Copper VS Aluminum Wire // Choosing the Right Wire for Jewelry Making

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[@hume1911]

Does aluminum wire work harden like Cooper wire does?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Aluminum can break if you try to harden it. It is a very soft metal. Better to use a thicker gauge if you need it to be stronger. Also I find when I flatten the aluminum it gets duller.

[@hume1911]

@@HeatherBoydWire thanks, love your videos!

[@marickjolivot]

@Leonardo Joaquin lmao it's a scam bro

[@elmariejansevanrensburg2952]

Thank you Heather, needed this🌹

[@MinaFats]

@@HeatherBoydWire Will aluminum wire works as a bookmark that won't tarnish the paper?

[@Lunarstruck1]

Thank you SO MUCH! No one talks about wire, I LOVE THIS!!!!

[@HeatherBoydWire]

You are very welcome. I'll be doing more of these vids soon.

[@Lunarstruck1]

@@HeatherBoydWire awesome!!!

[@houditv]

Thank you so much for this info, it was exactly what i want. Cheers

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Glad it helped

[@patriciagraham4593]

Thanks for the clear and understandable info!

[@HeatherBoydWire]

You are very welcome Patricia.

[@rondagiblin7776]

Great information, thank you!

[@HeatherBoydWire]

You are very welcome.

[@iamtheglass3744]

Thank You for the support! I’m just embarking on Jewelry Making & wire has alwaysALWAYSalways caught my eye. So copper coloured aluminum wire by Mandala Crafts, 18 gauge, in my very 1st effort the colour is coming and onto the pliers! Exposing of course the bare aluminum, undesirable, at least for the intended clasps/hooks for Vintage Silk Slub Wrap Bracelets. I’ll need to invest in Copper Wire, solid obviously. But would LoveLOVELove MoreMOREMore info on the items I might make use of this Aluminum. I’m quite impressed by your Wealth of Knowledge of 30 years in Jewelry Making. Your video came up in search topic as mentioned above. Thank You! 🕊💨

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Thank you. I make aluminum wire jewelry and cake toppers. I love it because it doesn't tarnish and is lightweight. I use surgical steel hooks for the earrings. Please don't hesitate to ask any other questions and join the Wire Makers Club on Facebook for inspiration!

[@zihnimdenzihnine8285]

Thanks that's very informative and helpful

[@HeatherBoydWire]

You are very welcome.

[@sheerattitude1]

Love the box

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Thanks!

[@lorraine8368]

Love this, I always learn something new from your videos, thank you!❤️

[@HeatherBoydWire]

I'm so happy Lorraine and thank you for your feedback on the first version!

[@carenhurlburt6362]

This has been so helpful, im going to do a small class w friends teaching them how to wrap moons for hallows eve, n i was stuck between aluminum n copper, i think copper would be easy to work w but hold the moons better, thanks for the afvice

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Hi Caren: I'm so happy. I prefer the Artistic tarnish resistant copper wire from Beadalon. Any copper should do the trick though. I usually go with a 20 gauge as it is a medium size! Good luck.

[@zahrasartpak967]

Thanks

[@HeatherBoydWire]

You are very welcome.

[@helenekennedy6576]

The box is cute

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Thank you!

[@tishsmiddy71]

You have shared so much with me 🤟🏻🥰

[@HeatherBoydWire]

So happy you are enjoying the videos Tish!

[@farjanasstudio6863]

informative, thank you ❤️

[@HeatherBoydWire]

You are very welcome.

[@farjanasstudio6863]

@@HeatherBoydWire 💕

[@unionphotography19]

😊Thank you !!!

[@HeatherBoydWire]

You are very welcome!

[@cynfrombrooklyn]

I like the color of the aluminum wire

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Yes the silver is nice.

[@pussywillow642]

Hi miss Heather, I recently got interested in Hair Vines, and wire tiaras, they kinda do twist thingies, and I don't really know what wire I should buy 😞

[@HeatherBoydWire]

There seem to be quite a view tutorials on KZbin. Some have 12 gauge wire, which is quite thick. I have a great 16 gauge wire from Michaels that would work. If you are twisting the wires you may prefer a thinner gauge like 18 g. The bigger the gauge number the thinner the wire! Here are some ideas: kzbin.info?search_query=wire+tiar

[@floridastoneman]

I’m starting out brand new to wire wrapping stones, I like the thickness of 18 gage but I am looking for something that doesn’t tarnish and is pretty strong / long lasting / not super soft. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you!

[@HeatherBoydWire]

The tarnish resistant wire from Artistic Wire is nice. I usually wrap with 20g wire.

[@floridastoneman]

@@HeatherBoydWire thank you!!

[@floridastoneman]

@@HeatherBoydWire thank you!

[@lisascales9582]

@@floridastoneman look up how to make a pickle dip and how to coat your peices into solution there are videos that explain ingredients on both and techniques im also new so im looking through videos

[@cherylharris5695]

helps alot; i noticed that amazon sell alot of aluminium wire but becsuse i've watched your channel i can't use the aluminium for my tree of life projects but they're selling vasts amount in the 16 gauge wire what i dont want to purchase.

[@HeatherBoydWire]

I use aluminum wire a lot but everyone has their own preferences. Copper wire is nice for the trees.

[@Meanne77]

thank you for clarifying this up!

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Yes, copper can oxidize and turn green with humidity. I use the tarnish resistant copper from Beadalon.

[@Jazzimini]

Hi, thank you for the video. It is really informative. 😍 Which might be a better wire for sensitive skin?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Thank you. for very sensitive skin you might opt for sterling silver or Argentium silver. Otherwise the Artistic Copper tarnish resistant wire by Beadalon is better than aluminum.

[@Jazzimini]

Thank you, I will check those out when I go get more supplies. ❤️

[@aestheticcustomcase2656]

Hello, Thank you for your help and shares about wire art. Still have a question what’s better wire to make name on it?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

I used tarnish resistant brass or copper wire by Beadalon. 20 gauge is best.

[@aestheticcustomcase2656]

@@HeatherBoydWire thank you so much 🥰

[@mattt1974UK]

Hello, I'm looking for a wire that I can wrap around two pieces of rope to bind them together so it needs to be sturdy and hold its shape. Which would you recommend?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

You can use steel wire or maybe some heavy gauge copper from the hardware store. I hope this helps.

[@OvidiosoaresdaSilva]

Oi, tudo bem? Você conhece o fio de Alpaca? Aqui, no Brasil, muitos artesãos utilizam em seus trabalhos com fios. A cor é parecida com a prata; ele é feito com a mistura de alguns metais, e , às vezes, entra um pouco de prata em sua composição.

[@JoyAloha709]

Very interesting, thanks. Basically it doesn’t seem like using aluminum has an advantage over the copper.

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Aluminum is great for something because it is lightweight and easy to work with. It's really good for home decor, mixed media cards, etc. Also good for earrings because it it lightweight. When I make brooches with aluminum I add a sturdy stainless steel pin back. So many possibilities. Copper is better with semi-precious stones due to it's resistance and also the intrinsic qualities of the metal (some people say it has healing qualities...I didn't make any claims in the video...LOL).

[@stefanoiaconissi2727]

Copper tend to leave green traces on skin and I hate it. That's why I usually prefer to work with aluminum. But I must say I like the way I can give some strength on the cages with sub 1mm wires with the copper. I wish I could find a aluminum based alloy that can hold good with wires with size less than 2mm.

[@lovalagerlid]

Hey! I do rings and I want a wire that don’t turn green what should I buy?💗💗 Answer please 💕 Sterling silver is expensive and do aluminum turn green?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Aluminum does not turn green but is not as strong as copper. You can buy tarnish resistant copper and brass wire.

[@lovalagerlid]

@@HeatherBoydWire Thank you! 💗

[@sapnathapa3887]

Which wire to use for making hoops - guage and type? to make wire wrapped hoops with semi precious stones.

[@sapnathapa3887]

Awaiting your reply please🌷

[@lilithwinter6354]

Hello, i plan on making some simple (no stones, no elaborate patterns ) wire rings. I never did jewelry making before, which wire would you suggest out of aluminum and copper?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

I would suggest copper for rings. I use the Artistic Wire tarnish resistant copper by Beadalon.

[@maryzoerman7715]

Can you use a higher gauge aluminum than you would for copper.

[@HeatherBoydWire]

The aluminum wire is softer, so you could use thicker gauge.

[@angelserenade]

I'm glad I practiced my first wire wrapped rings and bead cage in aluminum wires. Rolling and shaping them with tight curves is always nerve-wrecking. I have a love-hate with Copper wires, I think because the 18gauge wires I bought was very resistant

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Have fun with your rings.

[@wipamuu]

Normally there is silver line as copper and aluminum or not ?if there's the price is big difference? Always thank for your vdo

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Do you mean sterling silver? It is more expensive. There is also argentium silver that I use for my work at a local gallery.

[@princessemo03]

Hi hope you'll notice me. I am on process of learning about wire jewelry because im planning to start a small business here in the Philippines. May I ask if what is the best wire for name jewelry or any other hand made jewelries. Thank you so much. Your reply is much appreciated. ♥️♥️

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Hi Erica: Thanks for your comment. I use 20 gauge Artistic Copper wire for the names.

[@mizzyayadelavigne]

Hye.. what do u suggest if i want a black color ? The best one for wire ring ?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Beadalon make a black coloured copper wire. You can use 18 or 20 gauge: www.beadalon.com/products/parent_artistic_wire_standard_colors.asp?childskumatch=black+wire

[@luscacini7367]

sorry, which better for making name wire?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

I prefer the copper wire for making names. I also use tarnish resistant brass and Argentium silver for names.

[@aliciajanssens6565]

is aluminium wire too thin / fragile to make rings?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Aluminum is a bit soft for rings.

[@dianewilliams9858]

I'm having a piece of malachite wrapped with 'silver' wire.. how can I keep it from tarnishing?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Hi Diane: I don't work with silver and generally use non-tarnish (coated) wires. You can search KZbin for ideas: kzbin.info?search_query=prevent+silver+wire+from+tarnishing

[@dianewilliams9858]

@@HeatherBoydWire thanks 😉

[@gayathrikayanadath8341]

Can we use electric wire

[@HeatherBoydWire]

I have used electrical wire in the past and strip the plastic when needed!

[@NOAMKARAKO]

Tank you, so if i want to sell them, what wire will stay in the same color?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Copper can tarnish, but you can buy tarnish resistant copper. Aluminum stays shiny depending on the quality of the wire. For selling rings I prefer sterling or Argentium silver.

[@NOAMKARAKO]

@@HeatherBoydWire Thank you very much for the answer :)

[@HeatherBoydWire]

@@NOAMKARAKO You are very welcome.

[@belen3137]

I accidentally bought very hard wire and cant think about what to do with it so it doesnt go to waste,any craft ideas?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Maybe you can use it as an armature or larger sculpture. What gauge is it?

[@marickjolivot]

Hey is aluminum as strong as silver ?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

No, aluminum is very soft and more fragile.

[@marickjolivot]

@@HeatherBoydWire but i heard silver was soft too

[@HeatherBoydWire]

@@marickjolivot You can buy silver in dead soft or half hard. It is stronger than aluminum for sure!

[@imperfectkeke]

where’d you get the copper wire ?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

The raw copper wire is from a hardware store.I used a lot of Artistic Copper wire from Beadalon that I purchase on Amazon.

[@imperfectkeke]

@@HeatherBoydWire thank you so much !

[@shrinkhlashrivastava7607]

Can I use aluminium wire to make rings?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

I have used aluminum wire but it's not the best to use if they get wet. They are OK for novelty/special occasion rings.

[@shrinkhlashrivastava7607]

@@HeatherBoydWire like what happens when it get contact with water? Like i put my ring in water i didn't see much reaction other than its losing shape due to flexibility 😅 so I'm unsure if i should continue using it for rings or not

[@HeatherBoydWire]

@@shrinkhlashrivastava7607 Depending on the quality of the metal the water can cause the aluminum to darken. I really depends on the wire.

[@shrinkhlashrivastava7607]

@@HeatherBoydWire oh okay thank you!!

[@lorendillon2481]

Do you. Sell your stuff at Etsy ? I would love 💕 to buy some Things that you make.

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Hi Loren: Thanks so much for asking. YES, my husband and I sell custom wedding cake toppers and jewelry on Etsy: www.etsy.com/ca/shop/HeatherBoydWire

[@debbiegoble9836]

Aluminum is good to wrap other things with it. I'm going to try box in a few minutes. Washing clothes

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Yes. Aluminum is great for a lot of things. Can't wait to see your box!

[@batrum_vietchu]

How about silver wire? Can you share the pros and cons of using it? Copper wire is easy to handle and curl but the color can be easily lost due to oxygen process

[@HeatherBoydWire]

I like Argentium silver because is tarnishes less than sterling but it still high quality. I use half hard for some things and dead soft for wrapping.

[@jameschan1261]

I have a photo of some wire art off the internet, but not sure the type of wire and size. It is a larger sculpture. Can you help me ID if i send via email? Thnx

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Hi James. You can email me at [e-mail]

[@jameschan1261]

@@HeatherBoydWire email sent!

[@andresboni460]

i think aluminum wire won't rust ?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

You are right.

[@noelliastarr5853]

Does the copper turn your skin green?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

I usually use tarnish-resistant coated copper. Bare copper may turn green.

[@jerlinjohnson841]

Is copper carcinogenic or harmful to health?

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Copper is supposed to have healing qualities.

[@brandonc8457]

What I've learned is that all bendable wire no matter the type always tarnish and turn

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Thanks for the feedback Brandon.

[@brandonc8457]

@@HeatherBoydWire i would love to find some wire that doesn't tarnish so quickly.. I tell my clients to not get it wet or it will sometimes I use a uv resistant gloss spray to promote slower tarnishing

[@HeatherBoydWire]

@@brandonc8457 Yes, never where in the water unless it is silver. I use aluminum wire for the work that I sell with surgical steel earring hooks. It doesn't tarnish, but also should not be worn in water. For my KZbin samples I use tarnish resistant copper by Beadalon in different colours.

[@mustafabahrainwala627]

missed it 😭

[@HeatherBoydWire]

I remade my other aluminum/copper and uploaded it last minute . Must be morning there Mustafa. Good morning!

[@mustafabahrainwala627]

you to have a great morning/Sunday

[@HeatherBoydWire]

@@mustafabahrainwala627 Saturday night here...just heading to bed. THANK YOU!

[@priyankamakwana7322]

Mam I'm from India ..just started making wire writing... Plz can u tell for wire pendant necklace which wire to use? Copper or brass? And which gauge... Thank u mam

[@HeatherBoydWire]

I use both tarnish resistant copper and brass for the names. Brass is a little stronger. I prefer Beadalon's Artistic wire.

[@priyankamakwana7322]

@@HeatherBoydWire thanks much again🤗

[@nooraldeen_2004]

In short, copper wire is better than aluminum wire because copper is more flexible, weldable and unbreakable, while aluminum wire is not flexible, the wires break over time and are also not weldable. We prefer copper wire because it is weldable, unbreakable, more flexible, longer lifespan.

[@HeatherBoydWire]

That's right! I use aluminum for my regular jewelry because it is lightweight, doesn't tarnish and works for my designs. I add surgical steel hooks so the earrings are hypo-allergenic.

[@juliejelaco5208]

This is the problem I have had with aluminum wire it just snaps and all your hard work is lost

[@HeatherBoydWire]

Yes, some aluminum wire is very fragile. Often you can just bend once before it snaps.