This can be confusing, but we got you covered!
Quick Facts
OK buying metals! The truth is there are a lot of different ways to buy metals, but depending on the metal you might be limited. Regardless, here is a list of both common metals to make jewelry with and how and where you can buy it. There are three main forms in which to buy metals. These include Sheet, Wire, and Grain. Sheet and wire are both typically used as is: if you buy sheet metal you are probably going to use it as a sheet rather than melting it and turning it to wire ( and Vise Versa). Grain, however, is made to be melted and molded into the desired form. This may include wire and sheet, but it also is used for casting a variety of things.
Base Metals
In terms of jewelry base metals are often metals that you build off of. Some jewelers don’t use them at all and some jewelers use them solely. There are two main benefits for using base metals. The first being the market. This may come as a shock, but base metals have a very niche market. For example, copper jewelry. Copper jewelry is often looked down upon because of its tendency to patina and tarnish. However some people really admire this trait in copper because they think the color change is beautiful. The second benefit is cost-- people often buy base metals because of how affordable it is. It is also a good way to start and learn before moving on to more expensive metals. Base metals include… *Note texts in red are the most available forms of that metal* Copper (Grain, Sheet, Wire, and Piping ) You can buy copper in sheet and wire form at places such as Rio Grande and other jewelry suppliers. Hardware stores will also have copper but it may be in alternative forms such as piping. This is because copper is also used for construction. Additionally you can buy it in grain on many sites including A&A Jewelry Supply. Brass (Grain, Sheet & Wire, and Piping ) Similarly to copper you can buy brass in sheet and wire form on Rio Grande and other jewelry suppliers.You can also find alternative forms at hardware stores. Additionally you can buy it in grain on many sites however many of them are more industrial instead jewelry focused. Stainless (Steel Sheet & Wire) You can buy sheet and wire on many sites, however, many of them are more industriall instead of jewelry focused. It is important to note that there are many types of steel, and they often have drastically different melting points. Depending on what you burn, it might not be possible for you to work with a metal with such a high melting point.
Precious Metals
In terms of jewelry, Precious metals are usually a jeweler's metal of choice. This is because they command a higher price tag, don't tarnish easily, and are sometimes easier to work with. When buying precious metals it is important to buy from a reputable source both due to the high cost and the ability to verify the authenticity of the metals. When spending this much money the last thing you want is to be ripped off. Precious metals include… Silver (Grain, Sheet & Wire) You can buy silver (Both fine or Sterling) in all three forms at Rio Grande or just about any jewelry supply website. Gold (Grain, Sheet & Wire) You can buy gold (in many karats and colors) in all three forms at Rio Grande or at most jewelry supply websites. Platinum (Casting pieces, Sheet & Wire) You can buy Platinum in the standard forms of sheet and wire on Rio Grande, but finding casting grain may prove to be difficult. You can, however, find casting pieces on Rio Grande. These are kind of like snipped wire pieces. It is up to you of course to determine if you want to just buy the wire and cut it.
Comments