Below are a list of definitions used in my listings or questions I am frequently asked.

Metallised
These are plastic beads or pendants with a metal coating - some can appear cheap & inferior quality. I only stock ones which in my opinion are of the best quality (ie difficult to tell they aren't metal).

Head & Eye Pins
These are used mainly for earrings - they are added to a ear piece in order to create a drop. The eye pins are used in place of a head pin if using larger holed beads which would fall off a head pin or if you wish to add a pendant to the bottom of the drop. Please note pins bend very easily - when I buy the pins they are usually bent (the longer the more likely) - in our smaller days I used to employ someone to straighten all of these before despatch - due to the amount we sell each day this is no longer possible, practical or necesasary. They are easier to straighten when in use as the beads make them easier to pull into shape - They are not damaged or unusable.

Silver & Gold Plating
This is a process of coating a base metal (usually brass) with sterling silver or real gold. I have been told the process is done using magnetic forces which blasts the coating on to the metal (how technically termed is that?). Plating does wear off over time & certain factors can increase the rate at which this occurs contact with water, chemicals perfumes etc.

Nickel Content
I have been informed by my suppliers that all findings where appropriate comply with the EEC Directive (EN1810, EN1811 & EN12472) on nickel content that is in its most basic form "Products intended to come into direct contact with th e skin must not release nickel at a rate exceeding 0.5 micro grams per square centimetre per week for a period of at least two years of normal use". My understanding is also that most suppliers will not risk saying nickel free in case of traces so the majority of low nickel products are as nickel free as possible - therefore if purchasing a nickel free product from a bold supplier probability is its the same as the cautious supplier saying low nickel.