[Jewelry making - Article 01364] - Re: [Orchid] [Beginners' Corner] Making wire stronger

[Betty Leeper]

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Hello Lynn,

    I've been working with wire for a couple of years now and have
    learned a few of the basics. Every wire artist has their own
    preferences as to gauge and shape. Accordingly, the following are my
    opinions - smile - 

    Forget using full hard wire. Half hard and dead soft are more than
    adequate for just about anything you can do. The only thing I use
    full hard wire for is creating pins for broaches. If you do try using
    full hard wire, it will be very difficult to use. As wire is worked,
    it becomes "work hardened" anyway. The harder the wire is, the more
    pronounced is its tendency to "kink" instead of bend. If you want
    rigid right angles, the harder wire is better. If however, you want
    graceful swoops and loops, dead soft is your answer. Another thing to
    remember is Canadians use the term "hard" for what we Americans call
    "half hard". Could be a bit confusing if you're not aware. 

>     I would like to work in Argentium Sterling Silver. I need help
>     understanding what to buy though. I was told that 20-22gage would
>     be strong enough in full hard. I can't find argentium for sale in
>     full hard." 

    As far as hardening Argentium, what's actually happening is that the
    Argentium portion of the wire needs to be encouraged to rise to the
    surface. This is done by gentle heating - a low temp kitchen oven is
    more than adequate. This is done before the wire is ever cut and
    used. No need to fear for stone that you may use with it. It also
    tumbles well. 

>     I thought I read that Argentium could be hardened by the artist -
>     after the piece is complete - but I don't think that option is
>     available to me, since my pieces will contain semi-precious gems,
>     possibly lampwork beads, and sometimes czech glass etc. I don't
>     have access to a kiln. I don't have the ability at this time (nor
>     can I do it where I live now) for a torch of any kind." 

    Your design is an attractive one. Unfortunately, with the light
    gauge wire that you used, it more than likely will distort over a
    relatively short period of time. By using wrapped loops, your links
    will be secure. 24 gauge wire is generally used when multiple strands
    of wire are held together and wrapped around a cabochon. Even then,
    24 is just extremely fine and light. Are you sure the wire is
    actually 24 ga? 

    Depending on the piece I'm creating, and the effect I'm going after,
    I generally use between 21 and 16 ga wire. I like the square wire for
    wrapping cabochons, and round wire for linking beads. The heavier
    gauges are great for making jump rings (for chain maille) and
    bracelet frames. The biggest thing is to experiment and find what
    works for YOU. 

    You may want to see if there are any classes on wire working near
    you. Check out local bead stores or perhaps there may be an arts &
    craft guild in your area. One or two classes can open a world full of
    doors for you and prevent hours of spinning your wheels and getting
    nowhere. 

    Hope this helps sort out a bit of the mysteries - :) 

Betty
www.thecyrusco.com

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