List of materials

We want you to know about what you're purchasing, how it's made, and where it's sourced from. As an Indigenous run business, our pieces are ethically sourced and sustainable.

About the Artist

  • Indigenous made, Ethically sourced

    When you shop Indigenous, you shop ethically. Any fur or animal skin is ethically soured.

    Meet the artist 

  • One of a Kind, Handmade

    You won't find anything here at the Velvet Bone that exists anywhere else. And I won't remake pieces, either. Every piece is completely unique, a one of a kind handmade piece of art.

    Check out my beadwork gallery 

  • Fragile, handle with care

    We recommend keeping away from moisture, and handling all your pieces with the utmost care.

    Review product care guide 
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Learn about product care

Taking care of your pieces is important for mainting luster and longevity.

Learn more

All about materials

material information

Smoked moosehide

Moosehide is braintanned and given to me by my cousin. Smoked moosehide has a delicious smell.

material information

Rabbit fur

Fur scraps sourced from a Metis Indigenous artist who makes moccasins and mukluks. Colored rabbit fur pieces are hand dyed with RIT dye.

material information

Buckskin

Given to me by my partner and his family.

material information

Caribou hair

Used for tufting. bought from one of my cousins friends in Alaska.

material information

Salmon skin

Dyed salmon skin has a beautiful texture. Given to me by my cousin.

material information

Caribou antler slices

Usually used as a center for beadwork. Purchased online from a shop in Yukon.

All about metals

we know theres alot of conflicting and confusing information about metals out there! so we put together this quick guide.

  • What doesn't tarnish?

    All metals, even real solid gold, tarnishes. Tarnishing is a fact of life. The important part is taking care of your jewelry to prolong the process. All pieces come with a bag for storage and an anti tarnishing strip.

    Learn more about product care 

  • Are your pieces nickel and lead free?

    Nickel and lead are the materials that irritate most peoples skin. All of our products are nickel and lead free.

  • What is an anti tarnish tab/strip?

    Anti tarnish strips are a little black tab that works to absorb molecules in the air that cause jewelry to tarnish. Each order comes with a Velvet Bone bag with an anti tarnish tab inside. Anti tarnish strips do not last forever, but you can find them easily anywhere. Be sure to check your gift bag and store your jewelry correctly to maintain luster and longevity.

  • What can you get wet?

    We do not recommend getting any of our pieces wet due to the fragile nature of the materials we use in our products.

  • What's plated?

    Plated jewelry, like 18k gold plated brass and silver plated iron are simply more affordable base materials plated with a higher quality material on top. For example, 18k gold plated brass is made of brass but has a 18k gold plating that will naturally tarnish over 2-3 years to reveal the brass it's made of. Additionally, 18k gold plated stainless steel, while lasting longer and being more durable, will still tarnish eventually to reveal the silver stainless steel the piece it's made of. Your pieces can last up to five years if you take care of them and use the anti tarnish strip. Contrary to what people think, gold plated jewelry is not truly hypoallergenic.

  • What if a piece breaks?

    We will fix a piece free of charge and on us. We know you work hard for your things and we want you to be able to appreciate them. We cant guarantee we can fix everything, but fill out a request form to begin discussing how we can explore options to help you out.

    Request a repairment 

  • What's best for sensitive skin?

    In our clearance section, pieces made with huggies are best for sensitive skin as they are hypoallergenic treated. Beadwork will have a clear coat of Jewelry Aid Sensa Guard to make all beadwork hy

    Learn more about the coating 

there are pros and cons to each. decide which works best for you and your skin.

zinc alloy

  • cheapest, most affordable material
  • comes in many different fun and interesting shapes
  • tarnishes rather quickly, store with provided anti tarnish tab for longevity

tarnish resistant brass wire

  • brass wire that has been treated with a sealant so it keeps it’s color
  • should not get wet
  • can discolor skin

raw brass

  • usually pendants, or accents in pieces
  • beautiful brass color, can come in a variety of unique and interesting shapes
  • raw brass tarnishes, can patina to a pink/green overtime. some people prefer this effect.
  • raw brass can be polished to restore luster
  • will discolor the skin
  • not hypoallergenic

lacquered brass

  • brass pieces that are sealed with a lacquer and painted gold
  • lacquer is a sealant that protects brass from oxygen and tarnishing
  • a lacquer treated piece is also hypoallergenic
  • lacquer eventually flakes off after 2- years, revealing the brass to the air and starting the discoloring patina process, which some people like
  • lacquer can be reapplied, or brass can be polished with a cloth or vinegar solution to restore to original luster
  • all brass can be polished

gold plated brass

Most of the findings (jumprings, wire, eyepins) we use will be 18k gold plated brass.

  • brass base metal plated with a thin layer of 18k gold
  • gold plating does wear off after 2-3 years to reveal the brass composition. can last up to 5 if taken care of properly.
  • brass is a brown color, some people enjoy that it can potentionally patina into green/pink after gold plating wears off
  • tarnished brass can be polished with a vinegar solution, or even brightened with a cloth
  • brass can discolor the skin
  • is not hypoallergenic
  • very affordable, but doesnt last as long

gold plated stainless steel

our gold colored hooks will be 18k gold plated stainless steel.

  • stainless steel base metal that is plated in a thin 18k gold layer
  • gold plating does eventually wear off after 2-3 years to reveal the silver colored base, but up to 5+ with stainless steel if you take care of it. Having a stainless steel base does make the plating last longer because it's more durable.
  • getting gold plated jewelry wet will result in the plating coming off sooner
  • stainless steel does not rust or tarnish, and does not need polished. after gold plating comes off, it will always stay a silver color even when wet
  • stainless steel will not discolor skin
  • contrary to what most think, any gold PLATED jewelry is not hypoallergenic unless stated otherwise and treated with a hypoallergenic sealant
  • long lasting and affordable

disclaimer: i am writing this to the best of my knowledge and ability. the velvet bone is not liable and will not give refunds if you feel inormation is not correct. if you have any suggestions or corrections, please contact us.

Review shop policy

Got questions or suggestions?