Question 1

What gauge metal should I use for jewelry?

Accepted Answer

For most jewelry, 18-22 gauge sheet works for pendants, stamped blanks, and bezels, while 16-20 gauge wire suits ring shanks and ear wires. Use 24-28 gauge for wire wrapping and weaving. Lower gauge numbers mean thicker, sturdier metal; higher numbers are thinner and more delicate. American Wire Gauge (AWG) is the standard you'll see on listings, so confirm a seller isn't quoting a different system.

Question 2

What is the difference between dead-soft, half-hard, and full-hard wire?

Accepted Answer

Temper describes how stiff the wire is. Dead-soft bends easily by hand and is ideal for wrapping, coiling, and forming. Half-hard holds its shape better and works well for clasps, ear wires, and structural elements. Full-hard resists bending and is used where rigidity matters. You can work-harden softer wire by hammering or tumbling as you shape it, so many makers buy dead-soft and stiffen it themselves.

Question 3

What metal is best for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Copper and brass are the best starter metals because they're inexpensive, easy to find, and forgiving when you make mistakes. A foot of copper wire often costs $1-$3, so practicing wraps and solder joints won't break the bank. Once your technique is solid, move up to sterling silver or gold-filled for finished pieces you plan to sell or wear long-term.

Question 4

How is metal stock sold and priced?

Accepted Answer

Sheet metal sells by the inch, square inch, or pre-cut blank; wire sells by the foot or in coils; and casting grain, pellets, and metal clay sell by the ounce or gram. Copper and brass run roughly $1-$6 per foot, sterling wire $4-$30 depending on gauge, and precious-metal prices float with the daily spot market. Buying longer lengths or full coils usually lowers your per-foot cost.

Question 5

Is sterling silver or Argentium better for hand-stamping?

Accepted Answer

Both stamp cleanly, so the choice comes down to tarnish and budget. Standard sterling (.925) takes crisp impressions and is widely available, but it tarnishes and needs sealing or regular polishing. Argentium contains germanium, so it resists tarnish and fire-scale and stays brighter with less upkeep. Argentium costs a bit more, which makes plain sterling the practical pick for high-volume or practice stamping.

Question 6

What metal raw materials are hypoallergenic?

Accepted Answer

Surgical stainless steel, titanium, niobium, and Argentium silver are the safest choices for sensitive skin because they contain little or no nickel. Avoid base-metal alloys and plated findings for earrings and anything worn against skin all day. If you work in brass or copper, seal the finished piece or reserve those metals for pendants and components that don't sit against the skin.

Metal Sheet, Wire & Blanks for Jewelry

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