The Basics of Wire Hardness | Jewelry 101

[@MamaJLW]

Mystery solved. Thank you! Nicely presented without extra fluff. I like when content creators honor my time.

[@Crafty1055]

Thank you so much, Susan. This was extremely helpful. I have been so confused about what type of wire to use for each project.

[@JewelSchool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@flamefox8989]

This has been one of your most valuable tutorials for me. I'm currently working with copper wire but when I'm ready to go on to a German style wire, I'd be interested to know what the difference between eg: gold filled & gold plated is, in terms of working with it. Thank you for such an amazing show. I think all you girls contribute unique & informative styles to really professional tutorials.

[@joan-mariacbrooks]

I've been using Beadalon but you really have taught me a great deal about the other different wires I've been using. As a beginning jewelry student (but experienced beader), this is one of the most valuable series I've watched on KZbin. Thank you so much!

[@JewelSchool]

Great to hear!

[@reesalee01]

Have played with jewelry making and wire from craft stores for years and the guage of wire was easy to work out but hardness was always an unsolvable mystery. This video was so easy to understand and removed all the mystery. Thank you so much!

[@rosesroundup]

Susan, you are a pleasure to learn from (the entire jewel school team is stellar, but you specifically are a joy to hear). You are truly an inspiring teacher. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Thank you, Jewel School!!

[@paws271]

Wow! That is the best 21" of information I've seen in ages!! WTG! What a Pro! Concise, yet thorough... Complex Details made Easy to Understand.... You scored big in my book! I like the way you reveal your thought process in how you teach! Thank you for your hard work!

[@JewelSchool]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shabanahussain4707]

Wow I’ve watched so many videos trying to work this out. Susan your explanation is amazing you really do simplify the mystery of jewellery wire. Plus by showing jewellery examples honestly Thank you. Will you please do a video on different Tools. Also what is the difference between beads/stones and how to know if you have good quality beads, also what size beads to get. I know I have questions and confusion xxx

[@juanbluestack2138]

This is so helpful thank u! I particularly love that blue and green beads kinda wreath earrings that u showed in this video, it would be amazing if you can make a tutorial video on that piece Susan!

[@tehreemismail2071]

Susan I love the way you explain things in a very gentle manner. Can you please categorize the guage of wires according to their temper as soft,medium and hard like 28 -24 is hard ,22 -18 is medium and so on. Thanks

[@jami1677]

Thank you explain in detail about differences with all the wire and how to use and what to use on what project for beading earrings, bracelet or necklace. I’m enjoying following you. I been styling jewelry for 2 yrs now as a hobby and sell as people are interested wanting a jewelry piece. Not a large profit as I do diligently take my time styling as I am still learning a lot of ideas online.

[@champstheone65]

Thank you so much! I finally understand the difference between wires. You explained it so well.

[@daphne6619]

BEST explanations ever! Thank you for making this so easy to understand+

[@jenniferwas3547]

Thanks for clarifying wire hardness! I have several on line "carts" going, trying to decide which wire to order. So glad I watched your video before placing my orders! Thanks again! 😊

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you so much for the very good explanations about wire hardness and their uses.I am new at jewelry making and now I understand so much more about wire! This is a great video!

[@JewelSchool]

You are so welcome!

[@StitchesbySharonH]

You’re the best Susan!! Always so knowledgeable and your explanations are always so clear and helpful! Thank you for sharing! 💜

[@JewelSchool]

Thank you so much!

[@michellehancock608]

That was really educational and answered some questions I have wanted answers to for a while! You explained very clearly and I found you easy to understand with how you used examples to make it clearer thank you for your tutorial and I love your jewellery by the way ❤

[@gayleeversult4321]

Thank you Susan!! I actually understand more about the wire. It makes so much sense. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Gayle from Arizona

[@martipowell392]

I absolutely love your videos! Do you have any suggestions for keeping up with your inventory of raw materials?

[@jenniferpeterson3615]

Love your videos! Thank you for the explanation of wire! Have been trying to figure out, very confusing :)!

[@flyingsquirrel5213]

Terrific video - thank you! I never really thought of the coiled bead cap design being made with a soft wire rather than half-hard.

[@pamelaharris9681]

I love it when you do a tutorial because you explain everything so will ...

[@laurentrillichsmom]

Extremely helpful Susan ... You are so awesome!!! Thank You!!!

[@sandrabeamon9491]

❤ it on how you make jewelry 😊 does it tell you on the spoons if it m-hard and hard wrwire. Please let me know. I love watching you on JTV God bless and have a great day. Your new friend Sandra

[@kingshillbillies]

This was exactly what I needed! Thank you for the video! Can you please share a tutorial of the blue and green earrings?

[@keepitreal9762]

Hi Jewel, Great Tutorial's You have! I Am Learning about Wire Wrapping, and I Must Say! I Love Wire Wrapping so Much, I am losing Sleep lol Thank You so much.. Showing Us Your Talent, and Giving Us The Opportunity to Be Great as Well.. Truly Appreciate You..

[@erickapoppe9696]

❤ty lovely Susan! I love y’all there! Blessings!!❤

[@lynneholden6216]

Thank you for the information about wire cause I'm just learning how to do it, Enjoy!

[@caroliguori]

Great job, and that is why I have no questions.

[@earthangel8875]

Thank you I appreciate your videos. You are a great teacher! Angel from The Bay Area, CA

[@evelynflores3137]

Thank you for letting me know how wire s work make it easy for me to enjoy making jewelry

[@cursedkirby4211]

Thanks, this helped a lot because I have been learning more about wire so my jewelry is better so this helped

[@soniaolivasalas8167]

That's awesome, thanks for the time 😊🙏🙏 I love the way you explained every tutorial.👌🇨🇴💓🥰

[@whitelfner4582]

Do you ever hammer ear wires with a rawhide mallet, either on thin leather or between thin leather and steel? Should harden without knocking the wire too much out of round.

[@kyokopatoc1295]

Thanks for a very informative tutorial! It now makes more sense to me on how to use different wires.

[@JewelSchool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hilarysymons]

Lovely explanations in wire use age but can I make bangle with 12 gage wire please?

[@ruthowens6088]

Hi Susan, I want to know how to salvage ear wires that have tarnished.

[@kscreation402]

Thanks i learn alot you teach in simple way and its easy to learn thanku very much

[@pustapustka]

Really nice and understandable explanation. And I have two questions. 1. About plated wires - does it matter what metal they are made of? I'm guessing different metals will also have different hardness and brittleness. 2. What about the ends that comes into ears? They don't hurt ears? You don't need to grind them somehow?

[@JewelSchool]

1. A plated wire is a wire that has a base metal (usually copper or a mix of some other alloy) and is covered with non-tarnish coating in a specific color. The reason being it makes it a little more cost effective and looks just as good as buying sterling or gold. This does not change the gauge of the wire. However, you don't want to apply heat to them, as the wire will melt. As far as making jewelry, you should be able to use the different gauges for various projects as stated here. Just be sure if you hammer it, to hammer lightly. To address the softness/brittleness, the higher the gauge, the softer the wire. The lower the gauge, the lower harder the wire. Most will be half-hard wires. 2. Ah ha! great question! The answer is yes. For the purposes of these videos we don't always file the ends of ear wires, BUT it's a great habit to get into when you make your own ear wires. The wire rounder is perfect for this. Ear wires that are pre-made and you can by in bulk, will already be finished off, so no worries there! Wire Rounder: www.jtv.com/product/bead-reamer-and-wire-rounder-attachments-kit-incl-bead-reamer-and-assortment-of-burs/JSKIT0559?mcid=XSOjsyt How to Make your Own Ear Wires: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWHOiX-VZdSka5I Hope this helps!

[@lovegodmyself]

Thank you so much for your teaching! Very useful!

[@smatutina]

if you work with 999 sterling how the wire softness would be? This was a great instructional video. Thank you

[@JewelSchool]

.999 fine silver is essentially pure silver- no alloys have been added. This is considered to be a dead soft metal.

[@nancystoner2140]

What a fabulous video!!!! You cleared up so many questions I had‼️‼️

[@sanditinsley9847]

Do you have a youtube of how to make the ring I noticed you wearing in one of your demonstrations - I think it was a bypass initial ring?

[@jillphillips8117]

Question? Is it possible to make Headpins out of 22 gauge wire, or is 22 too thick for homemade Headpins? I wanted my Headpins to be a little thicker than 24 gauge, but not too thick like 18 gauge. In between gauge that will stay coiled. What is the best choice? Thank You

[@Outdoorlass]

What kind of wire would I use for wire art? For example, I made a beaded wire wrap heart to hang in my window. The second type of wire I’m wondering about is if I’m going to make a flat 8 inch snowflake. I just started doing this art 24 hours ago, so I’m really new. I am a designer, so it comes naturally, but I’m ignorant about this.

[@JewelSchool]

Hi! This is going to depend on your project. We really only use our wire for jewelry making, so not sure we can be much help. But a good rule of thumb is how strong do you want your piece to be? The lower the gauge, the harder the wire. So, your 12, 14, 16, and 20 gauges will be pretty sturdy and hold their shape, but are harder to work and bend. You may have to hammer the 16ga and 20ga wires slightly to harden them a bit more. Think of the soft wires almost like thread. They are mostly used to wrap beads onto harder wires. These are called dead soft wires and will be in the larger gauges (weird, we know!) like 22, 24, 26 and 28 gauges. Also, most craft wires if not .999, .925 or karat gold, will be plated. So be careful when hammering these wires too much as the plating can come off and never heat them with a flame, as they will melt. We hope this helps!!

[@happygirl864]

What gauge is the half hard? I am new to beading. What size bead would I use. Thanks 😊

[@nancyblau7736]

I am new to jewelry making and have been making my wire coiled, then shaping it. Because I need a harder wire to hold the coil shape, I am having difficulty with burying or concealing the ends which will not pinch or finish without sticking out and are sharp. Any suggestions?

[@corinepirrone4014]

What guage do you suggest for wire wrapping beads onto a copper hoop....22 or 20?

[@jayden09217]

I’m learning bead crafts, and I’m curious if those wires tarnish or cause allergies. It’s always disappointing that I can’t seem to find gold-colored materials that I like. (No tarnish, no allergies, and realistic gold color)

[@turnercrew1189]

Would you recommend soft or medium for viking knit bracelets?

[@MaryGonzalez-dv4jy]

Awesome tutorial, thanks so much!

[@heyshaydee]

What are your thoughts on 3/4 wire for making French hooks? I’m trying to work in stainless and that’s all I can find that’s NOT soft.

[@JewelSchool]

From Susan: I like a half hard or medium temper wire for ear wires. That can be hard to find in plated metals. We carry beadalon’s german style wire in medium temper and it works like magic. Try it out! Comes in a kit with both gold and silver tone. www.jtv.com/product/20-gauge-round-german-style-wire-in-gold-tone-appx-6-meters/BDW027B?mcid=XSOjsyt www.jtv.com/product/20-gauge-round-german-style-wire-in-silver-tone-appx-6-meters/BDW027A?mcid=XSOjsyt

[@kanellys3039]

Love this info thank you for sharing 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@craftyim]

What is the best wire for making a necklace?

[@jillwright8503]

Hi Susan, what type of wire would you recommend for making jump rings?

[@JewelSchool]

You can use a half-hard wire. Usually a thicker wire like 16ga or 18ga will hold well!

[@nienna1970]

Hi Susan, by mistake i ordered 16 gauge wire but I haven't noticed that it say aluminium. It is so soft I dont know what to do with so soft wire in the gauge.

[@soniaolivasalas8167]

Maestra gracias 🥰 What's the name of the holdings earrings you have? please 🙏🙏 Bendiciones 🙏

[@noraeaton9634]

Hi im a Newby and keep coming up against things I don't understand. Watching yr video has helped a lot. Q question I can't find anything about is how to annotate silver so I can rap and bail cabochon. Pls help

[@JewelSchool]

I think this video might be what you're looking for! 3 Ways to use Cabochons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKK7nKCYdqyejtU

[@kennethsmith6005]

Thank you Cindy Bear 😎

[@Emilycrochet]

I really needed this video. Thank you.

[@nadiadonaire2982]

So complete information. Do you recommend copper wire?

[@JewelSchool]

Yes, bare copper wire is great for jewelry making!

[@sandracrowe47]

OMG, I have been waiting for this tutorial. I just can't wrap my head around when to use each kind, not talking about size, but kind of wire. Thank you.

[@JewelSchool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@diamondcoachcurtis40]

I found the video Helpful and it did answer some questions I had. I'm wire wrapping crystals and even making polymer clay earrings. Making my own jump rings or hoops you now answered lots of questions. What I'm having a hard time with is I have to order on line and try to figure out what you are actually selling and What is the color. Is it Brass that is being called Gold, Dark Gold, yellow wire. I have these findings but that brand Wire doesn't match. I went to your Store and the Description does not cover what I'm looking at and I can't zoom into the picture. I'm looking for 20 ga dead soft, square, gold wire to wrap with and a matching half round in about 24 gauge for some items I was commissioned to wrap. I've noticed all the Brands even at big box stores dont have information we need on package. This was still a big help.. still browsing for that one place to get supplies.

[@margaretsmith6438]

So is it safe to use copper coated wire for ear wires? I thought I was only supposed to use sterling silver or gold filled wire for making ear wires.

[@JewelSchool]

Hi Margaret! To be clear, the copper wire Susan mentions is bare copper wire, which means that it's raw copper with zero coatings of any kind. There is a copper wire that has a protective coating. It's marketing by parawire and is 99% pure smooth copper wire with a clear protective coating for a resilient finish. You can use these (in the right gauge) for ear wires, absolutely. As far as sensitivity to the metal, that depends on the person. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you, or the person wearing it can tolerate it. Here is a project from Alicia using copper wire! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYq7fJ2qnaZ1b9U

[@virtuosavip]

Que canal encantador! Obrigada pela contribuição.

[@daniellelewis6962]

Thank you so much for this! I’m a newbie. Just learning this hobby now that all of my kids are are nearly grown and need something to occupy my time. You really help take the guess work out. Very appreciative of your expertise.

[@Artist_Crafter]

I think this was very informative!

[@raziasultanasiddiqui4587]

Do the numbers change with the material used, I e will 14 carot gold wire be having the same hardness as the silver wire?

[@JewelSchool]

Yes they will have the same hardness and thickness, i.e. 12ga, 16ga, half-hard, dead soft etc. You are just choosing the type of metal you want to work with whether that's gold, silver or possibly copper.

[@frograo]

Super tutorial 🙏🏼

[@veroniquezerbib8104]

Thank you very much for this tutorial! Really informative. Since I have allergies I need a very good quality sterling silver or plated silver. Which one would you recommend. I need one that won't change. (I understand I need to be careful when I work with plated material). Thank you for your help.

[@JewelSchool]

This is a tough question because metals are often mixed or plated on top of other metals to keep costs low. Honestly, if you have skin allergies, sticking to a pure metal like .925 sterling silver may be your best bet. It's way more expensive, but if you're making and wearing your jewelry, it's worth not having to deal with the skin irritation. Don’t mistake plating as a guaranteed barrier to your allergy. Do your research about what the base metal is before purchasing. You can go for gold, but be sure to check the karat weight to see how much gold is actually in the wire. Karat is a measure of the purity of gold. To avoid any potential allergies, go for a 14k Gold or higher. This is purer and less likely to cause a reaction. We hopes this helps!!!

[@veroniquezerbib8104]

@@JewelSchool thank you so much! I guess I am going to train myself on the wires I have and when it gets good enough I'll switch to pure silver - gold sounds too expensive! It's only for me and presents for friends and family so.... Thank you again for the info

[@naitrisaha-rollno.545]

Thank you soo much for this big information I have alot of copper wire but I didn't knew that I can change it to any temper 😃😃 ....but I wanted to ask do we need a half hard or full hard wire in case of thinner gauges like 24,26,or 28 ?? If yes , then what kind of projects can we do with them ?

[@JewelSchool]

Hello! Like Susan said, the thinner gauge wires like 24, 26 and 28 are most used in wire wrapping and for that, you'll want to use a dead soft wire. Katy's Messy Wrapped Beaded Ring tutorial is a great example of when to use Dead Soft. Here is that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2eckKyZiseCjZY Dead-soft wire will not hold its shape when paired with hinges or clasps. Next, if you are doing an open looped design like the bangle Susan demonstrated with, use a medium or half-hard. It's malleable and will hold its shape under a certain amount of stress. Full hard wire is ideal for clasps or hinges. Most of the wire JTV Jewel School carries is going to be a medium or 1/2 hard wire and is good for most basic projects. Hope this helps!

[@naitrisaha-rollno.545]

@@JewelSchool thanks 👍

[@dorothymcgowan7788]

Is Artistic Wire brand medium temper? Is it the same or softer than Beadalon? Thank you! 😊

[@ooohlaa13]

I had same question artistic wire is v soft And German wire is what she used watch again and look at the wire labels. I dint think I have seen the German in the craft stores but will look again. Hope this is a few clues.

[@riiswaters]

What is the deal with aluminum wire?

[@ShannonShenanigans79]

Can anyone help me? There is this weird Brown sticky stuff in my pickling pot and I have no clue what it is. I didn't cross-contaminator anything so I'm so confused. I'm wondering if it has to do with the fact that I used the copper tongs when I was trying to have the silver on my copper turn copper or I don't know is it okay to use the same tongs when working with steel or should you have two separate pairs oh Lord help me I don't know what that stuff is I'm going to try to make another batch of pickle

[@JewelSchool]

Hi! Here is maybe what has happened. Susan says, "You can't use steel in pickle. It will contaminate it. Copper and sterling are fine. Sounds like you may have contaminated your pickle and need to dispose of it."

[@laurarojas7201]

hola que marca de materiales usan?

[@alka300]

Wonderful video … thanks a lot ❤

[@darleenworkshop270]

Thanks for sharing

[@gabrielkirkbaca2910]

You did a great job 👍

[@anapaulacanales6443]

thank you so much for this video!! so informative! ❤️

[@redgingerhead6006]

thank you so much!

[@devpatel0532]

thanks for teaching like your content.

[@annajustice7620]

But shouldn't you use a hard wire for rings?

[@1daizie]

You are awesome!!! thank YOU!!!!

[@brendabain8472]

I purchased the JTV 4 or 5 pc Glue set. It's sat on my shelf on my craft room shelf for approx. 5-6 mo. Unfortunately I have no idea of the use for each one. Specifcally the epoxy. Are there two parts for this one? Also I'm hoping one of them I can use on metal? Also WHY do so many of your items come with NO directions? Believe it or not I have been a huge fan of Yours, the sisters. Not to mention I am a BIG fan of Your brother. He's too funny and a little bit SEXY! We ALL are huge fans and boy are we MAJORLY DISAPPOINTED (No exaggeration) when there is a no Show. We love you all and may the LORD "Bless" you all.Tks B. BAIN P.s. Hope to get the explanation for the use of the glue set. Sorry to be so much trouble.

[@JewelSchool]

1. The Bead Fix Gel adhesive is ideal for adhering glass, stone, metal, plastic, wood, and most other types of beads. 2. Epoxy E6000 Jewelry & Bead is used to secure knots and permanently attaching most types of stone, gem, crystal or bead to jewelry findings and base metal, silver, copper and gold jewelry pieces. 3. G.S Hypo Cement works for all types of non-porous bonding such as setting cabochons into a bezel or gluing glass beads together. The tube has a pinpoint applicator that makes it possible to do precision gluing. You can use it for securing knots as well. 4. Bead Fix two Part Epoxy: Repairs handmade beads. This two-part epoxy provides the strongest bond for most adhesive applications and, after curing, is effective at temperatures from -65° to 225°F. All parts to be bonded should be prepared (thoroughly cleaned and dried) before mixing the epoxy. 5. Bead Fix Quick Adhesive: Ideal for adhering glass, stone, metal, plastic, wood and most other types of beads. BeadFix is unaffected by cold and heat, and is water resistant. BeadFix is quick setting even on absorbent surfaces. Hope this helps!

[@nasreenshahid8858]

I like this softwire medium wire and hardness wire copper wire very nice sister 🤗👌 good luck to you all work and Allah given you lots of success sister 🤗👌 Aameen

[@territink1120]

I love your videos

[@rakibakhatun2760]

Great

[@muslimsohail7648]

i want the wire

[@belbbel]

Porque você usa o fio alemão ? O fio americano não é tão bom quanto o alemão ?

[@IvanaGirl]

Starting with the soft and going all the way with the hard 🤣

[@mihaelaborsosszabo1399]

Thank you four information and thips!👍🙏🌷🌹🌺

[@celinavalladares7702]

Por favor q pongan subtitulos en español, no podemos entender nada de lo q dicen x q no sabemos otro idioma, de nada sirve q lo veamos x q no entendemos nada.

[@leilakirkdietzolsen6741]

❤️🇩🇰

[@LryuzakiLN]

Hard??? It doesn't make sense, they become soft on heating 😅

[@janpeterson21]

Thanks so much!