Covering silver wire for use as a speaker cable

IIRC, silver is supposed to more conductive after it tarnishes. Is that urban legend or is the concern about the tarnishing just about appearance?

Dgarretson,Tpreaves Thanks ! Fantastic suggestions!

I've read somewhere that they've tried wrapping with plumber's teflon tape before a more solid outer layer, like shrink tape. The yellow gas tape is thicker and less prone to tear. I don't suggest separating +/- for any extended length, so we're talking about layers of insulation.

Nsgarch, I have heard that about the ERS cloth also. Thank you for the offer.
Ngjockey, Thats an interesting idea. Do you know if the yellow teflon tape is sticky?

Actually, all I want to do is try the silver wire to see if it has any possibilties.
But keeping the wires seperated from shorting even temporary is a problem.