Print Page - What exactly is German silver wire and where can I buy it?

Title: What exactly is German silver wire and where can I buy it?
Post by: Diane on May 22, 2013, 11:57:42 AM

I've seen some lampwork recently made directly onto German silver wire and wonder exactly what the difference is between that and sterling and where I might get some.
Thanks
Diane x

Title: Re: What exactly is German silver wire and where can I buy it?
Post by: mizgeorge on May 22, 2013, 12:52:44 PM

German silver is also called nickel silver. It's a copper-nickel-zinc alloy containing no silver whatsoever. It used to be popular for flatware and some jewellery.

Unfortunately it doesn't comply with EC nickel directives so can't be used for anything that might become jewellery here.

It is still sometimes used in the US, where there are no nickel rules.

Title: Re: What exactly is German silver wire and where can I buy it?
Post by: MadelineBunyan on May 22, 2013, 12:57:47 PM

George has beaten me to it!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_silver

Title: Re: What exactly is German silver wire and where can I buy it?
Post by: Diane on May 22, 2013, 01:17:41 PM

Thanks both - looks like I won't be making beads on German silver then ;D.
Diane x

Frit-Happens !

Jewellery => Metal and wire => Topic started by: Diane on May 22, 2013, 11:57:42 AM