Silver Glass Beads in Tumbler?

[pattybeads]

I have a question for everyone. I silver cored some silver glass beads. They are not encased. Can they go in my tumbler without encasing or will it mess up the surface? Thanks all!
Patty

[RSimmons]

If it's a striking silver color you won't have a problem. If it is a reduction metallic silver surface (usually something other than real silver anyway - like lead or zinc) tumbling will strip it off.

Robert

[pattybeads]

that's what I was afraid of. I have all reducing glass as I am not too good at striking. I found out recently it may be because my torch runs high on the propane - concentrator on a mid range. :o)

PS thanks for responding.

[RSimmons]

Striking will develop 'crystals' of metal within your glass to generate color. It's really more of a colloidal suspension, but it's inside the glass. The metallic surface that develops in a reduction flame is a more or less pure metal surface that develops when the excess fuel gas strips oxygen from the metal oxide in the glass, leaving the elemental metal behind. The layer is usually only a couple of micrometers thick and it'll wear off over time, in a very short time in a tumbler.

Robert