Wire is a very popular and versatile material to use for making jewelry. It can be used with no other material to make rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. However, if you want to spice up your wire jewelry, you can incorporate the use of beads or stones. There are many different types and sizes of wire that can be used to make jewelry, and all types of wire have their own benefits.
Wire comes in many different sizes that are called gauges. The smaller the diameter of your wire, the larger the gauge number. Most jewelry makers use 14 to 26 gauge when working with more simple wire projects. If you plan on incorporating beads in your designs, try using 24 to 26 gauge wire.
Copper wire is great to use as practice wire. When you use copper wire in your jewelry making, be sure to keep in mind that it will darken and discolor with age. If you wish to keep it bright and shiny, you can polish it. Galvanized wire is also a good practice wire, but it is a lot harder than other silver wires, so be sure to get a smaller gauge if you go with this type of wire.
Sterling silver wire is great for wire jewelry and brings a classic look to your pieces. Keep in mind when working with sterling that it will tarnish, so it's best to store it in zip lock bags when you're not using it or wearing it. Fine silver wire is available, but it's much softer than sterling. Gold-filled wire is also very popular due to the look it gives jewelry. It's a great alternative for the much more expensive and soft gold wire. You can also get jewelry wire in coated colors so that you can create jewelry in all shades of the rainbow!
Pliers are very important in your jewelry making. Different types of pliers help you to perform different kinds of techniques and methods. Bent nosed pliers are extremely helpful when it comes to bending, pulling or straightening jewelry wire. Clamps with rubber on the end are ideal for those times when you just can't seem to get a good grip on your wire. Round nosed pliers are great for when you need to make a nice, round loop.
Now that you have a better idea of how important wire and pliers are to your jewelry making ventures, go out there and get stocked up! Making jewelry with wire is a fun and challenging (but simple) hobby that can lead to money-making opportunities.
Author Resource:-
Crystal Bead Shop is a trusted resource for purchasing all the necessary equipment for making jewelry, such as pliers -further information can be found on the Crystal Bead Shop website.
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