Using Sterling Silver wire

SONYA · Post by **SONYA** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 6:48 pm

I've been told that there is a type of Sterling Silver wire which does not go black in the kiln. Is this the case? and if so is it available in Britain?

Kitty · Post by **Kitty** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 7:02 pm

fine silver i believe.

froggee501 · Post by **froggee501** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 7:38 pm

Sterling Silver is .925 silver and .075 other metal. The other metal is not standardized, but it usually is copper. Copper oxidizes, so when the sterling turns black, it's because of the copper in it. Therefore, in order to have sterling that doesn't oxidize, you would need the other metal to be something that doesn't oxidize. One potential candidate would be 24k gold. However, the purpose of sterling as opposed to fine silver is that sterling, as an alloy with another metal, is stronger than fine silver. As gold is even softer than silver, an alloy between the two would likely be softer than fine silver, defeating the purpose.

Kitty is right, fine silver (.999 silver) will not turn black in the kiln, or in the flame for that matter.

More info than you wanted?

Emma