Making the upgrade to sterling silver wire... how does your pricing change?

[SleepyCatJewelry]

I'm considering a slow switch to sterling silver wire. I'm nervous but I want to give it a try since it will obviously add value to my work. However, my question is how much does this affect the price of a final piece? For example, suppose I have a pendant that was created using silver plate wire and I have it listed for $35. How much more would I charge if I used sterling silver?

For those who have made the switch did you notice an increase in sales when you started using sterling silver?

[Former_Member]

Check out riogrande.com for daily metal market prices...

I find that some shoppers want that higher quality sterling & others would opt for a lower price with the plated wire. If anything you may attract a broader range of shoppers using sterling.

[SleepyCatJewelry]

Thanks. : )

[LinorStoreDesigns]

I just ordering sterling silver wire - I want to work with it per the suggestions of others.

I really like this time for questions.

[Untwistedsister]

Carolyn, your pricing will really depend on how much material you use in each piece and the price of sterling silver which has fluctuated considerably in the last few years.

[AnjasArts]

It really depends on how many feet of wire you need and your purchase price of the wire.

[Former_Member]

I have always used both sterling silver, gold filled and copper wire, so I cannot say whether one sells better than another. I would never do silver plate. No point in doing something half way. If you are ready for the switch, then go with sterling, it is a much better seller than silver plate.

[FleurDesignsJewelry]

When you buy your wire, you can figure out the cost per inch or foot. Add up how many inches/feet you used in your piece and you'll get what your cost is. Then you can add whatever markup strategy you use to cover your time and creative effort. Be sure to save your little ss scraps; when you get a nice little collection going, you can send or take them in to be recycled for store credit or cash. Knowing that really helps when you have to snip and take things apart. =)

[BarkleyGold29]

Hi: I am new here but have been wrapping for about 6 years! Hope you don't mind me jumping in. I started using sterling silver from the start as well as gold filled. But now that we have silver filled I have been using that for the stones of less value. Like shell I found on the beach etc. and use the sterling for the higher value stones.

[Former_Member]

I have been using sterling silver wire (anti tarnish/coated) (copperwire base) from Joanne's and seems to work ok for me, for now.

[SleepyCatJewelry]

Thank you everyone. I think I will invest in some now that I'm committed/addicted to making jewelry.

[AnjasArts]

Argentium sterling sells in my shop way more than 14k gold filled, but my customers have let me know they are glad I upgraded.

[GoodnessInTheCosmos]

Having used sterling for some years now, it is a bit harder to clean, especially in fine wire wrapped pieces. If it is not sold pretty quickly I would invest in some 'anti tarnish' storage for the pieces.
Silver is also nice and soft (if you buy dead soft) to work with. It is my preferred metal wire. For wire wraping I have found dead soft to be the best to use. Full hard and half hard are better off for metalsmithing, where you can anneal your metals to make them softer.