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Daily Wire Tip Jan. 28: Choosing Wire for Projects

By on January 27, 2011
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
January 28, 2011

Question:

I need to learn about how to pick the wire for a ring or bracelet. How do I know what I’m supposed to use?

-Ramona in Jersey City, New Jersey

Answer:

I really cannot tell you specifically what wire gauge, temper (dead soft, half hard, full hard) and/or shape (square, round, half round) is a definite must-have for certain project groups, because the variety of techniques available is huge, and different patterns work best with different wire types.

When someone is starting out and learning to make wire jewelry, it is best to find the projects you want to learn first, and then to follow the designer/author’s recommended wire gauges and shapes. I always tell my beginner students to keep 22-gauge square half hard, 20-gauge half hard half round, and 21-gauge round half hard wire in stock if they are doing a lot of wire work, as most designs can be made in these wire choices.

While working through various instructions, you will notice a pattern emerging, regarding what type of wire is used for those certain items that you enjoy making. (Why Use a Designer’s Notebook?)

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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