Silver Refining Procedures
Sterling silver refining is a way to make a purer form of silver. Sterling silver is 92.5 percent silver; the remaining 7.5 percent is a combination of other metal alloys, usually copper and nickel. When sterling silver is refined, the outcome is called "fine silver," which is the same as pure silver. The purest form of silver is 99.9 percent silver. Silver today is used primarily in electronics; however, since silver was first discovered around 4,000 B.C., it has been used in jewelry. There are both liquid chemical and heat methods used in sterling silver refining procedures, among others.
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Refining Basics
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Simple safety precautions must be used when refining precious metals. Wear safety goggles, masks, respirators and gloves. Make sure that your work area has proper ventilation. Work near an area that has heat-retardant surfaces and cold running water near by.
When refining sterling silver, a standard process involves putting the sterling alloyed metals into a chemical bath. The chemicals cause a reaction whereby the silver nickel, copper, or other alloyed metals are separated from the silver. The silver then forms into crystals that are attracted to a metallic plate that is charged with ions. The other metals get left in the residue. Specialized equipment for silver refining can be purchased from jeweler supply shops.
Other types of silver refining involve dissolving sterling silver in nitric acid. The nitric acid produces toxic fumes. Once the sterling is dissolved in the nitric acid, the white silver powder that remains can then be heated with a torch or in a special kiln, or furnace. The heating of the white silver powder then refines the silver to purity, or fine silver.
Benefits of Refining Silver
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Refining and recovering silver from plated items, jewelry and electronic circuitry has become a lucrative pastime. Having industrial silver refining equipment is not necessary; however, getting basic instructional training is advised before you undertake any kind of home-based silver refining task. Home silver refining kits are available online. This website, http://www.finishing.com/306/93.shtml , offers a wide variety of informative tips on silver refining for people who refine silver as a hobby.
For metalsmiths, jewelry refining is part of the basic process involved in jewelry making. Knowing where or how to refine silver to recover precious metal "investment" is a must. In jewelers' workshops, special filters are installed in air ventilation and sink areas specifically to capture precious metal particles to be later turned in for refining.
Whether you are a professional jeweler or someone who is looking to make some spare money part-time with a fun hobby, recovering silver can be like an adventurous treasure hunt if you know some basic information. Following proper procedures in silver refining will ensure a productive, positive outcome.
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