quick follow up to 'silver'

mary jane dodd

last week, staci posted an informative article about silver-filled (vs. silver-plated) wire, sheet and chain...

i have soldered the wire and thought i would show you the result... it's beautiful and there is no outward indication that the wire is filled with base metal... 

while i didn't finish the test, when i went to ball end with butane, the silver started to move, but not the core... the ball end will not be comparative in look to a sterling or fine silver wire ball end... the metals will end up mixing... different metals have different melting points, requiring different flame temps to work them... therefore you need to find the highest one needed for the job... 

rio grande has in its description that the core is 90% copper, 10% zinc (brass, more specifically a red brass)... silver has a melting point of 1760*, copper 1983*... a finer wire  would be able to be balled in butane, i only had 16 gauge... but you really have to play and do the experimenting... 

i do feel very strongly though that people need to know - and pricing should reflect accordingly... this new option should not end up hurting those silversmiths who choose to use their metal of choice - which is more expensive... on the flip side, it will allow those of us who may be working with a smaller budget to add more silver into our work - a very exciting prospect... especially in the area of having sheet metal available that way... 

it's like some of the innovations that are becoming available and rival traditional techniques... there is a riveting system which is terrific and makes setting rivets effortless... i think it is great, really... but there are those makers who will continue to set rivets from wire - this takes time and a developed skill level... and should add to the value of the piece... 

there are two sides to everything... so it's just something to consider... 

and i do love the silver-filled wire/sheet/chain - it's a great alternative... thanks to staci for starting the conversation...


just found this video @ rio -