Where Can I Buy Sheet Silver?

The Product

Silver is a precious metal used in jewelry-making and craft projects. Sterling silver that comes in flat sheets, called sheet silver, is popular with artisans and crafters because of its versatility. Sheet silver is cut, bent, hammered or formed to shape. It can be stamped or embossed, soldered and combined with other materials. Sheet silver is popular with beginning students and experienced professionals because it is easy to handle. Silver is less expensive than gold for handcrafting designs.

Characteristics

Sheet silver is made from sterling silver. Sterling silver is an alloy of at least 92.5 percent pure silver and up to 7.5 percent copper, zinc or other alloy. Pure silver is too soft for most products and tarnishes easily. The sterling silver alloy is more durable and less likely to tarnish. It melts at a lower temperature than either silver or copper.
Sheet silver comes in a variety of sizes. The thickness or gauge, sheet width and melting point affect the working qualities of the sheet. Thicker silver is used for rings; thinner silver is used for making earrings and jewelry findings because of its flexibility.

Sources

Sheet silver is available in small quantities from many retail craft suppliers. Check with regional rock and gem stores that offer craft classes. Jewelry suppliers offering jewelry parts are good sources. Instructors who teach silversmithing and jewelry-making classes are knowledgeable about local suppliers. For wholesale quantities or a wider selection, online jeweler suppliers offer a variety of sheet silver. Some offer flat fixed sizes while others custom-cut sheets. Merchandise centers like eBay carry individual and business listings for craft supplies like sheet silver. Buy from a reputable supplier who offers full information on the product. Some dealers will buy back scraps (see Resources below).

Considerations

Create the design and trace it on paper to measure the sheet silver required. Many artists practice with sheet copper or brass in the desired gauge to work out design problems before ordering sterling silver. The price of sheet silver fluctuates with the silver market. Sheet silver is not usually returnable, so measure and choose carefully. Silver suppliers may require proof of a business license and a tax identification number.

Warning

Casting loose silver or scraps into sheets to save money is not practical. Quality sheet silver is rolled and milled for uniform thickness and quality. Cast silver is more porous and not as consistent in strength. Some sheet silver and silver solder contain cadmium for better flow qualities. Cadmium is a carcinogen and a health hazard. Only cadmium-free silver materials should be used.

Resources

• Santa Fe Jewelers Supply
• Jewelry Supply