rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,172
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Post by rockbrain on Oct 2, 2022 11:33:16 GMT -5
So, I feel I'm ready to give some silver wire a go. I'll order from Rio Grande. I'm wondering about the differences in Argentium and Sterling and how they differ from working with copper. I appreciate any insight anyone can give me before I order.
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Post by jasoninsd on Oct 2, 2022 16:51:51 GMT -5
I believe the silver wire I've worked with has been really prone to tool marks slightly more than copper. I know Tela doesn't care for Argentium...but I kinda like it. It's more "dazzling" than silver-filled...but I haven't worked with sterling, so I don't know the dazzle-differential there!  |
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Post by drocknut on Oct 2, 2022 17:13:26 GMT -5
I have worked with both Argentium and Sterling Silver. They are very similar to each other. Copper tends to be a softer wire although I use dead soft in Argentium and Sterling. As Jason said, silver wire does seem to be more prone to tool marks than copper. I don't use Silver Filled because I never liked the feel of it or the way it worked. I was in the process of switching over to all Argentium but haven't done that many wraps to use up my supply of sterling silver wire. I'm still not convinced that Argentium is that much better than Sterling so when I do order more wire I'll be comparing the prices for sure. I do like that Argentium doesn't look as badly tarnished when it's been sitting for a while but it does tarnish a little so I just clean all the wire before I do a wrap.
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 2, 2022 17:21:31 GMT -5
I've always thought that copper was more susceptible to tool marks. It is softer.
I really don't care for argentium, but that's just my opinion. I don't think the so called improved look is evident. I don't think the workability is better or as good as reg sterling. I have not witnessed that it resists tarnish. I keep everything in zip locks. Eventually, I see slight tarnish on ALL my zip locked silver- argentium included.
Argentium is better for making balled ends, though.
If you want to use argentium, I would start with reg silver since it is cheaper and then move over to arg.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Oct 2, 2022 22:45:43 GMT -5
I only use Sterling and fine silver (for weaving), so I'm no help in the Argentium dept. I've never felt the need to use Argentium wire because I patina most of my work anyway. I've heard good and bad about Argentium and have decided it's an extra expense that I don't need to incur since I'm not a prolific wrapper. I've developed more interest in metal smithing nowadays and prefer to do that over wrapping, although I still do wraps on occasion.
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Post by susand24224 on Oct 3, 2022 2:22:19 GMT -5
Hi, I'm in the argentium camp. Rio Grande has a fine article on "developing" the tarnish-resistant qualities of argentium, and also the differences in soldering. I think both can be a pain to work with--copper spoils you! My experience with argentium (I don't do any of the fancy stuff that the article talks about) is that initially it tarnishes almost as much as sterling but gradually it tarnishes quite a bit less. One interesting thing I've noticed is that my sterling tarnishes almost as much here in central Washington (dry, low humidity) as it did when I lived in Virginia (high humidity, lots of rain), but the argentium tarnishes less here, so experiences may well differ based upon where a person lives. I now only purchase sterling if what I want is not available in argentium.
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 3, 2022 6:02:14 GMT -5
Hi, I'm in the argentium camp. Rio Grande has a fine article on "developing" the tarnish-resistant qualities of argentium, and also the differences in soldering. I think both can be a pain to work with--copper spoils you! My experience with argentium (I don't do any of the fancy stuff that the article talks about) is that initially it tarnishes almost as much as sterling but gradually it tarnishes quite a bit less. One interesting thing I've noticed is that my sterling tarnishes almost as much here in central Washington (dry, low humidity) as it did when I lived in Virginia (high humidity, lots of rain), but the argentium tarnishes less here, so experiences may well differ based upon where a person lives. I now only purchase sterling if what I want is not available in argentium. I agree that copper spoils you. I love working with copper and with gold fill. Because copper is softer, it is much easier to recover from the occasional nick and tool mark. Silver takes a little more work. |
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,980
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Post by khara on Oct 7, 2022 2:32:28 GMT -5
I know this topic is about silver but people are talking comparisons to other materials. In the same color family, what about stainless steel? Is that a wrap option? Has anyone here used it? I know it’s a harder metal…
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 7, 2022 3:05:11 GMT -5
I know this topic is about silver but people are talking comparisons to other materials. In the same color family, what about stainless steel? Is that a wrap option? Has anyone here used it? I know it’s a harder metal… I've used it many times. Yes, it is very hard and difficult to work with. I like it, though. |
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,980
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Post by khara on Oct 8, 2022 3:23:53 GMT -5
I know this topic is about silver but people are talking comparisons to other materials. In the same color family, what about stainless steel? Is that a wrap option? Has anyone here used it? I know it’s a harder metal… I've used it many times. Yes, it is very hard and difficult to work with. I like it, though. Do you find that you have to stick with smaller gauge wire or do simpler wraps? Have you posted any pics anywhere on here? |
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