[Source] Fine silver stud posts

I am looking for fine silver earring studs/posts. I can not find
them in .999 fine silver to use with PMC. Does anyone have a
resource?

Thanks a million!
Nicole

I am looking for fine silver earring studs/posts. I can not find
them in .999 fine silver to use with PMC. Does anyone have a
resource? 

Try http://www.ArtClayWorld.com
or
http://www.MetalClayFindings.com

Both should carry what you’re looking for.

Elaine
http://www.CreativeTextureTools.com

Personally as a former repair jeweler I would not use fine silver for
posts for studs. Fine silver is really soft and will bend frequently
and eventually break leaving an unhappy customer and more work for
you! I would definately use sterling even though the precious metal
clay is fine. It will solder/attach just the same, and be much
stronger for long lasting wear.

Hope this helps!
Stephanie Swanson

Nicole

In my experience, using fine silver for earring posts is not a good
idea. They are too soft and bend very easily. I think sterling posts
are a much better idea. They can be fired in place. I use the 4mm
sterling posts available at Rio and other suppliers. Attach them with
paste to the backs of your earrings, and for a finished look, slip a
small pmc donut over the sterling disc, slightly larger than the
disc.

If your are concerned with discoloration, Hattiespatties.com sells
earring posts that have been depletion gilded to prevent
discoloration.

Linda

My source is a mill, a draw plate, a vise, and some tongs, and
various other tools…

Doc

I make jewelry from fine silver but would not consider using fine
silver for a stud or post. At one millimeter maximum thickness fine
silver bends under minimum stress.

Lois

I have to agree with Stephanie Swanson when she said, “I would not
use fine silver for posts for studs. Fine silver is really soft and
will bend frequently and eventually break leaving an unhappy customer
and more work for you!”

The post must remain straight for the tension backs to stay tight,
and fine silver posts are more like to bend when forcing the back on.
If you puruse the PMC Guild site, your question will be answered.
Review the FAQs for some great tips.

Here’s the on how to use sterling posts with PMC:

http://www.pmcguild.com/gettingstarted/faq_misc.html

Hope this helps,
Judy in Kansas, who just rejuvinated her strawberry bed and welcomes
all these lovely spring showers

Sterling or some other strong alloy is better for stud posts than
fine silver, unless you want your customers to come back to you with
wiggly posrts that no longer work. Even stg posts I treat to make
them stiffer - I twist the wire to give it work-hardening.

I use fine silver a lot as sheet and rod, and love it, but I know its
limitations.

Brian
Brian Adam
Auckland NEW ZEALAND
www.adam.co.nz