Resin jewelry has come to stay. Many designs are available, and there’s an opportunity to customize your jewelry.
Pendants and earrings are the most popular pieces, but you can also purchase resin rings and bracelets.
While this type of jewelry is increasing in demand, there have been concerns about its safety. In this article, we discuss all things resin and the safety concerns.
What is resin jewelry?
Resin jewelry are jewelry pieces made from resin such as epoxy resin, UV resin, and polyester resin.
Epoxy resin is the most common resin that jewelers use. It is a liquid chemical that turns into a clear, shiny, water-resistant, and solid substance when it hardens.
It can be used alone to make jewelry, but typically, jewelers suspend materials such as dried flowers, feathers, or resin charms in it for decorative purposes.
How to Make Resin Jewelry
Resin jewelry is not difficult to make but you’ll need to follow instructions correctly and practice regularly. Getting the right materials is also as crucial to achieving a desirable result.
Materials Needed
- Resin
- Mold, bezels, or casing
- Spatula or plastic mixing spoons
- Measuring cup
- Decorative additions
- Safety gloves
- Glasses
- Respirator (optional)
- Protective materials for work surface
Instructions for Making Resin Jewelry
- Gather supplies: The first step is to gather all the materials you need for the entire project. Once you mix your resin, you’ll have to work immediately to prevent it from hardening before you want it to.
- Prepare mold and decorative items: Decide on the mold and set it aside. If your jewelry has decorative additions, set the additions apart and have a rough idea of how you want them to be placed. For example, if flowers are a part, ensure they are dried and sealed before placing them in resin.
- Mix the resin: There are different types of resins and a variety of brands to pick from. The most important thing to do is to read their bottle labels correctly since brands have different directions for mixing. Only mix the amount you expect to use as leftovers will harden over time and be a waste.
- Pour the first layer of resin: Whether you’ve chosen to use a mold, bezel, or casing, you’ll need to add your first layer of resin. If you notice air bubbles in your resin, you can get rid of them using a hair dryer.
- Add decorative material: If you plan to add decorations to your jewelry, arrange them the way you want them to appear in the finished product. You can use a pin to adjust the materials.
- Pour another layer of resin: This should be after the particular timing given by the manufacturers. The goal is the ensure that the first layer has solidified.
- Remove from the mold: Once you’ve left your resin to harden for the required hours, you can proceed to remove it from the mold.
- Assemble your resin into jewelry: Whether your jewelry piece is a necklace or earring, you’ll need to make it wearable. This includes creating a hole in your resin, adding metal chains for a necklace or a bracelet, or adding earring clasps.
💡 Warning: Make sure your work area is well ventilated and if you have a respiratory condition, wear a respiratory mask that will prevent you from inhaling the toxic fumes.
How long does resin jewelry last?
Resin jewelry lasts a long time if it’s cared for properly. The length of time depends on resin formulation, heat exposure, and harsh chemicals and scratches.
Is resin jewelry expensive to make?
Resin jewelry is not expensive to make compared to jewelry made with precious metals and stones.
Is resin jewelry safe to wear?
Resin jewelry is made from cured resin, and is safe to wear. Cured resin is also food safe and can be used for homeware.
Is resin jewelry toxic?
Resin is a toxic chemical that becomes non-toxic when it hardens. This is because it becomes chemically inactive. If you make resin jewelry, check the resin kit safety data sheet to take the appropriate precautions.
Breathing resin fumes for a prolonged period can cause health issues like respiratory irritations and allergies.
How to Care for Resin Jewelry
Resin jewelry, like other types of jewelry, requires some maintenance practices. Some of them include:
- Do not wear your jewelry to swim or take a bath. This protects both your resin and the metal part of your jewelry.
- Avoid scratching or bumping your resin to prevent it from breaking or losing its shine.
- Do not expose your resin jewelry to the sun for a prolonged period because it can cause it to be discolored and softened.
- Do not expose your jewelry to cleaning chemicals and harsh chemicals like acetone and alcohol.
- Wipe clean with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
- Do not wear your jewelry to sleep.
- Wash with mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.
FAQs About Resin Jewelry
Resin for jewelry is a fairly new trend compared to metals and other materials. So, we’ve answered some frequently asked resin jewelry questions.
Do resin rings break easily?
Resin rings do not break easily. The thicker the ring, the less likely it is to break. However, the resin ring can scratch easily, giving it a scuffed look. Resin rings are also more difficult to resize.
How do you keep resin jewelry shiny?
You can keep your resin jewelry shiny by polishing it. Polishing involves cleaning it with soap, warm water, and a soft cloth, smoothing the surface of the jewelry with grit sandpaper up to 20000 grit, and applying a polishing compound with a microfiber cloth.
What polish can you use on resin?
You can use a polishing compound in the paste or spray form like the Flitz multi-purpose polish and cleaner paste.
Can you shower with resin jewelry?
You shouldn’t shower with resin jewelry. Although resin is water-resistant, it is not waterproof, so constant exposure to water is not advisable. Also, your resin jewelry is typically attached to a metal chain, which should not be exposed to moisture.
Does resin scratch easily?
Yes, resin scratches easily. Even though it hardens to become a solid substance, it is still softer than metals and can get scuffed quickly.
Jewelry for the Free-Spirited
Resin jewelry is a trend you may want to try out. These beautiful jewelry have a unique twist to make it stand out. Even though it is one solid piece of jewelry, it is lightweight, so you shouldn’t have any issues wearing it on your ear, neck, or finger.
The concerns about resin jewelry’s safety are valid. However, if your jewelry has been adequately cured, you have nothing to worry about.
Protecting your jewelry from prolonged exposure to sunlight is also recommended to prevent it from yellowing and softening. Resin jewelry is an interesting method to explore, whether as a maker or a wearer.
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