In addition to being nickel-free and allergy safe, one of niobium's amazing qualities is that I can anodize it, to become a completely different color, or even a gradient spectrum. 

Niobium metal is naturally steel-gray in color. When I anodize niobium, I give it a low-level electrical current. The exact voltage I use on the wire creates different colors, and by varying the current, I can produce any of the colors you see below on the chart. I can even create a short spectrum that goes gradually from one to the next. 

This chart shows niobium wire samples, which I have anodized at different points along the color spectrum, which I have identified with a name and number. You may notice that this spectrum is not in "rainbow order" but has some wacky logic of its own: 

UPGRADE YOUR COLOR:

Some of the jewelry I make already has color options listed on a drop-down menu. If you do not see the color that you want listed on a niobium item, just let me know. I can create any color on the chart, and I can often get colors that are "between" the colors you see. If you want a gold that is slightly more pinkish, for example, I can tweak the voltage and get closer to the color you want. It may also be helpful to know that I can go "up" on the colors shown, but not "down." Once something is colored bronze, for example, I can still change it to gold or hot pink, but I can't change it from hot pink, back to bronze. I have numbered the colors in the order that they naturally occur in the anodizing process.

I cannot anodize anything made of Argentium Silver, or jewelry that has pewter, brass, or bronze parts in it. 

I have tried to make color selection very simple. Many of the pieces that can be anodized already have a drop-down menu of color options for you to choose from. If you don't see the choice you want, you can leave me a message, either by using my contact page, or by using the comments box at checkout.

No additives have been used on your niobium jewelry. Unlike most other colored metals, there are no dyes or coatings, and it is not plated or enameled. Your niobium is still pure nickel-free niobium all the way through.

JEWELRY CARE

The outer layer of color produced is permanent and will not fade because of time or exposure to sunlight. It does require some care and attention, though.  In order to keep your jewelry shining its brightest, here are a few tips for you:

• Don't scratch your jewelry against other hard metal objects
• Remove your jewelry before swimming in a chlorinated pool. 
• Remove your jewelry before applying make-up or perfume.

To clean your jewelry, just soak it for a minute or two in a cup of water with a tiny bit of mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and gently pat your jewelry dry. Don't use commercial jewelry cleaners on anodized niobium jewelry, or scrub at it with harsh brushes, or the color will go away. To store your jewelry, just tuck it in a small pouch, or hang it safely on a rack.

By anodizing your finished piece of jewelry in-house on my own equipment, I am providing you with the most solid, uniform layer of color that is possible. I can also make the color you like best, and easily make the entire piece a consistent color. With just a little gentle care, you can maintain your beautiful color for many years to come.