Hi all, hope you’re well and enjoying your New Year. i’m hoping to find some advice and suggestions relating to the difference between fine silver and sterling.
I’ve only ever worked with sterling silver wire and I’m now running low on stock material. After seeing how much wire has gone up in price lately it makes me think I should convert part of a 1kg bar of fine that I purchased a while ago in to wire. I have access to a large cutting size oxy propane torch, so I was hoping to hold the bar with tongs and drip into water. Once converted to grain and flakes I could then use it on a variety of projects.
So I have a few questions … is making sterling silver wire as simple as adding 7.5% electrical copper wire to the fine flakes when re-melting a batch.
Is it worth reducing this 7.5% a bit to guarantee hallmarking standards.
Do people use fine wire for chain making … I’m assuming it’s easier to make but may be problematic with fine chains.
What projects do people choose fine silver for over sterling due to its properties.
Does fine work Harden at all.
Thanks for your wisdom and insights … Nick
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