Alternative Sources for Silver and Copper

by Carl Charette.
(Metro Phoenix, Arizona USA)

I turned a mineral, crystals and precious gems hobby of 30+ years into a new hobby of jewelry design and manufacture using silver, copper, and brass.

I quickly found out the high costs of the metals I used and needed cheaper sources than the usual big supply houses.

I go to antique stores and quality estate sales and search for silver (silver plated or sterling) tea pot serving sets; I saw up the metal into the various shapes I need.

I typically pay only $35 per set. Same thing for copper bowls, etc. Both the tea sets and the bowls offer up natural curves that I use in my design work or I flatten and hammer the metals.

Carl Charette