Tools And Wire For A Basic Beaded Wire Necklace
Learning how to make pieces of jewelry is easy, especially if you learn the wire-wrap method. However, you will need to buy a few basic tools first that are necessary for making jewelry.
BASIC TOOLS
1. Selection of jewelry pliers: round nose, chain nose, flat nose
2. Side cutters
3. Pin vice
4. Ring mandrel
5. Rawhide mallet
6. Millimeter gauge
7. Needle file
8. Steel ruler
9. Steel scribe
Others you could consider investing in include:
1. Wire twister
2. Bending jig
3. Bead board
4. Tweezers
5. Hand-lens
6. End cutter
CHOOSING YOUR WIRE
When choosing wire to make your pieces of jewelry, you must choose carefully. Different types and sizes mean different pieces. Here is a basic guideline on what kind of wire works for what:
1. 20G – use for earrings
2. 18G – use for bracelet components
3. 16G/18G – use for necklace components
A few dos and do nots:
If you want to make wrapped bead links for the bracelets and necklaces it is recommended that, you use 20G or 22G wire. If making any kind of wire component that needs to stand on its own, then do not use 22G. Use it only if the piece is tiny.
When purchasing wire of 16G, remember to purchase the soft wire – otherwise, if you buy the half-hard 16G it might be too stiff and will not serve the purpose. The soft wire on the other hand can be used for turning out spirals – whereas half-hard wire can be used to fashion out wrapped loops.
For an ear wire, do not go for 22G wire. It is far too thin and could be uncomfortable for the wearer. Instead, choose either 20G or 21G wire.
WIRE FOR WRAPPING
You have many options of wire for wrapping to choose. However, to start with, purchase 18-20 gauge wire. Learn the entire process on brass wire. Not only is it inexpensive, it is the best choice for a learner. Once you get the hang of it, try copper, sterling silver, gold-filled and niobium. Niobium is interesting to work with – and is available in a multitude of colors.