This wire is especially well suited for use in wire-wrapping. This is an SS/40 wire with a pure copper core, not solid sterling silver. This wire from Germany is made specifically for the jewelry-making industry, and is considered by many to be second only to solid sterling silver. It is made by bonding sterling silver to a pure copper core. It resists tarnish, and because it is bonded, it wears well, and it contains more sterling – and is of a much higher quality – than plated or coated wire. This wire withstands light hammering and very light sanding with an extra fine grade of sandpaper. Hammering or sanding this wire more extensively than this will reveal the copper core. Remember, this is 1/40th precious material by weight bonded to the core, not 1/20th. I’ve received feedback that this wire can be soldered and tumbled from artisan/buyers who work with SS/40, although I haven’t tried this myself. I have made lovely earrings, earwires, clasps, and pendants with this wire and have received many compliments on my work. No matter how technically skilled or how creative a designer you are, people notice if you are using an inferior product, and that isn’t the case here. Tips on working with this wire: I use Tool Magic to coat my pliers to prevent marring and damage to the wire, which not only protects the wire – it also saves me additional time and work removing nicks or rough areas. I use a non-metal plastic type hammer & surface if I flatten it. I generally don’t hammer this wire. It doesn’t require additional hardening – it’s already half-hard. If you like a dark oxidized finish, it’s OK to be less gentle if you hammer the sterling filled. If a little of the core shows, the oxidation will mask this. You can use liver of sulfur or the hard-boiled egg technique to oxidize this wire. The pure copper core oxidizes as well as sterling silver. You can create a lovely dark finish. More about this wire: Many people don’t really understand what the SS/40 and 10/40 designations mean. This wire is truly a quality wire. There is a tube-like outer portion of 1/40th sterling (SS) by weight that is bonded to a pure copper core.
