Types of Wires I Use to Make Earrings

 

Sterling Silver- sometimes stamped .925, is an alloy of at least 92.5% silver, and (usually) copper. It is a soft, easy to work with metal, which can be antiqued to a dark black or polished to a bright shine.

 

Niobium- Wires made with niobium are hypoallergenic because they do not contain any nickel alloys, so they are safe for someone who is allergic to jewelry with nickel, copper, or other base metals and alloys. 

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Silver/Gold Filled- is made by using heat and pressure to apply a layer of silver or karat gold to a base of less costly metal. This produces a surface with silver or karat gold. This silver or gold layer is hundreds of times thicker than a standard plating. 

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Base Metals- These commonly used wires can be gold or silver plated. A plating is a thin deposit of metal that is electro-chemically or otherwise applied to the surface of a different metal base. Many plated items are plated with copper first, then the final color.