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Daily Wire Tip Oct. 17: What Type of Wire Should Be Used To Make Necklace Clasps?

By on October 17, 2009
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
October 17, 2009

Question:

I would like to make the clasps for necklace in sterling silver.  What type of wire would be most appropriate?

Answer:

The most often used wire shape to make clasps is round and the temper is determined by the gauge or size of the wire. If the wire is large like 18 gauge, then I recommend using dead soft because most clasps are made using small bends and larger soft wire will work harden quickly. If the wire is smaller like 21 gauge, then I would use a half-hard wire to give this smaller size the necessary strength. The size of the wire used should be decided upon by the size and style of the necklace, larger for a heavy design and smaller for a more delicate piece.

Answer contributed by Dale `Cougar` Armstrong

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2 Comments

  1. avatar

    mike bethel

    October 17, 2009 at 10:51 am

    Could see you make a clasp and use this web site to show how its done?

  2. avatar

    Pat Whitlow

    October 17, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    A great answer and very informative. Thanks