Wire Jewelry
Information
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Techniques used in making wire jewelry dates back 5000
years.
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Wire is bent into different shapes to
create chains, rings, earrings, pendants and so much
more.
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Wire can be formed to harness stones
or beads.
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No glue or solder is used in making wire jewelry.
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Everything is
made by hand with an assortment of pliers, cutters and shapers called
mandrels.
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No two pieces are exactly alike - in the
case of earrings - no matter how you try.
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Sterling silver, fine silver, gold and gold
filled wire is used on many sculpted pieces.
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Early wire jewelry was copper.
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When you buy wire jewelry, check to
see that the wires are smooth and properly lined up.
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Your new wire jewelry should have
wire that is the appropriate size for the stone. If it is too
light, it will not hold your stone.
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Check to see that your parallel
lines in the designs are straight.
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Your wire should be clean.
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Wires in jewelry should be polished appropriately
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Wires should be hardened for strength even if soft wire is used for sculpture
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The wire should have no scratches
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Make sure the wire used in the gold
filled jewelry is 14/20 Gold Filled
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Filigree should be done evenly and wires do not cross each other
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Be sure the ends
are tucked in smoothly so
they don't catch on anything
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Any burrs must be trimmed or filed smooth.
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