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Post by drocknut on Aug 3, 2011 0:52:48 GMT -5
I got an email from Rio Grande announcing they now have silver-filled wire. They even list it in square and 1/2 round. I might give it a try just because silver is so high right now and it could be a good alternative. I don't know much about it but do know that gold-filled is a good option so it makes sense that silver-filled would work too. Anyone have any experience using silver-filled wire?
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Post by tanyafrench on Aug 3, 2011 11:34:18 GMT -5
I'm eager to hear how this is. I do understand that the center is still yellow not silver so the ends have to be tucked in very well.
Tanya
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Aug 3, 2011 11:35:24 GMT -5
I am wondering about it too!
wonder if its like nickle silver or a heavy silver plate over nickle
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Aug 3, 2011 12:05:18 GMT -5
According to the website (Rio) it's sterling over copper. According to wire-sculpture who says they have it now, it's a red brass alloy center. It's supposed to be a lot thicker that your silver plated wire.
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Aug 3, 2011 12:13:53 GMT -5
why did they use a color like brass or copper to coat/plate? they could have used nickle which would have made better sense
yes, gold-filled/silver-filled is just only plated wire albeit heavy plated
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blr2449
has rocks in the head
Can I retire now?
Member since January 2011
Posts: 554
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Post by blr2449 on Aug 3, 2011 14:50:15 GMT -5
According to Fire Mountain Gems: www.firemountaingems.com/sterling-silver-filled.aspFire Mountain Gems and Beads worked for over two years with one of the largest precious metal fabricators in the world to offer customers a tremendous value, bridging the gap between silver-plated and sterling silver. Both wire and findings have a durable outer layer of sterling silver (.925/20) surrounding a copper-alloy core. The findings have additional silver plating for uniformity. The fabrication is completed with an anti-tarnish coating to preserve the beauty. It handles like Sterling and can be soldered. Unfortunately, they only have it in round. |
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Post by tanyafrench on Aug 3, 2011 20:10:34 GMT -5
But Rio Grande has it in square and half round and round. They show photos which are clearly copper center with silver but the silver is much thicker than on the silver plated. Price is much better it's just the copper center that for me is a problem. You are right Frog & Bear, nickle would have been a much better center.
Tanya
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Post by drocknut on Aug 3, 2011 20:49:34 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for your input. Great information. Tanya and FrogAndBear from what I understand, a lot of people are allergic to nickel while fewer are allergic to copper or an alloy so that's why they didn't use nickel. I agree it would look better if the alloy was the same color or similar color to the silver plating but that's how it goes. I am going to order some to try so will let you all know when I get it. At least if it doesn't work like I think it's less expensive than sterling so I wouldn't be out a whole lot of money. If anyone else gets any, please share your thoughts here too. It's always nice to get other opinions.
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Post by Rockoonz on Aug 5, 2011 12:18:32 GMT -5
We plan to get a small order to try it. If it will bend the same as sterling then we can do wraps using both, saving the sterling for the portions that will have exposed ends. I saw the sheet too, any thoughts on how it might work in creations?
Lee
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Post by drocknut on Aug 5, 2011 12:33:43 GMT -5
I just ordered some of the square and half-round silver filled wire from Rio Grande, it should be here soon. I'll let you all know what I think.
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Post by upsided0wnducks on Aug 5, 2011 15:08:09 GMT -5
I'm behind you Daniel, Filled and plated are not the same. Similar concept, put precious over a base metal, but different procedure and much, much more precious metal in the filled than the plated. It's actually a selling point at my jewelry parties, is telling the people how although it's not solid kt gold it is still a valuable piece with much more precious metal on it than even the highest quality plating.
Krista
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Post by drocknut on Aug 27, 2011 16:28:51 GMT -5
I thought I'd update this thread since I got my silver filled wire from Rio Grande. I don't think I like it as much as sterling or argentium. It acted and looked more like craft wire to me. It shows tool marks even with light pressure on the tools where sterling or argentium seems more forgiving. I didn't have any problem with the core showing on the ends as I thought I would. In all I'd say I'll use up what I bought but probably won't buy any more unless the price of silver stays sky high and I can't afford it. Here's the piece I wrapped.  unknown jasper with silver filled wire Anyone else working with the silver filled wire, I'd love to hear your take on it too. |
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Aug 27, 2011 17:58:32 GMT -5
not bad looking!
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Post by ColtChainmailJewelryDesigns on Aug 27, 2011 19:04:24 GMT -5
my main wire and jewelry suplyer, talked about making this as well, but most said they would not buy it, or might try it, so they ended up not selling it on their site. =/
I would be interested in getting some if it is really cost effective! And for those that have metal allergies if it does not react to them, then I think this would be a good buy!
~Colt
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mjflinty
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2011
Posts: 358
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Post by mjflinty on Oct 6, 2011 15:52:50 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing this, it's a great help when deciding what wire to purchase!
Michael
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aunuts
fully equipped rock polisher
Some days are gold, some are rocks. Either is cool.
Member since March 2006
Posts: 1,110
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Post by aunuts on Oct 11, 2011 22:25:46 GMT -5
I may get some of the larger gauges. I want to learn chainmaille & don't want to use sterling.
jo
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Post by superioragates on Oct 15, 2011 9:43:29 GMT -5
I have started using the silver filled wire for the frames on my groove wraps....You can hammer, tumble, bend, twist...anything you want to with this stuff, and it works just like sterling. I love it, at a fraction of the cost! I also use it in the chain maille, I cannot even see the "core"....and I keep looking for it, but ya just cannot see it. People dont mind it eiether, as I am still selling the pendants made with it.
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amyk
fully equipped rock polisher
I'm a slabber, I'm a cabber, I'm a midnight wrapper.
Member since January 2010
Posts: 1,331
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Post by amyk on Oct 19, 2011 21:59:45 GMT -5
I would think that the copper core will cause it to tarnish faster. It is the copper mixed in the sterling which actually does the tarnishing. More copper will make it tarnish faster?
Only time will tell.
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