Here are the most common
metals used in creating artisan jewelry. There are also jewelers who
use iron and steel products and, of course, platinum and karat gold
used in making fine jewelry.
.
Pure copper wire
~ Great for practicing with as it is
relatively inexpensive. However, you can create beautiful
jewelry with this wonderful warm metal. Available in gauges from 30
gauge
to 6 gauge.
Fine
silver ~ This is a pure silver product. It resists
tarnishing and may be melted without any porosity (pitting). Great for
incorporating into lampwork, and making your own ball tip headpins. It
is softer than Sterling silver and maintains its pliability longer,
making it a good choice for very fine wire wrap projects.
Sterling
silver ~ .925 = 92.5% Silver / 7.5% copper. Available in a
wide array of shapes and hardnesses.
Coin
silver ~ 90% silver / 10% copper
Nickel
silver ~ 0% silver / 65% copper / 17% zinc / 18% nickel
Artistic
Wire ~ Permanently colored copper wire.
Gold-filled
Wire ~ A wire made by fusing a layer of karat gold to a
suitable supporting metal or alloy. Using carefully controlled heat,
pressure and time, the bond produced is permanent. The metal is then
rolled and compressed into a sheet. Repeated rolling helps to increase
the density of the gold so that it becomes harder and more durable.
To
make jewelry designing easier, I keep a supply of the wire gauges
I use
the most at my work bench. The gauges I use most often are:
12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 gauges. You may combine metals like
Sterling silver and copper and even brass and gold-filled to add
interest to your designs. I prefer using dead soft wire for most of the
jewelry I make as it's easier to manipulate and I can harden it myself
either by working with it (work-harden) or by heating. Some designers
prefer half hard wire, some prefer dead soft. I encourage you to try
the different hardnesses
of wire to see which suits your needs the best.
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