What kind of jewelry wire do you use?

I don't know about you but whenever it is time to start a new wire-wrap project, the first thing I look for is the size and type of wire that I will be using.  If money were no object, I guess I would choose pure gold and silver but since that is not the case, then I need to pick the wire that best suits my project and makes the items affordable for me, as the designer, and those visiting my online store.

We all have favorite types of wire and of course find new types of wire along the way but for now, I will be sharing some of my favorite types of wire.

I don't endorse any company or get kickbacks from sharing certain brands.  I like reading what other artists use when they are sharing from their heart, not their purse. However, you may be able to recognize the brand from the details that I share.

I LOVE copper based wire.  There is a company that I use most of the time that makes over 190 different sizes and styles of copper based wire.  It will depend greatly on how you are using the wire in your design but for me, most of my designs use wire wrapping.  I need the wire to be sturdy enough to be used as a bracelet or rosary, to name a few, but also look gorgeous and smooth as the wire is wrapped, trimmed, and given a smooth edge.  The KEY is to find "tarnish resistant".  This means that they have coated the top metal with a protective coating that will keep the metal from turning color.  I have bought silver for many years and have been so disappointed when it turned to a lovely dark color a few weeks after purchase.  If you don't mind that discoloration then the plain metal is for you but I prefer the protected wires that keep the metal the same bright and shiny color for a long time, especially if you keep the item in an air tight container or zip lock bag. I use the silver and brass over copper with the tarnish resistant coating.

If I am looking for one of the strongest wires, for some of my rosaries, I choose a stainless steel wire.  The stainless steel is so strong that it makes callouses on my hands. I use the 20 gauge for a regular wrap but if I am going to wrap several times around the wire, I will go to the 22 gauge.  Both are amazingly strong and should never change in their appearance.  It has a nice handsome silver color and yet is very light in weight and STONG.

One of the newest wires that I'm using is nickel silver.  It is easy to work with like copper based wire and holds its shape but has a sterling silver color.  The surprise for me was that it has absolutely no silver in it.  It polishes up beautifully. (Note:  I just finished a one decade rosary with the nickel silver and LOVED the way it looks!)

The two wires that I use the most are silver over copper along with brass over copper.  Both have the tarnish resistant coating and I have used them for years and they still look beautiful.

New Czech Alabaster Opal AB Fired Polished Beads * Vintage Swarovski Beads * Five Decade Rosary * Stainless Steel Wire

New Five Decade Rosary - Czech Alabaster Opal Beads - Swarovski Vintage AB Clear

I am really pleased with my new white AB Czech beads and the way they look with the Swarovski vintage beads from my collection.  It is a great blend of the vintage and the new!

If anyone questions the value of stainless steel in a rosary, they would know how strong it is by the callouses on my hands.  When you are bending the wire, it takes added strength so it leaves its mark on the palms of my hands afterward.  However, knowing that the rosary will last a lifetime gives me great pleasure.  So, if you are unsure about which rosary wire to use, stainless steel is a great option because it is amazingly strong, yet light in weight.  It will continue to look the same for years to come. Anything will break if used inappropriately, but if used as it is made to be used, it will last for years and years.  My thought is that it would make a wonderful wedding gift which should look exactly the same when the couple is celebrating their 75th Anniversary!

Please check out this latest rosary on my Etsy site from my online shop: Let Our Light Shine!

 

Wire-Wrapping with Stainless Steel Wire

When I am making a bracelet, rosary, or other wire-wrapped item, I usually use four basic wires: stainless steel, silver over copper, brass over copper, and copper wire.  The hardest and strongest wire that I use is stainless steel - 20 gauge.  I use 18 gauge for handmade hooks but normally 20 and 22 gauge are my go-to wire.

To be honest, I try to make one item with stainless steel wire and then wait a while before beginning another project using the same wire because it is so strong that it puts calices and sometimes cuts on my hands.  However, it is worth it to complete a finished piece that you know is very resistant to breaking and bending. If you are looking for an item that will last for years and years, stainless steel is a wonderful choice.  It all comes down to what you are looking for in your custom made item.

I love all of the wire that I use, each for different reasons.  For bracelets, I prefer a silver plate, bronze, or copper.  For rosaries and prayer beads, it depends of your personal preference, as they all make beautiful and long lasting items.

Another tip, if you are making an item with stainless steel wire, keep a different pair of wire clippers just to use with the stainless steel wire.  Since it is so strong, it tends to dull the standard jewelry wire clippers quicker than other wire, so keep a pair just to use with stainless steel wire.

Two items that I have currently designed using stainless steel wire are:

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/LetOurLightShine/tools/listings/order:ascending/455287730

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/LetOurLightShine/tools/listings/order:ascending/525029083

You can see how beautiful the stainless steel wire looks with the crystal beads, yet is amazingly strong and difficult to bend or break.

If you are looking for an heirloom piece that will last a lifetime, a great choice is stainless steel wire.