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Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Wire for Wire-Wrapping

DISCLAIMER:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.  Please read my disclaimer for more info.

September 18, 2020 by Chantal

If you’re new to wire-wrapping, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed in regards to jewelry wire – that’s totally normal.

Jewelry wire comes in various materials, gauges and strengths so there’s a TON of variety out there!

Beginner's Guide to Jewelry Wire for Wire-Wrapping

Types of Wire

Both base metal and precious metal wires are used in wire-wrapping. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to stick with the base metal wires.

Please note that beading wire is not appropriate for wire-wrapping.

Base Metals

Base metal wire is way more economical than precious metal wire which makes it ideal for beginners.

The base metals that I am discussing in this blog post are: copper wire, brass wire, and Artistic wire.

Copper Wire

Copper wire is my favorite wire for wire-wrapping.

When I first started wire-wrapping, I bought bare copper wire at my local hardware store. I bought 18 gauge and 24 gauge which was enough to get started.

Copper wire is also widely available online. If you want “real” copper wire, make sure that it’s labelled as either “bare”, “raw” or “pure”.

Please note that bare copper wire will tarnish over time. Personally I love the “antique” look.

If you’re interested in this too, please check out my blog post “How to use Liver of Sulfur as Copper Patina”.

Copper Wire for Wire-Wrapping
Photo Credit: KJewelryMetal
See More Copper Wire

Brass Wire

Brass wire is a “yellow-ish” wire and is similar in cost to copper wire. Brass is also prone to tarnishing (like copper wire). Some jewelry makers like the look of antiqued brass.

Brass Wire for Wire-Wrapping
Photo Credit: COPPERWIREUSA
See More Brass Wire

Craft Wire or Artistic Wire

Craft wire and artistic wire are used interchangeably – “Artistic Wire” is a brand name.

It’s available in a variety of colors & gauges, and is perfect for making wire-wrapped jewelry because it’s dead soft (see below for more info on Wire Hardness).

If you’re looking for silver-plated wire or gold-plated wire, this is what you need.

Artistic Wire for Wire-Wrapping
Photo Credit: CraftBistro
Artistic Wire for Wire-Wrapping
Photo Credit: CraftBistro
Artistic Wire for Wire-Wrapping
Photo Credit: CraftBistro
See More Artistic Wire

Precious Metals

Jewelry wire is also available in sterling silver, fine silver and gold.

If you’re just starting out, I would recommend getting some experience before moving on to precious metals, mainly because of the price difference.

Sterling Silver Wire for Wire-Wrapping
Photo Credit: InTheWorksBeads
See More Sterling Silver Wire

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Wire Wrapping Planner

Wire Gauge

The thickness of your wire is measured by gauge.

Basically the higher the number is, the thinner the wire is – and vice versa. The lower the number is, the thicker the wire is.

Wire Gauge Chart

Wire Use in Jewelry Making

Sometimes it’s hard to know what size wire to use in your projects. Fortunately, the majority of tutorials will have a list of wire gauges used.

If you’re just winging it, the best advice I can give you is to “EXPERIMENT”! See what works for you – there will be some trial and error, but you’ll soon figure it out.

Here are the most common uses of wire in jewelry making:

12 gauge

  • Solid cuff bracelets or bangles
  • Frames
See 12 gauge wire

14 gauge

  • Heavy books & clasps
  • Light bangles and cuffs
  • Rings
  • Frames
See 14 gauge wire

16 gauge

  • Thick jump rings
  • Hook clasps
  • Frames
See 16 gauge wire

18 gauge

  • Jump rings
  • Head & Eye Pins
  • Simple bead links
  • Heavier ear wires
  • Bails
  • Frames
See 18 gauge wire

20 gauge

  • Smaller jump rings
  • Head & Eye Pins
  • Simple bead links
  • Heavier bead links
  • Lighter hooks & clasps
  • Ear wires
See 20 gauge wire

22 gauge

  • Head & Eye Pins
  • Wrapped bead links
  • Ear wire
See 22 gauge wire

24 gauge

  • Weaving
  • Small head & eye Pins
  • Bead links
  • Small jump rings
  • Coiling
See 24 gauge wire

26 gauge

  • Weaving
  • Wire Knitting
  • Coiling
See 26 gauge wire

Wire Hardness

Wire hardness refers to the stiffness or malleability of the wire and falls in one of three categories: dead soft, half hard, and full hard.

Dead Soft

Dead soft wire is the easiest to bend which makes it ideal for a number of applications.

For beginners who are learning how to wire-wrap, dead soft wire is the best to start with.

Half Hard

Half hard wire is softer than hard but still has some spring to it. It is ideal for ear wires, jump rings and links.

Hard

Very difficult to shape and not used much in jewelry making.

Wire Shapes

The three most popular wire shapes are: round, half-round and square.

Each of these shapes can offer interesting results. Once again, EXPERIMENT.

Common Wire Shapes Wire-Wrapping

Round Wire

Round wire is the most common shape of wire that is available.

It can’t be “twisted” because it is already round. This effect can be achieved by simply using two strands of wire.

Gold Filled Round Wire
Photo Credit: WestCoastFindings
See All Round Wire

Square Wire

I love the look of square wire – it offers a very unique look in finished wire-wrapped jewelry. The flat sides allow it to lay flush, unlike round wire.

Square wire is typically more expensive than round wire.

Copper Square Wire
Photo Credit: FDJtools
See All Square Wire

Half-Round Wire

Half-round wire is typically used to bind several strands of square wire. It has one flat side which can lay flush, and a domed side.

Half Round Wire Copper
Photo Credit: CreatingUnkamen
See All Half-Round Wire

RELATED CONTENT

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  • Wire-Wrapped Ring Tutorials – How to Wire-Wrap Rings

If you’d like to see my work and follow my wire journey, you can find me here:

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My name is Chantal and I’m the owner of Studio 73 Designs.

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