Fine Silver Surface Decoration

[glitterbead]

When using fine silver wire for surface decorations melted on beads, does one use half hard or dead soft? Or does it matter???

Thanks in advance!

[chocolatier]

When using fine silver wire for surface decorations melted on beads, does one use half hard or dead soft? Or does it matter???

Thanks in advance!

Hi: Neither, you have to use the pure silver, not the sterling. You can get it from Frantz or any of the other suppliers. You can also roll your own with silver foil. Best, Linda

[glitterbead]

Hi: Neither, you have to use the pure silver, not the sterling. You can get it from Frantz or any of the other suppliers. You can also roll your own with silver foil. Best, Linda


Hi Linda - I did not state sterling, I stated FINE (which is .999). Does it matter if I use half hard or dead soft?????

[PolychromeBeads]

I don't think it matters - it's getting melted anyway. I think fine silver tends to be softer than sterling, so the differentiation between soft and hard is less. I have been using fines silver cloisonne wire (left over from my enameling days). It's extremely soft.


Aimee
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[AlexM]

It doesn't matter. I like 26 guage fine silver. It gives a delicate appearance when it is melted in.

[glitterbead]

Thanks Aimee and Alex!!!

[froggee501]

While I'm not certain, the difference between hard and soft is whether or not it's been hardened or annealed. Heat the wire and let it cool, it's annealed and softened. Send the wire through the tumbler and it's work-hardened. Since you are melting the wire onto beads, it doesn't matter. :)

Emma