This dead-soft sterling silver strip features both a step and decorative patterning. Patterned strip helps take at least one step out of your fabrication process with its decorative pattern already created on the metal surface. Stepped strip features two thicknesses of wire that form a seat when the wire is shaped into a bezel, allowing you to create a mounting with an open back and a seat already in place. The step supports the flat base of the stone and the thinner upper section bends inward to secure the stone. This type of bezel strip is ideal for creating custom settings for cabochons, cameos and other flat-back stones or findings. If desired, patina or oxidize your strip (as shown) to highlight the pattern details. Dead soft wire is easy to bend, shape and hammer; it is an ideal starting point for forming, shaping and wire-wrapping. Keep in mind that hardness is changeable (by annealing or heat-hardening) and is relative among metal types (each temper will feel and handle differently from one metal to another). When finishing your pieces, also keep in mind that the harder the metal is, the brighter a finish it will take. The wire is packaged in coils and can be cut to any length that satisfies the system minimum. Orders must weigh at least 0.01 ozt.; if you click 'Add to Cart' for a quantity less than this, the cart will offer a prompt to let you know what the minimum for this item is.
