There are various types of beading wire which means you can get overwhelmed easily. 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. Brass, craft wire and copper are most commonly packed in 10 to 40 yard spools, but the more expensive varieties of beading wire are commonly sold by the ounce or foot. When starting you will need to do alt of practicing so it is best to get the cheaper brass or copper as they are also easier to manipulate.
Hardness of beading wire
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. When you want the wire to bend with your fingers you will need dead-sott. The half-hard wire is slightly stiffer and will hold it’s shape better. You will find that beading wire will harden as it is manipulated but you also have the option of hammering a piece, which will flatten the shape, if you want a more rigid piece.
The Shapes of Wire
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.
Wire Gauge Scale
The thickness or diameter of the wire is measured by the gauge. Sizes 12 to 28 are the most common sizes used for beading and jewelry making. The thicker the wire you want to use the lower the gauge number is what you need.
Gauge 28
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.
24-26 Gauge Wire
This wire is commonly referred to as an ultra fine wire. Wire crochet, beaded flowers and wire wrapping as some of the uses for this type of wire. Along with being regularyly used for small beads, pearls and gemstones.
20 – 22 Gauge Wire
This wire is an all-purpose wire and used for many findings such as loops jump rings, head pins and eye pins. This gauge is available in dead-soft or half-hard.
16-18 Gauge Wire
This wire is of medium thickness and fairly sturdy. The regular use for this wire is for large jump rings, chain mail and clasps.
Gauge 12 – 14
This wire is best for making wire shapes such as bangle bracelets and neck wires that are unsupported, it is only available in dead-soft hardness.
For bead supplies in the UK check out our website or visit our blog to see the new beads and findings that we have available!
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