Fumed red brass in half hard (HH) handles similarly to Sterling silver half hard. Silicon bronze
is a true bronze which contains tin, and at half hard it will be a harder to work than brass at the same gauge.
I recommend using strong pliers (full size Wubbers round nose work great) to work the 19g silicon bronze
in order to prevent hand fatigue. I also keep a pair of heavy flush cutters set aside for use with 19g brass
and bronze wires to lengthen the useful life of my precious metal cutters.

Fuming is an artistic, 6-step process which starts with high quality jeweler's red brass.
Unlike plated brass, fumed brass often shows some mottling and areas of dark and light within a single coil.
When trying to create an antique appearance for your bronze rosaries, the variances in fumed
color look as if the wire aged naturally. Fuming often takes up to 12 hours per coil.

Silicon bronze is a coppery golden color, not as orange as solid copper. It ages to a deep red-brown.
The raw silicon bronze wire undergoes several processes to achieve a workable temper and restore its
luster, including hand cleaning and tumble polishing. The prices of both wire types reflect time consuming
hand work, special factory processing, multiple shipping fees and accessory supplies used for finishing.