Save that Scrap $$$$

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone,just wanted to tell you a fab. experience I just had sending in my scrap sterling(first time). I have kept it all those scraps and beginner opps pieces in a Tupperware since I first started working with Sterling over 2 years ago. I pick up and save every little shard and speck of silver . It's alot like this big ol deer park jug I save all my loose change in for the year and cash in for some extra $$$ once a year.
Sooo my big payout for my scraps....$215 Rio Credit (they give 85% if you use as a credit,75% for cash back) Woot,Woot! Ordered me some more Argentium Wire and pair of a Swanstrom Need Nose Pliers for my bonus reward ;-).
Save that scrap folks it adds up ;-)!

[SleepyCatJewelry]

If I'm ever brave enough to start working with sterling I will remember this. Thanks for the advice!

[JewelryByGaladryl]

Congrats, what a fab payout. :)

[artdi]

Do it all the time and it rocks! Almost time for me to send in a new batch of scraps!

[AnjasArts]

Yup :) I just sent in a batch and got an 85.44 credit at Rio, paid for all but $30 of my order, but that was extra stuff I normally can't afford to get. LOVE LOVE LOVE it:)

[Former_Member]

Another use for scrap silver...if you work with a torch, you can create balls of silver from your scrap. Just take a small piece of sheet scrap, or wind up a section of wire in a ball, and heat it to the melting point. When it hits the melting point, it will form a silvery ball which is rounded on top and flat on the bottom where it rests on your soldering board. Then solder the balls on other pieces as decorative accents.

[Former_Member]

Nice! I am going to be starting to work with sterling, I am for sure now going to keep those scraps!! :)

[Untwistedsister]

It sure helps when you have to turn a project into a giant scrap ball, doesn't it?

[Former_Member]

Yes, I think I have finally found my jewelry-making niche: melting silver. On purpose.

[Former_Member]

With a wire mill, you can even create your own sheet metal and wire from silver ingots, which you can make from molten silver scrap. It saves you money in the long run, because the scrap value of silver is always less than the market value.

[Former_Member]

I have a new found appreciation for my scrap that's for sure! Don't feel quite as bad about some of those...oops pieces,lol

[Former_Member]

I do a big payout with sterling about once a year. I hate saving scraps because I'm an organized neat freak, but it helps replenish my silver supply... at least once It's definitely worth it. But I was always trading in through Monster Slayer.... Rio Grande gives a better payout, so I think I'll be scraping there in the future!

[Former_Member]

Someone told me a year ago to save all my silver scrap. I love the ideas of not wasting this metal. How much scrap do you have to have to send it in and, logistically, how do you actually send it (ie: in a ziploc with a note??)?

[Former_Member]

Rio Grande has a page devoted to their scrap program: http://www.riogrande.com/landingpage.aspx?n=scrap.

[Untwistedsister]

I have a little pocket scale that measures in grams, ounces (reg and troy), pennyweights and I love it. I just weighed my scrap and bagged it up and followed the Rio instructions. You get more value if you use it as a credit rather than getting them to send you the $$.

[Former_Member]

I save all my scraps, too, but tend to use it before I collect enough. Apart from making balls, sometimes the pieces are big enough for a jumpring or a bail. From time to time I am using even the smallest scraps to fuse on a sheet metal for some texture. I have had that wire mill on my wish list for some years!

[Former_Member]

Last time I sent in my silver scrap I got over $200 for it. I save every tiny scrap and sort it carefully so when the time comes I can pack it and send out easily. Have done three times since I started two years ago.