Studio
▪ Recycling & Green Processes; Recycled gold & silver processes are always utilized throughout production. Ashley Childs uses specific refineries who are environmentally friendly & use the latest-updated recycling processes for refining precious metals. The casting a refining companies are constantly updating their methods; focusing on better, safer, greener processes. As a metalsmith, Ashley keeps her bench & materials carefully organized. During certain process many pieces of scrap-gold or silver can be melted & re-used.
▪ Wholesale inquiries are available. Please contact Ashley Childs for information.
▪ Metal / Mediums: Gold (14kt, 18kt, 22kt), recycled; Gold-filled (14/20); Sterling Silver (.925); Argentium Sterling silver (.945)
Argentium silver is the most tarnish resistant silver available today. Argentium Sterling Silver stays bright & beautiful for years. It is a naturally hard metal, which lends itself to greater strength than regular sterling silver. It is durable & can be considered problem-free by most standards. It is highly tarnish resistant–so its shine is long lasting, so there is no need for additional professional polishing or excessive care. Warm water & a mild detergent are all that are required to maintain its appearance. Smudges can easily be removed by using a soft dry cloth only. It is a “green” metal–friendly to the environment. As a modern sterling silver alloy it modifies the traditional alloy (92.5% silver & 7.5% copper) by replacing some of the copper with the metalloid: germanium.
▪ Pearls, cultured & fresh water pearls; Japanese Akoya Keshi Pearls: A very important & deeply loved material of Ashley's. Obtained from a high-quality exporter with offices in Maine & Japan.
▪ Gemstones & Semi-Precious gems are obtained from sources who are active in the fair-trade industry; pearls, including tahitians & natural-japanese akoya pearls are acquired from confirmed, economically - friendly sources who are involved with ocean-friendly & fair-labor practices.
▪ Custom designs: Most pieces may be duplicated, (given pearl variations &/or material availabilities, duplication might not be exact.)
Some pieces are truly one of a kind. If the client requests, different variations of certain pieces are always possible. Ashley makes sure all clients’ changes or adjustments are fully comprehended, understood & obtainable.
For the bride or bridesmaids, Ashley is able to create custom designs &/or groups of custom pieces & creations. Last-minute custom creations are possible, however a few weeks should be given for pieces to be properly designed & fabricated. Ashley finds working one-on-one with the bride all necessary questions & details are deciphered. She wants to make sure the bride obtains their true vision!
Collaboration between client & artist is recommended when the clients wants to explore possibilities using their own materials, or if they want to re-vamp a few pieces which don't seem to have any "life"! Gr&mother's pearls will always remain special, but if that single str& (which remains lifeless in your jewelry box) & wearing it alone doesn't suite YOUR style... *remember! the possibilities are endless!!
▪ Recycling & Green Processes; Recycled gold & silver processes are always utilized throughout production. Ashley Childs uses specific refineries who are environmentally friendly & use the latest-updated recycling processes for refining precious metals. The casting a refining companies are constantly updating their methods; focusing on better, safer, greener processes. As a metalsmith, Ashley keeps her bench & materials carefully organized. During certain process many pieces of scrap-gold or silver can be melted & re-used.
▪ Wholesale inquiries are available. Please contact Ashley Childs for information.
▪ Metal / Mediums: Gold (14kt, 18kt, 22kt), recycled; Gold-filled (14/20); Sterling Silver (.925); Argentium Sterling silver (.945)
Argentium silver is the most tarnish resistant silver available today. Argentium Sterling Silver stays bright & beautiful for years. It is a naturally hard metal, which lends itself to greater strength than regular sterling silver. It is durable & can be considered problem-free by most standards. It is highly tarnish resistant–so its shine is long lasting, so there is no need for additional professional polishing or excessive care. Warm water & a mild detergent are all that are required to maintain its appearance. Smudges can easily be removed by using a soft dry cloth only. It is a “green” metal–friendly to the environment. As a modern sterling silver alloy it modifies the traditional alloy (92.5% silver & 7.5% copper) by replacing some of the copper with the metalloid: germanium.
▪ Pearls, cultured & fresh water pearls; Japanese Akoya Keshi Pearls: A very important & deeply loved material of Ashley's. Obtained from a high-quality exporter with offices in Maine & Japan.
▪ Gemstones & Semi-Precious gems are obtained from sources who are active in the fair-trade industry; pearls, including tahitians & natural-japanese akoya pearls are acquired from confirmed, economically - friendly sources who are involved with ocean-friendly & fair-labor practices.
▪ Custom designs: Most pieces may be duplicated, (given pearl variations &/or material availabilities, duplication might not be exact.)
Some pieces are truly one of a kind. If the client requests, different variations of certain pieces are always possible. Ashley makes sure all clients’ changes or adjustments are fully comprehended, understood & obtainable.
For the bride or bridesmaids, Ashley is able to create custom designs &/or groups of custom pieces & creations. Last-minute custom creations are possible, however a few weeks should be given for pieces to be properly designed & fabricated. Ashley finds working one-on-one with the bride all necessary questions & details are deciphered. She wants to make sure the bride obtains their true vision!
Collaboration between client & artist is recommended when the clients wants to explore possibilities using their own materials, or if they want to re-vamp a few pieces which don't seem to have any "life"! Gr&mother's pearls will always remain special, but if that single str& (which remains lifeless in your jewelry box) & wearing it alone doesn't suite YOUR style... *remember! the possibilities are endless!!