List of materials

We want you to know about what you're purchasing, how it's made, and where it's sourced from. Our pieces are ethically sourced and sustainable while carrying on the traditions of our ancestors.

About the Artist

All about materials

material information

Smoked moosehide

Moosehide is typically braintanned and smoked, so it will have a delicious smell.

material information

Rabbit fur

We like to source our rabbit fur scraps from other Indigenous artists who make bigger projects like mukluks or moccasins.

material information

Buckskin

Buckskin is typically used in a piece in the same way moosehide is. Made from deer skin.

material information

Caribou hair

Used for tufting.

material information

Salmon skin

Dyed salmon skin has a beautiful texture.

material information

Caribou antler slices

Usually used as a center for beadwork. Caribou is central to the Gwich’in people and culture.

material information

Dentalium shell

Dentalium is a shell that is popular in many nations beadwork.

material information

silver fox fur

the silver fox fur was given to me by a cousin.

material information

dyed beaver fur

beaver fur that has been dyed black. given to me by a cousin.

All about metals and hardware

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 

hardware information

hooks

Hooks are the most commonly used earring hardware. Typically made of 18k gold plated brass.

hardware information

huggies

Huggies are great for stretched ears. 18k gold plated brass.

hardware information

kidney wire

Kidney wire as earring hardware is also very good for stretched ears. 14k gold plated brass.

hardware information

fingernail posts

Fingernail posts are studs but for bigger earrings. They keep an earring snug to the lobe. Great for dancing. Stainless steel.

hardware information

studs

stainless steel studs.

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

silver plated

  • silver coloring for the people who enjoy silver
  • not hypoallergenic
  • silver plated pieces are silver plated over a non precious metal, the plating will eventually wear off to expose the underlying metal
  • affordable

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

stainless steel

only available if you purchase the silver color stainless steel conversion.

  • durable and long lasting
  • will not tarnish, rust, or change color with exposure to oxygen or water, and does not need polished
  • does not discolor the skin
  • some people consider stainless steel to be hypoallergenic, but it depends on individual allergies and content make up. here at the Velvet Bone we do not consider stainless steel to be a hypoallergenic option.
  • affordable
  • silver colored for the people who enjoy silver instead of gold

.925 sterling silver

only available as a conversion in hooks.

  • .925 means the piece is made of 92% real silver
  • silver does tarnish and discolor, but can be polished to restore luster
  • hypoallergenic, good for sensitive skin

Learn about product care

Taking care of your pieces is important for maintaining longevity. The Velvet Bone pieces are meant to be heirlooms you can treasure for a lifetime.

Learn more

Got questions or suggestions?