David H. Fell & Co. already offers an extensive range of milled metal products for both industrial and jewelry applications, and now we have added an exciting new product to our line: bi-metal sheets in 18k or 22k gold and sterling silver. These sheets are available in sizes from 3”x1” to 3”x12”.
The contrasting colors and textures of gold and silver in our bimetal sheets have a number of creative uses. Engravers and etchers can carve, burn, or use surface treatments such as acid to etch beautiful patterns or images into one metal, revealing the other layer below. The effect created is like nothing else and is great for pendants, brooches, and earrings, as well as accessories such as belt buckles or even small art pieces.
The sheets can also be folded and twisted into shapes and textures resembling foliage, branches, or stones, the gold and silver sides providing depth and contrast. Bimetal sheets are also great for creating coin, tile, and mosaic patterns and effects. Naturalistic, tactile, and both primal and elegant, this kind of bimetallic jewelry seems to breathe with a life of its own, the hand of its creator evident in every twist and indentation.
18k and 22k gold offer different color palettes for designers to work with. 18k yellow gold subtly complements the sterling silver, while the brighter 22k gold offers a more striking contrast. The 22k sheet is also thicker and more malleable, perfect for twisting and working with hand tools.
Designers could solder their own gold and silver, as in the “marriage of metals” technique, but our process of creating bimetallic sheets results in a stronger and more stable bond that is still easy to work into whatever shape you can imagine. The fusion of gold and silver is superior to gold plating, as well, as gold plating will wear away with time while a bimetal will last a lifetime.
Old-fashioned fashion guidelines stipulate that gold and silver should not be worn together. But with their balanced contrast and endless possibilities for whimsical designs, the types of pieces designers are creating with gold and silver bi-metals show just how little sense those old rules make. Whether you prefer the subtlety of 18k gold and silver or the boldness of 22k gold and silver, we have the metal combinations, sizes, and gauges you need to realize your vision. And if you’re a newcomer to bi-metals, now is a great time to start working with the medium!
Are you a DH Fell customer that has used our bi-metals? We’d love to see your designs, we’ll even give you your own gallery page!
Send us your designs here!
