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What type of Wire Should I Use

by Judy Ellis
If you're new to wire jewelry making, figuring out what type of wire to use-like which metal, finish, or hardness-is one of the first big decisions you'll face.

But don't worry, it's simpler than it seems. This quick guide will help you understand wire temper (hardness), common wire materials, and how to choose what works best for your project.

Be sure to check out our quick breakdown: What Wire Gauge Should I Use - it's a handy companion to this overview.

Instructions
Jewelry Wire Types
Jewelry wire comes in a variety of metals, including copper wire, sterling silver wire, gold-filled wire, and more.

Each type of wire has its own look, cost, and workability. If you're just starting out, copper wire is an affordable and easy-to-use option for practice.

Need help deciding which wire is right for your project? Our downloadable Jewelry Wire Gauge Chart breaks it all down at a glance.
Judy Ellis's What type of Wire Should I Use - Jewelry Wire Types, General Education, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, , , graduated-bead-component
Wire Harness (Temper)
Wire hardness refers to how stiff or flexible a wire is:

  • Dead soft wire is the most flexible and easy to shape-ideal for intricate designs and wrapping.

  • Half hard wire holds its shape better and is great for making components like ear wires or clasps.

  • Full hard wire is very stiff and used when durability is essential, though it's less common for beginner projects.

    • Not sure what to choose? For most wire wrapping and weaving projects, dead soft is a solid place to start.

    Image: Classic Wire & Stone Pendant by Erika Pal - Click to View Pattern

    Judy Ellis's What type of Wire Should I Use - Wire Harness (Temper), General Education, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, , , classic wire and stone pendant
    Quick Note About Beads
    If your design includes beads, make sure to consider the bead hole size. Smaller beads will need thinner wire to fit through-so wire gauge matters here, too.
    Judy Ellis's What type of Wire Should I Use - Quick Note About Beads, General Education, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, , , coiling and weaving bead
    Want to go deeper? Check out our full article: What Gauge of Wire Should I Use to Make Jewelry- a complete guide to understanding gauge, hardness, and what works best for each project type.
    Judy Ellis's What type of Wire Should I Use - , General Education, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, , , coiling-and-weaving-project-earrings

    Materials

    Wire
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    Tools

    WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
    G15-20
    • G15-20
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $170.72
    • Gold Club Price: $128.04
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    • Category: General Education
    • Technique(s): Wrapping, Weaving, Twisting, General Education

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