Wire wrapping is one of the oldest techniques for making handmade jewelry. As a matter of fact, wire and beaded jewelry made using wire wrapping techniques date back to thousands of years BC. The technique of creating wire jewelry is done with some jewelry wire and material similar to wire. Wire components are then connected to one another using a variety of mechanical techniques with no soldering or heating of the wire. Frequently, in this approach, a wire is bent into a loop or other decorative shape and then the wire is wrapped around itself to finish the wire component making that loop or decorative shape permanent. Because of this technique for wrapping wire around itself, this craft is called wire wrapping.

Due to modern technology wire wrapping techniques are not frequently used for mass-produced jewelry because machines can cast (mold) jewelry components faster, more cheaply, and more precisely. Currently, the wire wrapping jewelry creation approach is primarily deployed by individuals which results in a creative and custom end product.

When it comes to producing wire wrapped jewelry, the base material is wire. With so many types and colors of wire available, their a multitude of options available to those wish to create custom wire jewelry. Using just wire and wire working tools, a craft minded person can construct various jewelry components, including eye pins, jump rings, ear wires, clasps, bezels and bails. Hand-made custom components enhance the design, strength, and uniqueness of the finished jewelry.

As aforementioned, wire is available is various shapes, such as round, square, half-round and patterns, such as flat and pre-twisted. It is also available in a variety of materials. Copper and brass wire are easy to shape and manipulate. Copper wire can be hammered quite thin. Brass wire is a little stiffer than copper, but it can be manipulated very easily. Sterling silver is soft enough to manipulate, but holds its shape well once it has been formed. Gold-filled wire is made by fusing a layer of 12-or 14-karat gold to a supporting material. Silver-filled wire is made in the same manner. The bond between the two materials is permanent.

If you are seeking a wire source for the raw materials required to create wire jewelry components, then look no further then Arcor Electronics. With over 30 years of experience as wire and cable distributors, we have what it takes to ensure you are satisfied with the products we sell. If you aren’t sure about what type of wire or cable is best for your application, feel free to contact us for additional information.