Coiled Dead-Soft Fine Silver Wire (.999 Fine)
Jewelry Making Supply / Raw Material · Generic Industrial Refiner (Commonly sourced from Rio Grande, Cooksongold, or Monsterslayer)
Pattern: Dead-Soft Round Wire, standard gauge
Type
Jewelry Making Supply / Raw Material
Maker
Generic Industrial Refiner (Commonly sourced from Rio Grande, Cooksongold, or Monsterslayer)
Material
.999 Fine Silver (99.9% pure silver), no base metals, no plating
Dimensions
Estimate: 18-22 gauge (0.6mm - 1.0mm diameter); Weight varies by length, approximately 50-100 grams shown
Description
This item is a loose coil of high-purity fine silver wire. Unlike sterling silver, which contains copper for strength, this fine silver (.999) is softer and more resistant to tarnish. It is the primary raw material used by silversmiths and jewelry artists for intricate wire-weaving, jump ring fabrication, and soldering onto larger silver pieces. Its 'dead-soft' state means it can be easily bent by hand or with nylon-jaw pliers without springing back.
Key Features
Extreme malleability, bright white luster of pure silver, lack of fire-scale when heated, uniform round cross-section
Material & Composition
.999 Fine Silver (99.9% pure silver), no base metals, no plating
Finish & Decoration
Natural mill finish, smooth cylindrical surface, unpolished, no decorative engraving
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible on wire; purity is typically marked on the original spool or packaging label
Construction Details
Machine-drawn through industrial diamond dies to achieve precise uniform gauge; cold-worked then annealed
Functional Features
Dead-soft temper for high malleability; used for wire-wrapping, bezel making, or granulation work
Handle & Grip Details
None; bulk material for fabrication
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial precision drawing; high level of uniformity with no visible die-lines or surface pitting.
Authentication Indicators
Absence of copper-induced tarnish; high ductility; lack of 'sterling' stamp suggests raw material status. Needs XRF testing for purity confirmation.
Origin & Manufacturing
Modern industrial refinery; likely USA, UK, or Germany
Era & Period
Contemporary Industrial; late 20th to 21st century
Age Estimate
Modern production, likely manufactured within the last 1-5 years
Cultural Significance
Reflects the modern DIY jewelry movement and the shift toward artisanal, handcrafted sterling and fine silver accessories.
Condition Notes
Good; subject to surface tangling and minor kinking from improper storage. Light surface oxidation possible but easily removed.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $1.50 per gram based on current silver spot price plus refining premiums.
Care & Maintenance
Store in airtight bags with anti-tarnish strips; keep coiled to prevent kinking; use flush cutters for clean ends.
Similar Pieces
Sterling Silver wire (.925) which is stiffer; Argentium silver wire which is tarnish-resistant but contains germanium.
Interesting Facts
Fine silver has a higher melting point than sterling silver solder, allowing jewelers to fuse it (melt the surfaces together) without using extra solder.