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Post by drocknut on Feb 26, 2010 14:41:37 GMT -5
I did a search on here about this but came up empty so I thought heck why not just start a new thread? So I said to myself, ok...lol.
But I digress...
I was looking at wire on Rio Grande today and noticed "argentium silver" wire for sale. I googled it and found some information but was wondering if anyone on here has ever used it for wrapping.
I'm curious since it says it's more tarnish resistant than sterling but harder. It's not too much different in price so I've thought about getting some but hate to spend the money if it isn't good to work with since I'm such a new wrapper.
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Post by Bejewelme on Feb 26, 2010 15:12:14 GMT -5
Diane:
Tony always buys argentium from Rio Grande it is a bit harder but it doesn't tarnish which is nice. I have a special box with an anti-tarnish lining that my mom got me a few years ago, it makes a huge difference storing my wraps and silver jewelery, sometimes the silver needed to clean the wire can take the shine off of cabs, I ruined a few before I realized how harsh silver cleaner really is.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Feb 26, 2010 19:13:27 GMT -5
Argentium silver is the only silver that I use and honestly, I can't tell a difference in the way it bends.
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Post by drocknut on Feb 26, 2010 21:29:44 GMT -5
Thank you both. All I've got right now is sterling and I was wondering how well it would hold up. Guess I'll have to pay the extra to get argentium next time.
Amber, any idea where your mom got the box?
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Post by montanamuskrat on Feb 27, 2010 0:16:23 GMT -5
SILVER KEEPER boxes are available on QVC in a variety of sizes and work well , But the silver needs to be clean when it goes in, then stays bright. Tom and Debby
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Post by drocknut on Feb 27, 2010 13:24:56 GMT -5
Thanks Tom and Debby, I'll have to check into those.
Does everyone clean their silver wire after they wrap the stones? How do you clean it? I bought a cloth that is supposed to have cleaner in it which seems to shine it. I'm now hoping it's not the same cleaner you use Amber. I've only used the cloth once and no damage to the mookiate stone.
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Post by sitnwrap on Feb 28, 2010 0:09:20 GMT -5
Diane, I use the Sunshine Cloth that Rio Grande sells. It is the only cloth I use as I find that I can get an almost wheel buffed polish shine with it. The cloth has never ruined the cabs.
I don't think you need to use a polishing cloth on argentum after you finish a wrap but you may want to ask Randy about that.
I had some 24g argentum from about 4 yrs ago that I just used up and all it needed was a very light polishing to brighten it up. I have to start ordering my square wire in argentum also.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Feb 28, 2010 7:26:27 GMT -5
Nope, no polishing required after you wrap, just polish "before" and keep your hands clean. It's the natural oils from your skin that'll tarnish the wire.
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Post by drocknut on Feb 28, 2010 12:05:11 GMT -5
Ok, got it, polish first and ask questions later... ;D LOL
I'll look into that sunshine cloth Lori, thanks for the info.
I learn so much from you all. I'm grateful. Thanks
Diane
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Post by montanamuskrat on Mar 1, 2010 23:18:39 GMT -5
Be careful if you decide to solder argentium silver it gives off a toxic fume, make sure your in a well ventilated area. That is if you solder your wire.
Tom & Debby
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Post by drocknut on Mar 2, 2010 11:04:51 GMT -5
No soldering here, so no worries but thanks for the information Tom and Debby.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Mar 2, 2010 18:54:53 GMT -5
Note to self..... no huffing the wire.
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