[Jewelry making - Article 00386] - Re: [Orchid] Alternative metals

[Judy Willingham]

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Hello Jay,

    You say, "My eleven year old son has been grinding stones for about
    a year now and is showing interest in learning silversmithing. I
    want to encourage him to do this, but I don't think I want him to
    work with silver, at least for a while. I think brass would be a
    good alternative, and a lot more cost effective." 

    I'm speaking both as a "learn-it-yourselfer" and as a teacher.  If
    you want your son to become proficient in any skill, don't start him
    off on materials of lesser quality or with different
    characteristics.  You want him to have the best chance to experience
    success, and be encouraged to stay with it.  Would you want to learn
    to play piano on an instrument out of tune and missing some notes?? 
    Pay a little more for him to learn on silver.  While brass, copper,
    tin, etc. are less expensive, there would be additional solders to
    buy, or if using silver solders on the other metals, the final
    result might not be attractive. 

    Silver does not have to be expensive... a rolling mill will convert
    old silver coins into sheet.  Pawn shops sometimes sell old damaged
    flatware that can be cut up and used for bracelet links, earrings,
    rings, etc.  I hope your silversmithing class has a mill - use it. 
    If not, save up and buy one... I'd suggest considering one of those
    modestly priced mini-mills. 

    Finally, each metal has its own melting point.  If he becomes
    accustomed to soldering on a metal with a higher melting point than
    sterling, it will be more difficult for him to adjust "down".  Let
    him melt a few pieces - a good way to learn.  Go ahead and get him
    started on sterling. 

    Judy in Kansas, where we should experience the first real freeze of
    the season tonight.  Good night for chili. 

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