JBC Beads

What is the meaning of 1/40th Sterling Silver Filled?

admin — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:10:33 +0000

The 0.925/40 designation for sterling silver filled wire means it is 1/40th sterling silver. The name “sterling silver filled wire” does not imply it is solid sterling silver but refers to the type of silver used to coat the core. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper hence the 0.925 designation. It’s like what you see for gold filled wire – 10/20, 12/20 and 14/20. Gold filled has to be 1/20th by weight to qualify as gold filled. The numbers 10,12 and 14 refer to the karat value.

Sterling Silver Filled Wire Bio

admin — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:04:38 +0000

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.

For Japan with Love…

admin — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:33:29 +0000

Support the Relief Effort

We’ve all seen the images and videos rolling in of the devastation from the Japan earthquake and tsunamis. While aftershocks and tsunami scares are still happening days later, the nation is in for a long long road of recovery. So far, the death toll is estimated to be 2,800. In just one town, 9,500 are missing. Not only do the survivors have to suffer the loss of loved ones, but as temperatures fall, electricity, water and food are now scarce to none. Many have tried to go back to their homes and to start picking up the pieces, only to find the tsunamis have plowed their homes down and there is literally nothing for them to come home to. Convenience stores have lines hours long and a limit of 10 items to each person. The second crisis has only begun and so many are left helpless.

JBC Beads now on WordPress!

admin — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:04:09 +0000

We are now on WordPress! We hope this becomes a great open forum to discuss BEADS!

Hello world!

admin — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:51:58 +0000

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!