GetCrafty Craft Facts

Q: I have a number of customers who want hypoallergenic nickel-free french hooks. They must have no nickle in them. I have been all over the internet trying to get them, and have had no luck. If anyone can help, I would appreciate it.

A: You should be able to use Niobium or Gold-Filled for sure, and 99.5% of my customers have no problem with Sterling. I've also seen surgical steel-french hooks. Most jewelry suppliers carry Surgical steel, gold-filled, & Sterling, and I get my 'Niobium' wires from Reactive Metals http://www.reactivemetals.com. The great thing about 'Niobium', is the colors you can get. It adds a nice dimension to your work. At 'Shipwreck Beads', all earring components that go into the ear are at the very least, surgical steel. Sterling Silver, Gold-Filled, and lead-free Pewter are also available. http://shipwreck-beads.com I use only sterling silver, but customers still ask me for nickel- free. I thought sterling would be better. Which is the best material for people with sensitive ears? Sterling silver, by definition, is 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. If any of the major US suppliers is selling a "Sterling" that contains nickel, it'd be a surprise to me. That said, I carry about 40 styles of french hooks, from inexpensive to hand-made, very expensive. Feel free to call me at the office (888-944-0909) during the week if I can be of more specific help.