In addition to the materials used in a practice, it is important to consider the impact of processes. This includes how materials are manipulated and what further resources are used to turn materials into finished products. The main processes in a jewellery and silversmithing practice to consider are chemicals, tools and natural resource use.
Pickles are one of the harshest chemicals jewellers use in the studio and even the branded ‘safety pickle’ is pickle solutions marked as ‘safe’ are considered harmful for the environment and for people. Alternatives such as citric acid or salt and vinegar solutions can be used and are safer to handle and to dispose of. The following recipes and advice for safe disposal have been provided by Ute Decker, ethical jeweller. Find instructions for making more sustainable pickle solutions and advice for safe disposal in our Library.
Resins like epoxies and polyesters contain harmful petrochemicals made from fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas, which can cause hormone imbalances with extended exposure and are harmful for both the atmosphere and water systems.
Eco-resins make up a broad group of polymer resins that are non-toxic, renewable, or are solvent-free (water-based). Bio resins on the other hand are made with plant and vegetable extracts.
Hannah Louise Lamb in the studio by James Robertson.
To avoid the harmful risk of lead poisoning through inhalation, look for lead free enamels.
For degreasing metals, you can use a biodegradable oil-based soap such as castile soap. Oil soaps can be found at most health food stores. A recommended recipe is to use 6 tablespoons in a 6-quart/6-litre slow cooker.
Ruth Leslie in the studio by James Robertson
Electrolyte etching is a process of metal etching that has been found to be less hazardous than traditional methods of metal etching that use caustic acids. The process of electrolytic etching uses an electric current rather than acids or caustic chemicals and although it still requires the use of copper sulphate, this is easier to safely manage compared to the chemicals used in other methods. Further, the steel wool method for extracting copper sulphate out of a spent copper bath, can be used here just the same as with reusing a spent pickle (see instructions for this method under jewellers pickle).
Using boiled eggs for oxidising metals as an alternative to liver of sulphur has been used by jewellers. Find directions for this method in our Library.
Jewellery Making Journal – How to oxidize sterling silver and copper with boiled eggs
The Beading Gem – Tips for how to use boiled eggs for metal patination
Note: Using boiled eggs for oxidising metal still produces hydrogen sulphide. It is a small amount, but you could produce the same amount if you used a small amount of liver sulphur to start with as well. Although using boiled eggs is a relatively safe option, you are still using resources and energy to do this–the energy to boil water and the consumption of eggs.
Cadmium and Fluoride are chemicals commonly used in the soldering process. The negative impacts of prolonged exposure to these elements are well documented. Fluoride fluxes commonly used with solders have negative impacts on the respiratory system if the fluoride fumes are inhaled in the soldering process. Damage from continued exposure to these toxins is avoidable by using cadmium free solders and fluoride free fluxes.
Donna Barry in the studio by James Roberson
Working with products containing silica/silicon dioxide can produce a fine silica dust. Inhalation of silica dust over time can cause silicosis, a long-term lung disease. Avoidance of this risk can be achieved by avoiding products that contain silica. A product that can be found to include this in the jewellery industry is polishing compounds, but silica-free polishing compounds are available.
You can find two methods developed by Ute Decker for cleaning your silver in the Library.
Soapy Water
Organic Silver Polish