Build a Stronger Ear Wire
by Karen Meador, Ph.D.
You can make ear wires with lots of different metal wire, and 20g-22g tend to be the best gauge. However, if you want to build a stronger ear wire, try this.
Instructions
The half hard wire is pliable enough to make ear wire construction simple, yet, it holds it shape much better that what I've previously used. Craft wire doesn't come in half hard, so if you're using a craft wire, your ear wires won't hold their shape the way a half hard metal will. You can get half hard wire in sterling, sterling-filled, gold filled, Argentium, brass, and sometimes copper.



I still lightly hammer the ear wires and then put them in the tumbler for a couple of hours to help work harden them. The only thing I've changed in my procedure is the type of wire. Try making a pair with half hard wire and I think you will see the value of it.



Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Build a Stronger Ear Wire - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Findings, Clasps, Components, strong ear wires

Materials

20 Gauge Round Half Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire
H19-20H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $2.76
  • Gold Club Price: $2.07
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20 Gauge Round Half Hard Copper Wire
H11-20H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.50
  • Gold Club Price: $0.37
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20 Gauge Round Half Hard 14/20 Rose Gold Filled Wire
H6-20H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $5.40
  • Gold Club Price: $4.05
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20 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-20H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.98
  • Gold Club Price: $0.74
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20 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $2.46
  • Gold Club Price: $1.85
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Tools

Round Nose Wire Pliers
G2-507
  • G2-507
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
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  • Category: Findings
  • Technique(s): Making Findings