Guide to Precious Metal Wire

Beautiful precious metal wire is used for wire-wrapping, chain-making and other jewelry construction. It is readily available in three metals (gold-filled, sterling silver, and the new Argentium silver), in three shapes (round, half-round and square) and in three hardnesses (dead soft, half-hard and full hard).

Dead Soft Wire is extremely malleable and can be bent easily into a myriad of shapes. It does not hold its shape in stress situations, such as clasps, but the ability to easily shape it makes it a wonderful choice for intricate shapes.

Half Hard Wire is malleable; however, it will maintain an intricate shape under moderate stress. Useful for weight-bearing parts of wire-wrapped jewelry. I use more round, half hard wire than any other type.

Full Hard Wire holds its shape for wire-wrapping jewelry. Its tempered nature holds intricate designs well. It is excellent for clasps and other high stress uses. It can be difficult for beginners to work with.