Mixing metals (Aluminium scales)

Hi,

I've recently started using Aluminium scales and am loving the look and the great range of colours, but have not yet made a necklace because I'm not too keen on the feel of Aluminium next to the neck area. I'd like to use sterling silver rings but, given the current price of silver, would that be a waste to mix it with Aluminium? What do others do about this?

LN (who hasn't managed to get her sig to work yet - it tells me to wait for 7 days)

Hi Mead Moon,
I haven't used the Aluminium Scales yet (although I do have a small pack just waiting for me to come up with something!!!) however, I do use Aluminium rings for 3 reasons... firstly they don't tarnish.. which to me is a huge plus, secondly they are very light so heavier beads and lots of rings can be used without it becoming too heavy and thirdly they are relatively inexpensive. I often tend to mix the rings with non-tarnish silver plate rings which are a much brighter silver and tend to help to 'lift' the rather grey aluminium.
As far as Sterling is concerned, I am un-able to afford to buy it at the moment anyway, so I can't even think of using the above as an alternative!!!
Once again I seem to have been rattling on!! sorry!!

Thanks for the reply Ronnie. Maybe I'll try some non-tarnish silver plate with the aluminium - good idea!

You're welcome Elaine, will you let me know what you think? and post some pics? It may not be your 'cup of tea'.

I seem to have missed this post when it was originally made, sorry Elaine. However, as I haven't had the opportunity to work with either aluminium OR scales my knowledge on this subject comes entirely from yourself so I'm uselesss to you anyway
Personal opinion though for what it's worth: I wouldn't mix sterling with aluminium because of the tarnishing and non-tarnishing problems alone.