| Practicing is the key to becoming familiar with | | | | sterling is what indicates the amount of silver there is. |
| different types of wire. The more you use them and | | | | The other part is a mixture of metal alloys. This part |
| try different types, the more you will learn the | | | | of the make up is what adds strength to the wire. |
| qualities of each type. This will Also allow you to gain | | | | Sterling makes beautiful jewelry, however it does |
| knowledge of which type works best for different | | | | tarnish. |
| projects. | | | | Fine silver is almost 100 percent pure silver. The |
| The first type of wire is copper. This is a great | | | | actual percentage is 99.9. Since fine silver does not |
| choice to practice with. It is easy to find, especially at | | | | have as many alloys a sterling it is softer. The lack of |
| hardware stores and is affordable. It also looks great | | | | alloys allows pieces made with fine silver to tarnish |
| with earth tone beads. | | | | slower. |
| Galvanized is also a good type to practice with. It is a | | | | Keep in mind once you get in to the sterling silver |
| dull silver color. You often are able to find it at your | | | | and fine silver the cost goes up. Make sure you |
| local hardware store. | | | | practice until you are comfortable working with wire |
| Sterling silver, which by the way is one of my | | | | before moving up. It is definitely less costly to make |
| favorites, is 92.50 percent pure silver. The word | | | | mistakes on the copper or galvanized wire. |