Sterling Silver 925 - Resin Work

[shazza]

Hi all,

does anyone have any online sites that are good for ordering sterling silver 925, I am looking for earring hooks.

There are loads of sites out there stating sterling solver 925 but when you look further is S925 which means its only coated.

Im also looking for material with dosent tarnish too, anyone any ideas they could share with me.

Im starting up resin jewellery making, first make will be earrings, Im really looking forward to starting my new hobby.

Anyone out there who works with resin?

[caeterle]

For non-tarnish, I have used stainless steel earwires, but the color is not the same as sterling silver.
Argentium silver is supposed to be more tarnish resistant, but opinions vary on that. It's purer than sterling silver.

You are right, you always have to be wary about sellers stating their ear wires are 925 in the title and then it says in the description is sterling silver plated or silver filled.

There are sellers on eBay, for example, who sell SS ear findings and of course on Etsy. Good sellers show if there is a stamp. I don't know of a UK site selling SS ear findings as I never got any from there.
Another way would be to buy sterling silver wire and make your own ear wires. There are tutorials for that on YouTube.

Dawn works with resin sometimes, she has made beautiful leaf pendants for example.

[DawninCal]

I mostly deal with online supplies in the US. They very clearly state whether or not items are silver plate, silver filled, sterling or argentium. But, I think sometimes people don't take the time to read all of the specs in the descriptions when they buy something and that is how they sometimes wind up with something that isn't what they expected.

Because you are in the UK, I'm not familiar with the suppliers there, but I thought that the regulations there were more stringent than here. My advice would be to carefully read the descriptions before purchasing.

Sometimes, you can find wire that has been coated to keep it from tarnishing. That will stay on for a long time, but will eventually wear off. I have been using stainless steel for the last few years. It's less expensive and very few people are allergic to it. As Cat says, it's not exactly the same color as silver, but it's close enough. And, as Cat also said, you can buy sterling wire and make your own ear wires. There is a tutorial in our tutorials section on how to make ear wires.

As far as resin goes, it can be a very rewarding material to work with, but be aware that there is definitely a learning curve so be patient and don't get frustrated. And...never, ever, ever, no matter how tempted you are, stick your finger in drying resin to see if it's hard or not. Just give it the 24 hours it needs to cure before touching it. I have learned this the hard way as have many others who work with resin. There is also a type of resin called UV resin that will cure nearly instantly when exposed to UV rays - either sunlight or a UV lamp. The upside is that it cures so quickly, but the downside is that once exposed to UV, there's no time to correct or fix things.

There is a site called Resin Obsession that has some good forums about working with resin. You can learn a lot by reading those.

Good luck!

[shazza]

Thanks guys, your a great help, I have ordered loads of stuff.....lol, cant wait to start.

I may look at creating my own wires too, the tutorial is easy enough to follow.

Dawn I have just looked at your web site, you have some amazing items displayed.

Just a quick question, when selecting wire do you select half hard or soft?

[caeterle]

Half hard is good for ear wires, but you can also use soft if you harden them, for example in a tumbler.

Here's an overview that might help you.

[shazza]

Thanks, I havent a tumbler, yet....

I will look at half hard wire at 20 gaug.

[DawninCal]

I always use soft. I've tried working with half hard, and since wire hardens as we work with it, I find it gets too stiff to manipulate. Besides a tumbler, wire will harden as we work with it and you can also gently hammer it to harden it. A regular hammer will leave hammer marks, which I don't mind. I actually like that look. But, you can also use a hard rubber mallet and it won't leave marks on your wire.

I'd suggest ordering some of each and then you can decide which you prefer. You might find you like half hard for ear wires, but soft for wrapping and weaving.

Thanks so much for the kind words about my Etsy shop!

Sounds like you are about to begin a jewelry making journey. Be forewarned, many of us have become to obsessed with designing and creating jewelry, but in a good way! Don't be afraid to experiment, watch youtube tutorials (a wealth of info there), don't get frustrated if you find yourself having to do something over a few times to get it right, and most importantly, have fun!



Dawn

[Irith-Rita]

I always make my own ear wires from solid silver 925 (sterling). To harden them I do not use a tumble because I was taught by my tutors to hammer them slightly on a flat anvil. The hammering hardens them.

Up to date these ear wires never tarnished. I keep all my earrings in closed boxs which prevent them from being in contact with oxidents outside the box.