What materials are used to create BLACK BAR CREATIVE STUDIO's jewelry line?

Powder coated, enamel painted, and gold or silver plated, brass with *hypoallergenic* black niobium and surgical steel, ear wires. We also use semi-precious stone, acrylic, acetate, laser cut acrylic and hand casted resin elements.  

*PLEASE NOTE*: We strive to make all of our earrings as ear friendly as possible by using less reactive metal posts and ear wires, but for some with metal sensitivities, they may still experience irritation. What is considered hypoallergenic or non-reactive for one person, may not be the same for another.

What is acetate?

Cellulose acetate is the acetate ester of cellulose. First prepared in 1865, cellulose acetate is used as a film base in photography, as a frame material for eyeglasses; it is also used as a synthetic fibre in the manufacture of cigarette filters and playing cards.

Commercially, cellulose acetate is made from processed wood pulp. The pulp is processed using acetic anhydride to form acetate flake from which products are made. Coming from wood pulp, means that unlike most man-made fibres, it comes from a renewable resource and is biodegradable.

What is niobium?  

Niobium is a rare, lustrous grey, non-toxic metal. It is commonly used in jewelry making as it is hypoallergenic. Niobium is safe to wear by anyone who suffers from metal allergies, as it is a pure metal, and does not contain any nickel and or copper alloys. 

How is black niobium created? 

When niobium is put in an electronically charged bath, it can produce a rainbow of various colors. To create our black 'color' ear wires, we use heat. A torch is applied to the niobium, and it is then quenched in water. This process produces a black oxide on the niobium surface, which is chemically stable and will not change over time.  

What is powder coated metal? 

Powder coated metal is a technique that creates a hard paint finish that is more durable than conventional paint. The dry powder paint is applied electrostatically, and is then heated to solidify and cure the powder.  

What is resin?

A solid or liquid synthetic organic polymer used as the basis of plastics, adhesives, varnishes, or other products.

The resin BLACK BAR CREATIVE STUDIO uses, contains no VOCs (known as volatile organic compounds), and no BPA's (known as Bisphenol A).

What is resin casting?

Resin casting is a method of plastic casting where a silicone mold is filled with a liquid synthetic resin, which then hardens. Once the casting is fully cured, it is sanded, cleaned and is then ready for assembly.

What is laser cutting?

Laser cutting is a fabrication process that uses a laser beam to cut, and / or engrave, various materials.

Have a question?

We would love to hear from you! :)

Please email us at blackbarcreativestudio@shaw.ca.