - just as Barbara said.

[Moon Cottage]

Riksy - just to let you know that I deleted your other post as it was a duplicate (it doesn't take too much to confuse us before we've topped up with caffeine)

[bustagasket]

welcome to the forums rixy, think you have your answer from those in the know already

[rixy]

Thanks guys for your prompt replies,

When you're new to things you always think things are a lot more technical than just common sense.

[agent_44]

The first of a new design generally gets plenty of abuse and wear from me, just to make sure!

[Sheltie]

I too wear my (male) pices to death. The others are normally from a very old design like the Viking Knitting, I even keep a piece of this and ask prospect customers to try and break it (to date none have)I also give a lifetime guarentee with all my pieces. If they break or fail they will be replaced/repaired at no extra cost.

[Fiona]

I'm a puller and twister as well

[Jayne]

I'm a wearer to deather......all day, all night, in gym, kitchen , shower, garden etc.. If it lasts a month of that I think it's okay.
Sometimes I need to 'weartest' more than one piece at a time, so this is when I approach someone who has bought my stuff before and ask them to do it for me. This usually creates some sort of excitement and by the time the month is out I will have several orders for that piece as the result of the weartester's free publicity

J x