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When it comes to ordering metal for jewelry making all the different options can often become overwhelming. So I partnered with Rio Grande to provide a guide with some helpful tips and considerations for confidently buying materials for your next project!
Here are some tips for purchasing silver SHEET METAL from Rio Grande. All the choices can be overwhelming, so I thought I’d break down what some of the options are and how they differ. The most common is sterling silver (.925) It is stronger than fine silver, more prone to fire scale and tarnishes more easily. The other main option is fine silver (.999) It’s significantly softer than sterling, has a whiter appearance and is way less prone to tarnishing. The next consideration is gauge. Most of the sheet options come in a range of 6 gauge (4.11mm) to 30 gauge (0.26mm). You then have the options for dead soft (annealed), ¼ hard (a bit resistant to bending but readily takes shape) , ½ hard (has been worked a bit, tightening the grain at the molecular level. You can still bend the metal a bit, with force), and spring hard (thoroughly hardened and has basically no malleability.) So with those options in mind, here are a few questions you can ask yourself: Is the project I’m making going to get a lot of wear and tear (like a ring or a bracelet?) If the answer is yes, sterling is your best choice (since fine silver is softer). Next you need to choose a gauge heavy enough to experience the wear and tear but light enough to be comfortably. Heavy earrings for example can be uncomfortable and a very delicate ring can get squished in our hands. On average 20-14 gauge are well within that range, but that depends on the size and specifics of your design. Lastly which hardness should we buy? In most applications you will want to order dead soft. If you will be soldering on the piece you’re making, you may as well start with dead soft because it’s easy to work with and any hardness the metal may have will be lost when you apply heat to solder. Here is an example of when to order a harder sheet: Let’s say all I’m doing is sawing out a design and cold connecting it, a harder option gives strength to my piece, and that strength will be maintained since i’m not soldering.
Consumer Reports buys and tests stainless and nonstick cookware sets, Dutch ovens, and a variety of frying pans, including nonstick, stainless, cast iron, carbon steel, and copper. Undecided about which kind or kinds you want? Consider the information below before you start shopping.
Sets vs. Open Stock
Take inventory of the pots and pans you own to determine what has to be replaced or new pieces you’d like to have. Individual pots and pans—called open stock—are widely available. If you need to swap out only a scratched frying pan, open stock is a cost-saving way to go, and it’s the most common way cookware is sold.
If you decide that you want a new cookware set, make sure the pieces in the set you choose complement your cooking style so that you aren’t storing pans you rarely use.
What’s Cooking?
Think about what you cook frequently; this will influence your choice of pots and pans. For example, if you sear meat often, a cast-iron skillet facilitates even browning. Nonstick frying pans are best for scrambled eggs, pancakes, and delicate foods such as fish. And stainless is perfect for virtually any food that needs searing or browning. For a deeper dive, read The Best Frying Pans for the Way You Cook.
Though a good stock pot is great for soups or boiling pasta, if you like to cook stews or sauces low and slow, consider a Dutch oven. A Dutch oven can brown, braise, boil, and bake bread and moves easily from the oven or stovetop to your table. In fact, you can cook almost anything in a versatile Dutch oven. For inspiration, see Why Every Home Cook Needs a Dutch Oven.
Match Your Cookware to Your Cooktop
Last, consider how your new cookware pairs with your cooktop. Flat-bottomed pans that don’t warp are essential for a smoothtop range. Gas ranges are a little more forgiving, but you still want good contact between the bottom of the pan and the burners. Cookware with magnetic properties is a must for an induction cooktop. Bring along a magnet when you shop. If it sticks to the bottom, it’ll work with an induction range or cooktop. And in our ratings, we note which pans are induction compatible.