I‘m curious if it‘s safe (and acceptable) to melt something like copper wire or silver wire and use it to fill a ring mold. I am curious about the jewelry making process (beyond wire-jewelry, more towards bench jewelry), and where the metals to make the jewelry come from - is wire an appropriate source, etc.Thank you! :)
It depends on the method you are using. I really only have experience with lost wax casting. I know chain is generally not acceptable to use because it has solder in it. I don't know why one would use wire and if it is pure enough/high enough quality. If you can find a local lapidary/jewelry supply shop or gem and mineral show you can generally find metals to be melted in crucibles for filling molds. If they don't have it they can point you in the right direction. If you have another method in mind (something that isn't filling a mold such as folding/hammering the metal) there is probably a specific material suggested (shop/show vendors can also advise you on these matters as well).
Copper has a fairly high melt temp. The common hand held torch usually isn't hot enough for the job. Pure silver melts at a slightly lower temp and you may get some results with a common propane torch. Pure silver, while harder than gold, is softer than lead. You can scratch lead with your finger nail. Few items are made from pure silver simply because they tend to deform easily when worn. Sterling silver is much harder. Zinc has a fairly low melt temp but it does not keep any real shine for very long. It needs considerable polishing often. Of course you know not to use something like lead for jewelry. It is only for bullets and fishing sinkers. Lead melting pots will not get hot enough to melt silver or copper. I suggest you check out Youtube for home made forges. Be very careful. Molten metals are not forgiving.
