GENERAL
What is electroforming?
Briefly, electroforming is a method of forming a metal layer on non-metallic objects using electric current in a chemical solution. In principle, you can use electroforming to cover everything possible or impossible with metal, if you really want to. From our experience, we have successfully coated by copper flowers, leaves, trees, lace, stones, lichens and mushrooms. More info about electroforming.
 
What metals do you work with?
We work mainly with copper - galvanization, soldering. We also provide gilding, silvering, rhodium plating and tinning.
 
Can you repair jewelry that was not bought from you?
It depends on the base metal and the complexity of the work, we decide individually.
 
Why so expensive?
We know the price of our jewelry. First, it is based on the technical complexity of production - used metal, stone, minerals. The aesthetic value of the work is difficult to measure, it is determined intuitively. The price of the work also includes time spent in jewelry production, the price of all related materials, workshop rental, services of a photographer, modeler, stylist, time spent processing photos, visiting the post office, paying for website hosting and maintenance, jewelry advertising and time spent communicating with customers. Creating beautiful and quality jewelry is not a hobby, but my favorite job, and I hope you appreciate it.
 
Do you make custom jewelry?
Yes, I can create unique decorations for you according to your ideas and my abilities. The more accurately you describe to me what the jewelry should be like, the more accurately I can materialize your idea.
 
Can you make something I saw on the internet?
I can repeat with minor deviations the jewelry I have already made. I do not copy jewelry created by other authors, although I would have the technical means to do so, because I respect the author's idea and work.
 
Is electroforming safe?
Despite the fact that some hazardous chemicals are used in copper plating, with the right approach, safety precautions and the use of protective equipment it is not dangerous for your health. The presence of galvanic equipment in a residential building does not affect the acidity of the air, nor does it pollute it. When grinding and polishing copper, copper dust may form, from which you will need to protect yourself with a mask and gloves. A clean workplace is the key to your health.
However, plating with other metals is already a dangerous production requiring special protective equipment.
 
Courses
Where do you run courses?
I regularly organize group courses in Prague, Brno and Český Krumlov.
Information about upcoming courses is always published in advance on the website or on our social media pages.
 
What is the difference between group and individual courses?
In the group course I provide more theory and in the individual course I focus closely on the student, answering all his questions.
 
What is the size of the group?
It depends on the room where I teach and on my ability to give my attention to each person. In Krumlov, in my workshop, there can be a group of up to four people, in Prague and Brno 8 people. For more people, I can't provide equipment and enough of my attention.
 
How long does the course last?
The standard group course lasts 3.5 hours of continuous work. If you include tea breaks, then about 4 hours, but a maximum of 5 hours.
 
Will I be able to do it?
Electroforming does not require any special abilities, skills or knowledge. If you've ever been involved in any creative work or jewelry making - well, if not - it's okay, I'll explain everything in as much detail as possible.
 
How much does it cost if I want to start with copper plating?
The starter set for copper plating will cost you 3-3.5 thousand crowns. Then you can buy additional materials, depending on the chosen field of interest.
 
Will there be any support after the course?
I don't leave my students without help. Within one month, each student can contact me for personal advice, via Skype or a social network. A closed group was created on Facebook for Czech-speaking students, in which participants share their problems and successes, shop and advise. In addition, each student will receive a list of required materials with links where they can be purchased.
 
Is one course enough?
As a rule, one course is enough to master the basics and to perform the first steps in electroforming. Those who have already decided on a certain direction and lack experience can take another course upon agreement.
 
I have a husband / cat / small child at home. Do I need a separate workplace?
Of course, a separate room for experiments is simply amazing, but it's not necessary at all. All you need is to have your own workplace and a corner in the apartment where your children and animals cannot get.
 
Do you offer online courses?
I do not run online courses, but I can advise.
 
Can you come to us?
Yes, by prior arrangement.
 
 
Jewellery
Recommendation how to take care of our jewelries
  • Remove the jewelry before bathing and using cosmetics.
  • Fix the brooches on cloths before dressing and make sure it is fixed well.
  • Lost shine can be restored by polishing with a cotton or flannel cloth with a drop of beeswax.
  • Protect shiny surfaces of the jewels against spirit, acetone and other solvents.
  • Put on jewelry only after using cosmetic aerosols (perfumes, deodorants).
  • Protect jewelry against falls, crashes and scratching.
  • Store jewelry in places protected from the sun and moisture. Encapsulated natural products can fade over time due to the sun.
  • Deposit each piece separately and protect against harm.
  • Protect against children.
  • Love your jewelries, they will pay back by their long and devoted service!
 
Why do you lacquer jewelry?
To stop the process of metal oxidation and to prevent the skin reaction to copper.
 
Are the patinas you use safe?
We use only certified products and materials purchased from reliable suppliers, so we are convinced of the safety of the coating.
 
How to choose the length of the chain?
It is best if you use the tailor's tape to choose the appropriate length yourself. Below is a picture to help you find your way around if you don't have a way to measure the length.
 
How to choose the size of the ring?
You can measure the circumference of your finger with a thread and use a table.
 
How to determine the diameter of a bracelet?
It is also better to use a thread and a ruler to determine the diameter of the wrist.