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Wire used for Beading and Jewellery Making
With the many varieties of beading wire available it is easy for you to become overwhelmed. Silver, gold, coper and brass are some of the finishes and materials available to use. There are also variations of silver and gold which include gold-filled, sterling silver, gold and silver plated. More expensive beading wire are commonly available by the ounce or foot whereas copper and brass wires can be packed in 10 to 40 yard spools.. If you are just starting out then opting for the cheaper and easier to manipulate copper or brass may be better for practising..
Beading wire hardness
A wire's hardness describes a wire's temper or malleability. Sterling silver can be available in two main categories; these are half-hard and dead-soft. Dead-soft is used when you want to bend the wire with your fingers. Half-hard holds its shape better as it is a slightly stiffer wire. Hammering a peice of beading wire will flatten it and make it a more ridgid piece, although you will find that most wires will harden a bit as they are manipulated..
Wire Shapes
Most types of beading wire are available in various shapes, these include square, triangle, twisted, round and half-round.. The shape you choose will depend on the piece you are making and the style you want.
Scale of Wire gauge?
The diameter or tickness is measured in wire by the gauge. Between 12 and 28 are the most common sizes used for wire and bead jewelry making. The lower the gauge number is the bigger the thickness of the wire will be.
28 Gauge Wire
Wires like this or even thinner wires are usually used for applications such as twining and crochet which are delicate. If you have beads, gemstones or pearls with very small holes the this may be your only option for wire.
Gauge 24 - 26
This size wire is sometimes called ultra fine wire.. It is sometimes used for beaded flowers, wire crochet and wire wrapping. But is also regularly used with small gemstones and small pearls.
Gauge 20 - 22
This wire is all purpose and can be used with most jewelry findings. This gauge is available in dead-soft or half-hard.
16-18 Gauge Wire
This wire is of medium thickness and fairly sturdy. This wire is regularly used to make clasps, large jump rings and chain mail.
About the Author
For more tips and techniques on beading then visit us and our UK bead supplies shop.
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