Exploring the Versatility of Aluminum Wire

by Margot Potter
I enjoy working with all kinds of wire, but I have a special affinity for aluminum. The sheer physics of a metal that starts out soft and malleable, with a few strikes of a hammer becomes stiff, and then with a few more strikes it becomes soft again fascinates me.
What's not to love? It's easy to bend, fold, shape, and stamp. It retains its shine over time resisting oxidization, unlike plated or precious metal wires.

There is a bit of a learning curve working with aluminum, but once you get a feel for the magic of the medium, you'll find it can open fascinating new pathways for creative wire work.
Aluminum is the second most malleable metal. It's an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, highly reflective, non-combustible, lightweight, and highly recyclable.

If you tend toward chunkier jewelry, aluminum allows you to go bigger and bolder without sacrificing comfort.

It's easy to bend and shape, unlike stiffer metals, and satisfying to hammer and texturize.

It's an underused medium, perhaps because it has an association with crafting rather than artisan jewelry, but it's equally suited to either endeavor for a variety of reasons not the least of which being affordability.

If you're working on prototypes for more expensive wire designs, aluminum allows you to play and make mistakes.

It's a perfect entry wire for beginners. Available in a wide array of gauges, colors, and finishes, that allow for versatility and playful approaches to wire jewelry designs.
Margot Potter's Exploring the Versatility of Aluminum Wire - , General Education, , aluminum bars
The most abundant metallic element in the earth's crust, the name aluminum is derived from Latin alum, for 'alumen' which translates to bitter salt.

The unique properties of aluminum make it useful for a wide array of applications from foil and cans to reflective coatings and airplane parts.

Both lightweight and strong, it is often mixed with other harder metals to strengthen the material further. The flexibility of this medium is what allows unique versatility when working with it, it is easily reworked into new shapes without losing strength or becoming brittle like other metals might.
Margot Potter's Exploring the Versatility of Aluminum Wire - , General Education, , bauxmite mine
Gemstone lovers may be surprised to discover that the element of aluminum is present in igneous rocks like feldspar and mica as well as gemstones like ruby, sapphire, topaz, garnet, and chrysoberyl.

It's also mined to be used as an abrasive. Aluminum powder is present in clay and can be found in fine pottery from ancient Mesopotamia. The ancient Egyptians created medicines and weapons with aluminum compounds.

During the Medieval period, aluminum powder was used to set fabric dyes in textiles.

Aluminum does not appear as a metal in nature but is found in the mineral bauxite which is the only material used to produce aluminum metals. In 1825 Hans Christian Oersted was the first to produce aluminum from aluminum chloride heated with potassium.

In 1827, German chemist Friedrich Wöhler refined the process producing the first pure aluminum by replacing the potassium with sodium.
Margot Potter's Exploring the Versatility of Aluminum Wire - , General Education, , bauxite rough
When introduced at the Paris Exposition in 1855, aluminum was rare and expensive, but the advent of electrical power and scientific advances allowed it to become commercially produced making it affordable and readily available.

It can be riveted, soldered, welded, wrapped, bent, folded, texturized, and stiffened to retain its shape through hammering.

Affordable, versatile, visually appealing, aluminum wire is well worth adding to any wire enthusiast's studio. If you haven't yet, I encourage you to explore the versatility of aluminum wire!

Make Margot's aluminum Down the Line Earrings earrings here.
Margot Potter's Exploring the Versatility of Aluminum Wire - , General Education, , aluminum earrings

Materials

12 Gauge Gold Enameled Aluminum Wire - 40FT
H14-D12-40FT
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.97
  • Gold Club Price: $6.73
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16 Gauge Peacock Enameled Aluminum Wire - 100FT
H14-U16-100FT
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.97
  • Gold Club Price: $6.73
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18 Gauge Silver Enameled Aluminum Wire - 200ft
H14-V18-200FT
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.97
  • Gold Club Price: $6.73
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education