Portland’s Saturday Market just opened for the year on March 1st, so this past weekend Fidhlear and I decided to stop by and see if there was anything we couldn’t live without.
Up and down the aisles of unique arts and crafts, I added a variety of items to my mental wishlist. One booth in particular almost convinced me to pull out my pocketbook, but I held firm. Until we passed through again at the end of the day, just before close.
Jewelry. It always seems to be my downfall at places like this. But just look at those gorgeous butterflies (right)! Or what about the adorable teapot and cup (left)? I also spotted some fanciful twists, a fork and spoon set, several animals and more.
They’re all from a place called Colorburst Studios, and that unique rainbow coloring is due to the metal used, called niobium. Here’s what their site has to say about it:
Niobium is a member of a small family of metals known as refractory metals. All the color you will see is purely refracted light; no dyes, colorings, or paints are used! The thickness of the oxide determines the color you see and allows us to express design in color and pattern. We use an electrochemical oxidation process (water and electricity) to control the oxide build-up and therefore control the color. Niobium is totally hypo-allergenic. This refractory element (along with Titanium) is frequently used in artificial joints, plates, pacemakers and dental implants. It is the safest metal you can wear.
Now, I didn’t know all that when I saw the earrings; I just thought they were pretty! Unfortunately, they’re also a bit pricey, ranging from $25 to $60 a pair. So, being the budget shopper I am (and not one to wear dangly earrings on a regular basis anyway), I opted for a simple pair of medium-sized hoops for $9.
I’ve worn them for the last 48 hours or so now. They feel so light! My hair doesn’t catch on them like it can with other types of hoop earrings, and when I forgot to take them out before showering, my shampoo and face wash didn’t seem to have any affect either. So anyway … I’d definitely say this was a good purchase, and I just might have to pick up another pair or two in the future!
