Whether you’re just looking into jewelry making as a hobby or you’ve been at it for a while, knowing how to pick the best wire for jewelry making is a very important skill to master as early on as possible. Maybe you intend to make gifts for your friends and family, or you just want to be able to make your own unique accessories for yourself. Either way, making your own jewelry with wire is a great craft to pick up.
However, if you do want to make gorgeous wire jewelry for yourself and your loved ones, then you’ll need to start with the right materials. By the end of this article, you’ll have an ample amount of knowledge regarding how to find the right wire for your projects.
Let’s get started.
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10 Best Wire for Jewelry Making in 2021
Think of when you’re wearing a piece of jewelry. You know what makes a well-made accessory stand out in terms of quality and appearance. Good end results begin with excellent raw materials. So, it’s essential that the wire you opt for is long-lasting, durable, and has that perfect finish.
Finding the perfect materials that you come back to time and time again can take years of trial and error. While that’s totally normal, we’ve put together a list of items that can, hopefully, cut down on that time.
Take a look through this list of highly rated, great quality jewelry wire.
1. Benecreat 18 Gauge Aluminum Wire
Do you want a practically indestructible aluminum wire that is going to serve you for decades? Then take a look at this great quality option from Benecreat.
This wire has a fantastic construction that prevents it from being affected by rust, tarnish, and various other types of damage.
Plus, the alluring texture makes a promising choice when it comes to jewelry. And, since it is a highly durable, long-lasting wire, jewelry made from this material will be gorgeous and long-lasting itself.
This is an 18-gauge wire, which translates to a size of roughly 1mm in thickness.
Benecreat provides you with an abundant amount of wire in this spool (492-feet). With that amount of wire, this is a perfect choice for a large-scale project.
Also, it’s a top-notch choice for various kinds of other tasks such as sculpting, decorating, wire weaving, jewelry making, beading, florist arrangement, gardening, wrapping, and much more.
In short, if you want the finest wire for jewelry making that also grants your work excellent looks, extreme endurance, and unparalleled versatility, then this is a great choice.
Highlighted Features
- Numerous applications
- Top-quality aluminum grants it first-class longevity and versatility
- An abundant amount of the wire is provided to the user for large projects or many small ones
- Can be shaped into almost anything
- Resists corrosion and tarnish
2. UGem Sterling Silver Wire 20-Gauge Round Half Hard
A 20-gauge wire is an optimum choice when you are looking for something that will improve the ultimate sturdiness and durability of your craft. And there is no better choice than Ugem Sterling Silver wire.
This wire has a composition of around 92.5% silver. Therefore, this is the ideal raw material for all types of crafting, especially for jewelry. And, due to the shiny and smooth texture of the wire, your jewelry will look amazing.
By the way, unlike many of the other silver wires on the market, this one isn’t simply a silver plating or silver filling. This is solid sterling silver wire.
Since it is an inert metal, it will not react with anything else, so it’s completely safe for adornments. You’ll be able to wear it for a long time without it becoming dull. However, since it is silver, you will need to polish it from time to time. Polishing this wire to a beautiful glowing shine is very easy with a little silver polish and a few minutes with a clean cloth.
And at a very lightweight of around 0.8-ounces, this silver jewelry wire is a material that will allow you to create many types of pieces that are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Also, its fabulous pliability will allow you to make any variety of jewelry with precision and grace all while holding its shape well thanks to its half-hard quality.
Highlighted Features
- The wire has a thicker dimension that presents you with a more durable choice
- Easy to move and shape into endless possibilities
- Made of 92.5% silver, which gives your work that elegant look
- The wire is inert, so there is no chance of any unwanted chemical reaction
- The amount of product provided is quite plentiful
3. Benecreat 28-Gauge Tarnish Resistant Silver Coil Wire
The brand Benecreat is one of the big guns of the wire crafting world, and only a few other companies are capable of matching the remarkable products that they create. One example of Benecreat’s awesomeness is their 28-gauge tarnish-resistant silver coil wire.
The wire has a malleability factor that will make you fall in love with it almost instantly. Because of such an amazing feature, we can confirm that you can apply and bend it to the structure that you want to give it.
Now, when this is paired with its extraordinary shaping features, you’re going to have a wire-crafting experience like never before.
In terms of dimensions, it’s around 0.3mm or 0.012in. Such a slim dimension enables you to cut the wire very smoothly and cleanly.
Also, the color of the wire is just beautiful. The enameled layer on the wire accents the smoothness and beauty of whatever you create.
Lastly, this product is available in several different colors, such as silver, copper, gold, gunmetal, red, blue, and more. So, it’s safe to say that with this choice of wire, you get an extensive array of color options, and you can select the one that is best suited for your project.
Highlighted Features
- Offers a broad range of color options to choose from
- Easy to shape and will hold its form
- Very easy to use wire
- Can be utilized for all sorts of tasks – great general purpose wire
- You can cut the wire very easily and cleanly
4. MANDALA CRAFTS ANODIZED ALUMINUM WIRE
Aluminum wire is often the go-to choice for many professional-level and novice-level crafters. And, here’s one of the best aluminum wires in the business.
Mandala Crafts’ Anodized aluminum wire is an extra sturdy and extra long-lasting wire that is going to guarantee that your work survives for a very long time.
Also, as it’s anodized, you can say bye-bye to tarnish, rust, and other damage that could wreck the looks of your project.
By the way, this gem of a product is not only suitable for accessories! You can use it to work on sculptures, dream/sun catchers, doll frames, napkin rings, and so much more.
This wire not only boasts quite a heavy-duty construction, but it also holds its structure very well. This permits you to do various types of projects with comfort and confidence.
Also, with your order, you will be provided with six rolls of different colored wire. This will come in handy if you’re planning to do multiple kinds of projects.
Highlighted Features
- Provides you with various colors of wire rolls
- Has a strong build, which will hold it’s shape for you to do your work
- The vibrant exterior is going to make your work look more majestic
- The price of the item is quite inexpensive
- Has a hefty endurance because of its thickness
5. Paxcoo 3 Packs 18-Gauge Jewelry Craft Wire
Why purchase one excellent crafting wire when you can get three first-class coils at the same rate? That’s right, Paxcoo is offering not one, not two, but three of the best craft wires on the market.
First of all, each of the wires in the package is 18-gauge, which is a great choice for shaping crafts such as making sculptures, weaving, designing jewelry, and more. And, as it is moderately thick (1mm in diameter), you’ll end up with an extremely durable wire.
In addition to that, the item is tarnish-proof and rustproof, which enhances the longevity of your project even further.
The surface of this wire is highly shiny and vibrant. It features a classic and gorgeous finish, which will be passed on to your finished piece as well.
Also, as the product is light and can hold its shape well, you can use it for many other sorts of projects.
The package is delivered with three different kinds of coils. You get three colors, such as gold, rose gold, and silver. A ton of options will be laid out in front of you if you pick this product.
Highlighted Features
- Light and bendable
- Takes the form of anything you want without any issue
- Comes in three enticing colors
- Each of the products has a highly robust and sturdy construction
- Sturdy and long-lasting wires
- This wire can be used for all kinds of crafting tasks
6. Pandahall 984 Feet & 20 Gauge Silver Aluminum Craft Wire
Who said that it’s impossible to find a world-class aluminum craft wire at a reasonable price? And it’s not just exceptionally affordable either. This Pandahall aluminum craft wire provides you with several other great features as well.
One of them is its unmatched durability. In thickness (diameter), the wire is around 0.8mm. So, your projects will feature the superb toughness and persistence that you have always wanted.
The wire has a gauge rating of 20 and is about 300 meters long. With regular crafting project use, you should easily be able to use this for about 4 to 5 months.
Plus, the flexibility of the wire is top-notch! You can fashion it into any pattern, and it’s sure to hold its structure. Due to this, you’ll be able to craft multiple sorts of items with confidence.
And the wire has a rustproof and tarnish-proof surface, which enhances the life of the wire even further. To describe this product in a nutshell, it’s a fantastic wire that is perfect for crafting.
Highlighted Features
- Highly durable and long-lasting
- Displays great plasticity that is a good feature for forming all types of different shapes
- You can purchase it at an affordable price
- Has an elegant and shiny finish
- Can be used for all sorts of crafting jobs
7. Bare Copper Wire 25-Feet
Copper is an abundant material, and it’s also an inert metal that can be used in various jewelry or other types of arts and crafts.
And, if you’re looking for the best type of copper wire for your art, then look no further as we think we’ve found the best copper wire for jewelry right here.
This wire contains around 99.95% copper. Thus, the hardness and durability of this copper wire are top-class.
Furthermore, the wire has a length of around 25-feet, which is more than enough for you to create varieties of crafting tasks with a single roll for a long time.
When these features are combined with their astounding plasticity and malleability, you’ll be able to create almost any type of art using this wire.
And the cherry on top is the fact that this product is quite affordable. Therefore, you’ll be able to enjoy all of these amazing and unrivaled qualities at a minimum cost.
Highlighted Features
- The cost of the product is affordable
- You can use them to make anything
- Marvelous elasticity allows you to use the wire any way you want
- Lasts for a very long time
8. Pandahall Elite 10 Rolls Colored Aluminum Craft Wire
Nope, there is no error in the title! Pandahall decided to offer its customers a package that contains ten rolls of one of their best craft wires. Each of the craft wires in the deal has a different color.
Along with an extensive array of color options and unbelievable affordability, the package has a lot more to offer than these two attributes.
All the wires in this set are 20 gauge, which is around 0.8mm in diameter. So, you can do all sorts of craftsmen tasks using these.
Besides, these gems are made of adonized materials, which raise the durability and longevity of the product by two times.
Also, as they have an adonized surface, they resist rust and other damages and ensure that the product retains its glamorous color and shine for many years.
Additionally, the flexibility of the item is off the charts! You can pretty much mold the wire in any way you want, and we guarantee that it will surely hold that figure.
The summary is that this is one of the best wire for wire wrapping and is a substantial choice for many other projects!
Highlighted Features
- You can easily mold them to take any shape you desire
- Using the product feels like a breeze
- Contains a durable and long-lasting build
- Provides you with a wide array of working options
9. Anezus 12 Rolls Jewelry Craft Wire
Unlike other companies that offer you one or two-wire coil rolls, Anezus offers you a total of 12 outstanding craft wire rolls. And let’s talk a little more about what these bad boys have to offer!
Right off the bat, if you want a top-quality wire for your jewelry, then you need this in your arsenal. Anezus’ product is a perfect combo of elasticity and pliability. Hence, if you have this with you, you will be satisfied because of the amount of work you will be able to do.
And, due to all the twelve vibrant and gorgeous colors (provided by the enameled layer), you can design anything in any way you desire.
Not only that, but the toughness of these wires is also off the charts. So, you can expect your creations to last for a very long time without fail.
One important aspect is that these wires are tarnish-resistant and are impervious to rust. These two factors enhance the durability and lifespan of the product, and also gives your work a polished finish.
And, due to its featherlike weight, using it to do your project is as easy as child’s play.
Highlighted Features
- You can conveniently use the wire to do all varieties of tasks
- Resists tarnish, rust, and other earthly damages
- Can be used for all sorts of jewelry
- Comes at a highly affordable cost
10. EuTengaHao 6 Pack Jewelry Copper Craft
For some craftsmen, money can be a big issue. And, if it is a problem, then fear not as we have a solution to that as well.
We present to you the EuTengaHao’s 6 Pack Copper Craft, which gives you most of the qualities that those pricy wires have to offer.
The product boasts six rolls of different qualities that should allow you to do diverse projects quite easily. They also feature a shiny and exclusive exterior. This enhances the outlook of your work to a great extent.
Furthermore, since these are made from copper, there is a generous rate in the hardness department and a fantastic grade in the plasticity department.
Hence, we are confident that you will be adept at doing your work quite efficiently and conveniently. And you can use this wire for so many other things, including jewelry making.
Now, if each of the rolls has around 11 yards of wire, this means that you are provided with a plentiful amount of the wire that you can use for a very long time.
Finally, the strength and sturdiness of the wires is a marvel, and using them to make your products will surely boost the long-lastingness of your project.
Highlighted Features
- Using them feels like a breeze
- The wires have a reliable and tough construction
- You can use them for various operations
- Highly affordable
Things to Consider Before Buying Wire for Jewelry Making
Purchasing high-quality, appropriate wire for your jewelry projects doesn’t have to feel like rocket science. If you remember just a few important things, then that task will be so much simpler.
Also, remember that over time you’ll find the materials and tools that work best for you. We’re all different, and we have our own methods and techniques. Jewelry making is no different.
Try buying small amounts of jewelry-making wire at first and trying several different sizes and materials until you get the feel of what works best for you and your projects. Then, once you learn what you really like to work with, larger quantities usually save you money.
The best Gauge for jewelry making wire
An essential factor in purchasing the best wire for jewelry making is understanding the gauge rating.
The gauge of the wire determines the thickness or diameter of the wire, which directly influences various factors like sturdiness, durability, etc. It can also determine how easy the wire is to work with. So, when you’re choosing wires for your jewelry, it’s important to choose the correct gauge.
Now, when you’re reading gauges, just remember that the higher the gauge rating (i.e. the larger the number), the smaller the diameter of the wire. And, of course, the opposite is true. A smaller gauge number means thicker wire.
For instance, if you buy a wire that has a gauge rating of around 10, then it will have a diameter of 0.102 inches or 2.56 mm. On the other hand, a wire with a gauge rating of approximately 32 will have a diameter of 0.008 inches or 0.203 mm.
What Shape should I choose for jewelry making wire
In addition to gauge diameter, the shape of the wire is another super important feature to keep in mind when buying supplies for jewelry making. And generally, there are about four shapes that you want to take into consideration.
The shapes are pretty self-explanatory:
- Round Wire: This is the type of wire that is most frequently used.
- Square Wire: There isn’t really a special structural reason for using this type of wire or anything. It’s really about aesthetics, and it can be lovely.
- Half-Round Wire: This type of wire is used to connect adjacent pieces of wire in a piece.
- Twisted Wire: Just like the square shape, this is also more an aesthetic option than anything else.
So, here you have the most popular shapes of wire that you might come across when searching for the best wire for jewelry making. And, how you will use them to do the job is completely up to you. It really just depends on the type of project you’re working on and what end result you’re hoping to achieve.
What material should I use for jewelry making wire
After the gauge of the wire, this is probably the most important feature to consider while searching for and purchasing jewelry-making wire.
This determines how well the wire will hold the form and whether it will be able to handle the stress and numerous other factors. You should also consider whether or not you want to find wire that is better suited to people who might have allergies or bad reactions to certain types of metals.
Here is the list of materials you’ll most often come across –
- Solid Precious Metal Wire
- Solid Base Metal Wire
- Silver Fill & Gold Fill Wire
- Silver Plate & Gold Plate Wire
- Enamel-coated Wire
- Memory Wire
- Anodized Wire
- Bullion (aka French Wire)
Each of the wires listed above has a specific functionality. So, make sure to select a coil that is well-suited for the task at hand.
How to Wire Jewelry: 2 Steps to follow
After you’ve purchased your wire, making jewelry out of it might feel like a tricky thing to accomplish, to say the least. So, to make the process a tad easier, here are some basic steps that you might follow.
Step-1 (Get a decent set of jewelry making tools)
You really can’t do anything if you don’t have the adequate tools for the job. So, the first step that you need to take is to have all the required types of equipment for the job. Exactly what you’ll need will depend greatly on what you’re actually making.
You’ll need some different tools if you’re making rings, bracelets, or earrings. You can find some tools in common for sure. But, having the right tools at the right time makes all the difference. So, do a little research into exactly what you’re planning on making.
These are some of the things you’ll need –
- Jewelry making wire
- Roundhouse nose clippers
- Chain nose clippers
- Wire cutter
- Jig
Also, ensure that you have gloves and protective gear like goggles when you are cutting and shaping metal. That way, there’s less of a chance of any dangerous accidents, and you will be able to do your work with less worry or interruptions.
Step-2 (The Making)
Now, let’s make jewelry! First, take the wire, and then snap the wires from each end. Next, flatten these ends using a roundhouse nose clipper, and then roll the wire to make loops.
After you have done that, use the chain-nose clipper to close the loop. When you are done with this, add beads or anything similar to the wire.
Once you have completed that, make a couple more of them, attach them, and you have a bracelet. You can also use the same method to make various other jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does jewelry-making wire conduct electricity?
Well, yes! Since it can be made of metals like aluminum and copper, jewelry wire does have the capability to conduct electricity. So, you do want to be careful around electricity and electronic devices.
In fact, some electricians make it a habit to remove rings and other jewelry while working. However, as long as you stay away from live electrical currents, making jewelry is a relatively safe craft to take part in.
2. Is it easy to make jewelry out of wire?
Yes, if you’re looking for an easy way to get into the art of jewelry making, using wire to make pieces is a great way to start learning. It still takes practice and patience, but overall making jewelry from wire is one of the easiest paths towards become a jewelry making artist.
3. What is the best Gauge rating for jewelry wire?
Actually, there is no best gauge rating! Since every piece is unique and every jewelry maker is different, there’s no way to say which gauge rating is the best for jewelry or any other forms of DIY craftsmanship across the board for everyone.
However, we can say which gauge of wire is used often. And, generally, people use 14-gauge to 16-gauge wire to make jewelry. So, that might be a good place to start exploring.
4. How long does it take to make jewelry with wire?
That depends upon you and the amount of work you put in on the item. However, we can say that the more practice you put in, the faster and more efficient you will be as a jewelry maker.
It’s pretty reasonable to say that you can produce a nice piece of basic jewelry in a few hours to a day.
Final Words
Making jewelry out of wire is an art, and if you want to give your art the best outcome, then you need the best wire for jewelry making. It does not matter if you are just starting out.
If you keep practicing, you’ll soon make this skill your own. Just remember to give yourself room for mistakes and plenty of time to learn and grow.