Anodized Niobium (niobium jewelry wire)

niobium jewelry wire

Anodized Niobium - what a scintillating rainbow of colours! The anodizing process -- similar to electroplating, the colour is formed by running a current through the metal in an electrolytic bath -- creates a layer of colour on the surface of the wire that is reasonably durable - not indestructible, but reasonable. The finish can be marred by rubbing against harder materials, i.e. steel, or by your pliers when assembling. We suggest wrapping the jaws of your pliers with masking tape.

It is strong (the 18 gauge is similar to sterling, and the 22 gauge is similar to fine silver), corrosion resistant, and hypo-allergenic. Colour can vary slightly from batch to batch. The jumprings are saw cut. As much as is possible, the wire will be shipped in one continuous piece. It is lighter weight than sterling silver, and contrasts nicely with sterling in chain mail designs. The wire makes attractive ear wires or decorative designs.

Anodized wire should NOT be soldered or heated to melting (no making your own headpins, sorry). Clean with soap and water, not harsh chemicals. The colours may change if you have very reactive skin - but it does not create allergic reactions.

Anodized Niobium - 8.4 mm Round Open Jumpring - 18 gauge - Dark Rose (10 grams)
Wire thickness is 18 gauge (approx 1.2 mm). Inside diameter is 7/32 inch, (approx 5.9 mm). Outside diameter is 5/8 inch (approx 8.4 mm). 10 grams is approx. 46 rings.

niobium jewelry wire

source: http://www.beadfx.com/catalogue/niobium.php

niobium jewelry wire

niobium jewelry wire



Niobium is a refractory metal first discovered in 1801 by English scientist Charles Hatchett, who originally dubbed the substance columbium. It was not until the soft, ductile metal was rediscovered approximately 40 years later by German chemist Heinrich Rose that it received its current name. Reminiscent in appearance to steel and platinum, niobium occurs naturally around the world and exhibits several highly useful characteristics, including good corrosion resistance, shock absorption, and a very high melting temperature of 2,468 degrees Celsius. Due to these and other constructive properties, niobium finds a significant amount of use, especially in alloys. Niobium alloys are, for instance, commonly utilized for industrial, aerospace, and superconducting applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging and trains that levitate through the use of magnetism.

niobium jewelry wire
source: http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/micro/gallery/superconductor/super3.html

niobium jewelry wire

niobium jewelry wire

niobium jewelry wire

Colorful Metal Jewelry

Many of these pieces are formed from niobium, a metal element that is strong, corrosion resistant, and hypo-allergenic.

Before forming the pieces, the niobium was anodized using electricity to create a vibrant, colorful surface. The resulting colors, ranging from pale blue to vivid purple, depend on the level of current used. Since niobium is hypo-allergenic, it can often be worn by people who are allergic to sterling silver or base metals.

Some of these pieces are formed from enameled copper wire, which is available in a rainbow of colors, many of which can not be found in anodized niobium. All colored copper earrings have hypo-allergenic niobium ear wires.

niobium jewelry wire

source: http://www.seaandstar.com/colorfulMetal.htm

niobium jewelry wire

niobium jewelry wire

niobium jewelry wire

These beautiful fused glass earings have a translucent blue base with textured pink dichroic glass placed across the top (which can appear green at certain angles). The dichroic glass captures the light in a dazzling way! Attached is a sterling jump ring and blue niobium wire. Niobium is great for the metal sensitive ear! The earings measure 5/8" long, 3/8" wide and are very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Each piece of glass is individually cut and placed together. No two are ever exactly alike.


niobium jewelry wire

source: http://flickr.com/photos/11126800@N04/2037927415/