Fine Silver - what does it mean?

Forest Walk

SOLD

One can buy Fine Silver sheet and wire to do traditional metalsmithing, fusing, enameling and wirework.. and I do purchase it as well. However, I use the metal clays when their qualities will help me realize my vision for a piece that would either be impossible or labor intensive in more traditional methods.

From Little Acorns

Benefits of fine silver are that it will tarnish much much more slowly than Sterling.  In fact you may find you never have to polish it depending on your closeness to an ocean coast.  The salty air will tarnish metals much faster than in the Midwest say.  Fine silver is a softer metal than Sterling, but when properly worked and for its use in most jewelry - it is beautiful and as I mentioned:  pure.Rather than go on and on when there's a "fine" explanation on someone else's blog, I'm referring you to Zoe Nelson's blog entry on Fine Silver FAQs.  You'll know more than you ever wanted to know after reading it!  But at least you'll be educated for future purchases.  And if you haven't seen her work before, you'll get a chance to see some beautifully organic fine silver pieces!