Ask the Experts Sterling Silver-Filled Q&A

Can your new dead soft silver-filled wire be work-hardened?

- Mary

Yes, dead-soft sterling silver-filled wire can be work-hardened. It behaves the same way as sterling silver dead-soft wire does. It will flatten with hammers and can be manipulated with the same tools and techniques used for sterling silver. 

A lighter touch is suggested when working this wire with steel tools because the core is copper. Avoid hammering or rolling the metal too thin since, as with sterling silver, the product will become brittle and break.

- Sandra Lupo, Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist and Instructor