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Rockin' Jewelry => Gold, Silver, Other Metals, Casting and Fabrication => Topic started by: jalapeno333 on April 03, 2019, 12:56:28 PM

Title: Sterling Silver - Hard vs Dead soft - beginner question
Post by: jalapeno333 on April 03, 2019, 12:56:28 PM

Hi there, I'm new to the jewelry world and ordering my first sheet metal for rings and pendants.  I am wondering what hardness to order for making rings, AND what hardness to order for making "bezel backs"

I am ordering from Rio Grande.   I already ordered a 6''x4'' sterling sheet 18ga, dead-soft.   I was thinking to use this for rings?  but I want to order a sheet for backing my cabochons.  I'm seeing 3 options: dead soft, 1/4 hard, and 1/2 hard..

Any help and/or suggestions are greatly appreciated!  I am excited to get started, and my Amazon/Rio Grande orders have already shipped! Should be in full creation mode in the next couple days.

Title: Re: Sterling Silver - Hard vs Dead soft - beginner question
Post by: irockhound on April 03, 2019, 03:18:58 PM

I personally use dead soft when buying sheet.  The process of anealing or quenching in the pickle will either soften or harden your piece so that sort of changes the need for buying the silver one way or the other.  You can also work harden your material.  Cooling the work piece slowly will soften the silver and rapid cooling hardens it.