Type of metal used in Tin Cups

[Shani]

I have been working my way through page 1 to the end, and I noticed that a lot of you make your own tin cup necklaces (stunning btw). What materials of metal do you use for them? Do you use gold wire, gold filled? For those of you who make silver toned tin cups, what type of metal? If it's crafting metal then, what type? ie: half hard, half soft etc.

Thank you!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I like half hard gold filled wire best, or Argentium silver (but even that tarnishes eventually and if you use it with pearls, it will be hard to clean the piece.)
I have used rose gold colored craft wire from Michael's for a very casual piece.

 

[ennui]

I think the original Tin Cup (in the film) was made with flesh colored silk cord. I've also seen them with clear microfilament -- knot the filament, and the pearls sit on the knots.

 

[pattye]

Here's a fun short video: Designer, Wendy Brigode

Interesting how the spacing and material vary. Mostly I use gold fill findings, 24 gauge wire works with most drill holes. For myself I do a liver of sulpher patina (black) on the silver wire and findings ~ no worry about tarnish!

 

[Katbran]

Really you can use any metal type you want depending on how much you want to spend. I believe in pairing "Like with Like". So if I were using AAA Akoya or South sea. I'd use gold. Silver is great for Freshwater and Gold filled will give a gold look without the cost. Half hard but never hard... you'll have sore fingers and s a tight wrap is harder with the less pliable wire. If you are using a heavier wire for really big baroque freshwater then you could use soft - metal will harden up as it's worked. wrapping half hard 1mm wire is tough. As for sizes I generally use between .7 for 7-8mm pearls and .9 for big pears. But .7 is fine as well...it's what you like the look of.

 

[Shani]

Thank you all for these replies, they will be helpful!