Hard Sterling Silver. Sold by inch.
 
This seamless, extruded oval sterling silver tubing features a hard temper and is ideal for pendants, earrings and beads. Hard sterling silver is significantly work-hardened and, though it does not bend readily, it stubbornly holds its shape after forming; it is ideal for clasps and hinges. 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.