Hello. I was wondering if permanently-colored, silver copper wire can be used, and look good, as a poor person's sterling silver wire for necklaces, earrings, etc. I am selling and, of course, wouldn't misrepresent the material as sterling. Yes, I am poor. I admit it.
shawn
You're talking about plated wire. I've used quite a bit of it myself, but more for practice than anything else. The plating will discolor or come off sooner or later. You'll sell some, but it's a different market than the sterling market.
I don't know if the copper fad is still going, but have you tried using just plain copper wire, maybe with a non-tarnish coating?
Aloha, Maren HiloBeads: Beads - Beading Supplies - Hand-made Jewelry
It depends on how you are going to be using it. I wouldn't use it for chain maille, but for wrapped loops and similar applications, it is fine. You can buy non-tarnish silver colored wire. Just don't list it as being sterling and you'll be fine.
Barbara
Bead & Polymer Clay Habitué
There is a very fine line between a hobby and mental illness. (Dave Barry)
market than the sterling market.
It's the peasant market.
I know. We have a lot of that here, but I didn't want to say it that way (and I don't know how much that market segment are buying at the moment. Money is always tight here, and it's tighter now).
Aloha, Maren HiloBeads: Beads - Beading Supplies - Hand-made Jewelry
Shawn, if you think it's only good for the "peasant market", why do you want to use it?
I'm too clumsy to use cheap materials without wrecking them, so I stick with sterling.
But if you do choose to use them, you'll be much more successful if you direct your energy in a more positive direction. Coated wire is for the "fun" market, or is "whimsical". If you don't respect your material, for whatever value, your work will show it.
Tina
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