Nickel silver - Neusilber jewelry.

I often use Nickel SIlver wire for my jewelry. Almost everyone in Russia knows about this metal. But questions come from other countries: “What kind of wire is this?” – they ask. Today I will introduce you to Nickel Silver – Neusilber.

Table of Contents

Filigree

When I was young, I studied at a filigree workshop. Filigree (in Russian it will be ” skan’ “) is a pattern made of thin wire. Solders and burners are used to make filigree. This is very laborious work. Using this technique we can make caskets, vases, figures, bracelets, rings, earrings, pendants.

Usually silver is used for filigree. But we used Nickel Silver instead of silver. It is very similar to silver. We took spoons or forks made of Neusilber, melted them and made wire from Neusilber. We made brooches and pendants of wire and stone with our own hands. At that time, too, we made stone cabochons by ourselves. The most interesting thing is that we also collected stones by ourselves all over the country. We flew special helicopters to get to remote areas.

Nowadays, I also often use Nickel Silver wire for my jewelry. I don’t melt cutlery anymore, but buy ready-made wire of the right thickness. And I hardly ever use solder or torches.

As a rule, I patinate the pieces made of Neusilber wire and then polish them. It is indistinguishable from silver in appearance.

What is Nickel Silver?

Nickel Silver (in German – Neusilber – the new silver) – an alloy of copper with 5-35% nickel and 13-45% zinc. Thanks to the zinc content, this alloy is somewhat cheaper than similar in appearance and mechanical properties melchior.

The percentage of these metals determines the color of Neusilber and it may have a bluish or greenish tone. Its components give it certain qualities. Nickel gives Nickel Silver a silver color, increases its resistance to corrosion and strengthens its chemical resistance: the alloy does not have the ability to dissolve in organic acids.

Copper adds qualities such as ductility and malleability, which improves its ability to forge. Good malleability allows for both hot and cold working.

The presence of zinc provides high resistance to electric current. The zinc content also makes it cheaper than melchior, with which Neusilber has a similar appearance and some same mechanical properties.

Nickel Silver came into being thanks to melchior. This alloy was invented in China in the 8th century BC. Melchior had unique characteristics, became a substitute for silver, but was cheaper than the precious metal. That is why the Chinese scientists shroud its formula in secrecy. Later, products made of melchior have spread in the countries of Europe.

Products made of Neusilber became so popular that European metallurgists tried to uncover its formula so they could produce this alloy themselves. Soon, the Europeans assumed, they identified its composition. Scientists mistakenly believed that melchior consisted of copper, zinc and nickel. However, the percentage content of the components remained undisclosed.

It was only in the 19th century that scientists in Germany obtained an alloy that was very similar to silver. But it was not melchior. The new metal with a lower cost compared to melchior and silver was called Neusilber. The resulting metal had higher strength and stability: its decomposition process is possible only in hydrochloric and sulfuric acids heated to boiling point.

Nickel Silver. Jewelry making.

In this field, ingots, sheets and strips of alloy are used, but the most important in production is wire. It is mainly used to make various kinds of costume jewelry, frames or bases for jewelry, which are then gilded.

The most popular wire type is MNTs 15-20. This type has a melting point of about 1050 degrees and a low weight. It can be used multiple times without losing its original properties. It is environmentally safe and resistant to an aggressive environment. That is why it is used, for example, in the manufacture of men’s jewelry accessories: cufflinks, tie clips, corporate badges. In addition, wire is also used for women’s jewelry such as beautiful chains and clasps, earrings and bracelets, brooches and pendants.

Cookware and cutlery.

Nickel Silver is used to make a variety of cookware and cutlery. And since in direct contact with Neusilber the food acquires a metallic taste, the products are necessarily covered with gilding or silver.

Peculiarities of using items made of nickel silver.

According to its characteristics, the metal itself does not need any special care or storage conditions. However, jewelry and gold-plated tableware do need to be maintained. To maintain their aesthetic appearance and extend their life, these are the care instructions that should be followed.

Always keep your objects in a separate box or box with a lid to protect them from direct sunlight and dust.
To avoid damaging the item, do not try to bend it to test its strength.
Items made of nickel silver wire, if necessary, can only be cleaned with a natural bristle brush.

Awards (medals, orders) should be coated with a special colorless varnish to protect them from scratches.

If the metal is darkened, clean the item with a cloth specially designed for the maintain of jewelry. Dark spots that have appeared can also be removed with warm vinegar, and then the item should be well washed under running water. You can also use toothpaste or powder, baking soda, and dishwashing detergent.

Items with a shiny polished surface should be wiped monthly with a cloth made of felt. As for jewelry and cutlery – they should be cleaned twice a month.

Jewelry made of Neusilber should not be worn daily, and should be taken off when visiting spas and saunas.
If your jewelry breaks, take it to a jeweler rather than trying to repair it yourself.