Monday, January 28, 2013

Update on silver filled…
I thought it might be time to do an update on the silver filled metal I began using in the 2012 season…
In May of 2012 I began offering pieces made from silver filled sheet, clad one side and silver filled wire.  I made pendants, earrings, ear wires & bracelets from this product and I’m happy to say it was very well received…once I explained how the metal is made, along with the price point many people were more than happy to give it a try.   Having said that there will always be those who prefer sterling silver items…
During the summer, I was able to purchase double clad silver filled sheet, silver on both sides…I’m not sure this is an important feature as it didn’t seem to make any difference to my customers if one side was brass…
As a refresher… silver filled metal is a layer of brass to which a layer of sterling silver has been permanently bonded…it will not wear off!  Like sterling silver it will tarnish so keep your pieces in a baggie with an anti tarnish tab, or clean gently with a cleaning cloth.  As with silver avoid exposing your pieces to hairspray or other harsh chemicals.  This product gives the look of sterling silver without the cost!
I found it very easy to work with…texturing is possible with a light touch as it is softer , I soldered sterling and fine silver for detail, it is also possible to sand this metal, although again with a light touch, tumbled all finished pieces for a nice shine and hardness.   In general I treated this metal the same way I would all my sterling silver pieces.
It appears silver filled products have found a place in the silver world, as I’ve noticed there are ear wires, crimps, chains, crimp covers, jump rings, beads, ball pins, tags, all ready made from silver filled metal…that tells me silver filled metal will become a readily used and available product for the future.    I like this as the cost of silver is still high…if fluctuates up and down a few dollars, but continues to stay higher than hoped for in 2012.   I honestly don’t see anything different happening in 2013.
My intention is to continue using the silver filled metal in the 2013 season…
As always feel free to leave a comment or suggestion on my blog or send me an email at hjcote11@gmail.com.

Have a great week…
Cheers


3 comments:

  1. Wow. These are very nice. Wonderful.
    Nicole/Beadwright

    ReplyDelete
  2. thanks for your kind words & stopping by Nicole...
    cheers

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think silver-filled items are nice to work with. They're sturdy but yet still present a nice shine to give designs that professional polish. I love your designs, too! Amazing job :)

    Marissa Foss, Artbeads.com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment...it is truly appreciated!
Cheers