I have finally done it! I have ordered myself a selection of silver filled wire to make some new jewellery. It’s been ages since I made any new wirework pieces as I have been concentrating on my drawing. It’s going to be strange swapping over from the pens to the pliers but this is what happens – I get so absorbed into one thing then realise I have neglected the other for a while.
So what is silver filled wire?
-meets the same legal requirement of “gold filled” as it is 10% sterling silver which is bonded to a white brass core…this is 30x’s thicker than any silver plate
-it is half hard and will work harden
-the white brass core is barely noticeable when you look at an open ring, and not noticeable at all when properly closed…and “heals” to a good degree when cut with cutters
-tarnishes, oxidized, polishes just like sterling silver
-can be hammered, soldered, textured
-has the identical look and feel of sterling silver
-is HALF the price of sterling silver
I got mine from Unkamen Supplies on Etsy. It’s coming from the States and should be here any day. I am so excited!
Silver filled is becoming more readily available here in the UK and thank goodness as Sterling is just too expensive to work with right now.
I think the sensible thing to do would be to make some pieces out of copper, just so I get a feel and the confidence back after the short break I have had from jewellery making.
I can’t wait to share with you what I create with silver. I do hope my style and work lends itself to silver and I am prepared for the fact that the gemstones and colours I normally choose might have to be altered. So watch this space!