Id bracelet blanks

[lyteone]

I've just found this site and so I am hoping that someone may have some information for me. I have been looking for quite sometime for a supplier of blanks for id bracelets that could be stamped. I am wanting to make costume id's. I have been able to locate many places that have the findings,but none seem to have the blanks! I am new to this; so any info would be appreciated; also any trade magazines with supplies would be greatly appreciated, as well as stamping or lettering info.  Thank you so much

[Polly]

What size and shape would you like, and what material or plating(s)?

About 5 x 20mm rectangular, slightly curved?
Or are you looking for a variety of sizes/shapes?

And what types of quantities?

I think we have current access to some styles of blanks, and if not, I at least know of sources for ready-to-engrave ID bracelets.  Many years ago, original members of Rings & Things did state fairs in the summers, with a few styles of personalized jewelry.

--Polly

[lyteone]

'> Dear Polly, Thank you so very much for your information. I am looking for a variety of sizes (men's and women's sizes)and designs with a slight curve. I would need the findings as well, because I as said; I would want to attach the blanks with two clasps, one on each end so that the blank could be replaced with another. I am hoping to provide 3 engraved or stamped blanks with each bracelet. I am looking for gold plate and silver plate to start with, then prehaps move on up to a better quality. But I would be willing to consider sterling.
I am not sure how many I would need to start with. If there is a lot size,  I would probably want the smallest as a starter, depending on the price. I would also be interested in checking out the other sources of ready to engrave that you have.  Thanks again.

[Luann Udell]

Will engraving cut through the layer of plating??
Luann

[lyteone]

I am hoping so. I have never done engraving or stamping before. However, I have seen inexpensive bracelets that have been engraved; I assumed that they were plated.

[Russ Nobbs]

When we did fairs with engravable jewelry we used a vibrating engraver - the type cops tell you to use to your ID on stealable things.  It wasn't very high tech but we developed a nice script for engraving that many people were happy with, particularly for the price, particularly at a fair.

It didn't exctly go  thru the plating. It indented the plating and the metal underneath.  But sometimes it would chip or flake the plating and we'd scrap the item. The machine engravers do the same thing but with a cutting tool that is pantograph or computer controlled. I don't know if they actually remove metal or do they just score the metal???   Sometimes it's nice to run into something I've never done.

A hand engraver actually removes metal, going thru the plating and the into the base metal.

[lyteone]

Polly, Is it possible for you to relay the information to me concerning the blanks you may have access to (I would love to see some samples and get an idea of their weight) and any other possible sources you are aware of , or even perhaps whom I can contact to find a supplier.  Thank you.

[lyteone]

Russ, Thanks for the input. As I said I was thinking of stamping. I have no idea if it would work. I'm a novice. I was even thinking of a hydrolic press and dies., but that probably wouldn't work with plating, would it. Anyhow I need to get the blanks before I can figure out how to accomplish the rest. Hand engraving would not work for me.  Merci, Bethany

[Polly]

Hi Bethany,

Sorry about the delay. I was out for a few days.  I'll look some things up and get some information to you.  

--Polly

[lyteone]

'>  '>  '> Greetings Polly,Thank you so very much! I certainly will appreciate it. Bethany

[Polly]

Stamping might work best on Sterling rather than basemetal IDs.

There is also the possibility of having your items engraved at a local Award/plaque shop. That would make it so you wouldn't have to purchase the engraving (or stamping) equipment, and could engrave any words on any material.  They would probably charge a few dollars per piece though, which could get pricey. And, you would need to find out what the smallest size piece of metal is, that they could engrave on.

While we look up some ID bracelets, here is a link with general information about prices for plating special order items:
http://www.rings-things.com/misc/spec.htm

There is also some info in there about custom stamped tags, and some of that information might apply.

I am checking to see if we have the ID bracelet parts available already plated.

--Polly

[lyteone]

Polly, Again, thank you for the info. I will be anxious to hear from you concerning the id's. Bethany '>

[Polly]

So far, I've had less luck than I thought I would have.

The company I used to get most of my ID bracelets from, seems to no longer exist.  One of the others has changed its focus, and now has virtually no engraving supplies.  And the other one, which I will send to you in e-mail, seems to be listed in a lot of internet places as a "work from home" source now, which seems odd.  (But we've gotten listed places that we'd rather not be listed, so that might not be intentional on their part.)

Most of our buyers are in Tucson right now, so I've only gotten a few trickles of information back (none too promising yet), but I expect better news in the next 2 weeks.

Sorry to have less than I expected so far!

--Polly

[lyteone]

Thanks again for your help! I am continuing my search for the elusive id manufacturers. I know they are out there somewhere. Bethany:)

[Luann Udell]

Try contacting John Mathieu in Providence RI at 401-454-1480 or e-mail him at mattm@jewelry-things.com  John represents a consortium of jewelry findings manufacturers in RI.  He's very familiar with base metal jewelry components (and he's a nice & honest man) and he may be able to think of something.
Luann