I talked to a customer on the phone recently who was having some serious wire woes. She was trying to wire wrap a pendant but just couldn’t get it right. It turns out that the wire she was using was all wrong. This is a very common problem, actually—especially for beginning beaders. Even people who are more experienced find that a wire used for one project may not be the best wire for a different project. With so many options, how do you choose? Luckily, there are a few guidelines you can follow when selecting your wire.
Colourcraft/Artistic Wire – If you are completely new to working with wire, I would suggest using Colourcraft or Artistic Wire. Both are colored copper wires, so they are much more affordable than working with Sterling Silver Wire. I personally prefer Artistic Wire when I want to use silver wire because the silver coloring is brighter and more permanent than Colourcraft’s version. Colourcraft does come in all kinds of fun colors—from red to green to black—and is great for making fun rings.
Which Gauge? - The lower the number, the harder the wire; therefore, 16 gauge is a lot harder than 24 gauge. If you are new to wire wrapping and making loops, I would suggest starting with a 22 or 24 gauge because you will learn technique without killing your hands. You may also find that beads with small holes, such as pearls, will only fit on a 22 or 24 gauge wire. I almost exclusively use a 21 or 22 gauge wire to make drops for bracelets or earrings unless I am working with pearls. I have found that 20 gauge is best for making rings because it is flexible enough to wrap around a ring mandrel but sturdy enough to maintain its shape when worn. I would also say that 20 gauge is great for simple wire wrapped pendant; if you want to do lots of intricate work with your wire, you might want to use a 22 gauge instead. The heavier gauges, such as 16 and 18, are generally used for making your own jump rings and clasps, chokers, bangle or cuff bracelets and other heavy items. Since gauge sizes are uniform, the above information holds true whether you are working with Artistic or Colourcraft wire or sterling silver. Sterling Silver Wire will have two differences though.
Dead Soft/Half Hard – Click to find information on Dead Soft vs. Half Hard for Sterling Silver Wire
As with almost everything in the bead world, practice makes perfect and you will find that you have your own preferences. Don’t be afraid to learn something new—like making a simple wire wrapped bracelet or a basic ring. The more you learn about wire and how to work with it, the easier it will get and the more it will enhance your unique jewelry designs.
Shanna Steele, Auntie’s Beads Designer
October 24, 2009 at 6:30 pm |
Hi everyone at Aunties’ Beads!
I am a relatively new beader and only started on this about a year ago. I have already purchased items more than five times, and every single time, the items are duly delivered. The items are easy to find and there is truly a rich resource of projects, advice and videos unlike other on-line jewelry supply stores.
I have gained so much from just viewing the videos. At first, I did not think my creations were that good. However, so many people have been complimenting on my jewelry when I wear them. I was so inspired that I am currently making jewelry for a fellow church member who is raising funds for mission work to Africa. That way, she is blessed with finances and the people who buy the jewelry will be able to enjoy them.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I am indeed an ardent fan!
September 21, 2009 at 8:45 am |
First of all Susie; I want to thank you; Karla, Shanna and everyone else for your dedication to your customers. Even though I am all the way up in NJ~I feel like you are right here in my neighborhood helping me with inspiration, advice, and encouragement.
I am always looking for info on wire wrapping. It seems to be one section of the jewelry making world, that I cannot get in my mind to coordinate with my hands!
I have a question about the different shapes~all round, 1/2 round, square, etc., and how you know which to use for a particular project. I have lots of cabochones and they are not drilled. The little ones I can find a setting for but, these big ones need proper wrapping~HELP!
Kind Regards from a beading sister in NJ!
September 29, 2009 at 12:54 pm |
Jan,
I am so glad we are inspiring, motivating, and encouraging you to become a better beader!
There is a link within this blog that explains shape and has a great diagram to show you what the wire will actually look like if it is square or half round. Here is the link:
Sterling Silver Wire
Square wire would be great for working with some of those cabochons and undrilled stones you have as it gives everything a very interesting look and texture. I like half round wire for making rings like the Bling Bling Ring or any other ring where you want to decorate or embellish the top. You can also use it when you want to decorate the front of a pendant. Since it has a flat side, it will lay better on those flatter stones and pendants and is a little easier to manipulate than a completed rounded wire.
I hope that helps. Thanks again for your kind words! We are glad to know we are helping people!
Shanna
P.S. Do check back soon. We will soon start carrying the half round and square wires in silver plate, which will make for much more affordable projects and save you money as you learn to play with your newfound skills!
April 24, 2009 at 10:59 am |
Not that I’m totally impressed, but this is a lot more than I expected for when I stumpled upon a link on Digg telling that the info is quite decent. Thanks.
March 22, 2009 at 8:11 am |
Thank you for such great article. Ive learnt alot through this article/website, and theres loads of information that Ive got here, that I cant find other places. My sister who is much more “senior” than me in beading, was totally amazed that I seem to know a lot..For that, she also learnt a lot. Thanks again.
March 1, 2009 at 4:59 pm |
I have been searching and surfing for information about what kind of wire to use for wire jewelry and wire wrapping. I stumbled on your site (although, may I apologize for being stubborn, a friend recommended I visit it) and found EXACTLY the answer I was loking for.
Thank you so much.
Am looking forward to purchasing from you.
Teresa
February 8, 2009 at 7:48 am |
Thank-you for this article!!!
Iam new to wire and beads. I happen to see your ring tutorial on youtube and, I was hooked!!! lol I haven’t been this excited about anything in a while. Ring making is soooo much fun!!!!
Its been about a month now since I began this addiction, and I can’t stop making rings!!
Iam ready to explore another facet of the wire rings!
I hope I can find what Iam looking for here!
Thank-you for your GREAT video’s, instructions, and this banging website!
Best Regards,
Lynn
January 7, 2009 at 4:20 pm |
Thank you, thank you, thank you. One of my resolutions for 2009 was to work on wire wrapping, but I needed to know which wire was best for which beads and what was hard wire and soft wire. I see that term a lot.
January 1, 2009 at 6:52 pm |
I just happened to click on the Blog link when looking for my total Reward Points (where are they?). This is a very well writtten and easy to understand article. Wire wrapping has been a struggle for me so far. This will help clear thing up for me. Thank you for posting these articles.
September 28, 2009 at 9:02 am |
Nina,
Rewards Points can be seen under “My Account” after you log in.
Thanks
October 21, 2008 at 6:54 am |
Thank you so much for the explanation,this is wonderfully well said and understandable.Love your store and I wish you a prosperous year and the years to come.Prices are excellent too.
October 7, 2008 at 5:10 pm |
I am new to using wire, so you site has been very helpful in every way. I would like to ask you though, how to wire wrap a solid stone like jade that doesnt have a hole in it? Think you could help me with that? Thanks martha
October 6, 2008 at 1:54 am |
This information is priceless to a beginner jewely maker. I love the videos and I love the whole site. Your information truely backs the beginner. Thank you.
October 6, 2008 at 1:52 am |
This information is priceless to a beginning jewelry maker. Thank you so much! The videos are totally awesome, I love this whole site!
September 8, 2008 at 6:15 pm |
This is the best I’ve read on determining which wire guage to use. I am a beginner and have only used stretch material for braclets. I am now ready to move on to wire. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
August 28, 2008 at 5:06 pm |
This is a really helpful post! Thank you
I like how you summarize the gauges and how to use them. I remember starting out I just wanted the skinny and everyone had these long explanation. Thanks for providing clarity.
August 27, 2008 at 11:29 pm |
This was very helpful to me. Thanks!