Artistic Wire, 20 Gauge Silver Plated Tarnish Resistant Colored Copper Craft Wire, Silver, 79 ft

I bought this because I have been making a lot of jewelry with antique brass findings lately, and I needed some matching wire. (Well, I have some 24 gauge wire in the same finish, but it really doesn't feel strong enough to hold the weight of some of my jewelry pieces. So I went looking for something thicker.) I am mostly using this to make eyepins. I prefer making my own, these days, because I can use only as much wire as I need instead of having to either keep multiple lengths in stock or cut down longer eyepins. This is easy to cut with my flush cutters. I occasionally use this for something like wrapping around a donut or gogo to make a bail and it seems easy enough to manipulate with my set of economy jewelry pliers. You may want to use nylon tipped pliers or dip yours in some Tool Magic or something similar if you are going to be doing a lot of manipulation with pliers or if a large amount of the wire is going to be showing in your designs, because I have found that I sometimes damage the coatings on Artistic Wire products if I use untreated steel pliers on it. You would not want to use heat on this because it is an alloy and it has not only the enamel color but also a tarnish-resistant coating. You shouldn't need to anneal it, though, as mine was definitely soft-tempered. I don't have a tumbler so I can't speak to how that would work with this wire, though I have had some success doing work-hardening with a nylon hammer. This inexpensive and great for practice with wire-wrapping. Definitely glad I bought it, that it was available in a 1/4 lb spool, and I know I will be using it all up and reordering before I know it.

I am absolutely impressed at the fact that this wire has an anti-tarnish coating! I have been buying those anti-tarnish tabs, but it is better that the wire is treated to keep its shine and finish. It is NOT soft wire so holds its shape and does not show knicks like "soft" wire when creating wirework jewelry. I am thoroughly satisfied with the fact that for the price it is 1/4 lb. (79 ft.)! Other suppliers charge much more for half the amount of wire! I have already created several designs and also made findings which look fantastic! I highly recommend using this supplier, and I will most definitely be a repeat customer!

Artistic Wire is best silver plated copper wire I've found as they actually use real sterling silver rather than nickel or tin. The difference in brightness and shine is really obvious when compared to other 'silver plated' craft wires. I make complex wire wrapped jewelry but cannot yet afford to work in pure sterling silver, so this is an excellent compromise. 30 gauge wire is extremely fine, measuring about 0.25mm (0.01 inches). This is dead soft wire (annealed) so it is very malleable. Being so thin it can snap easily, so one must be careful while working. This wire is good for weaving, lashing pieces together, and being used as a thread. Keep in mind that as one works, the wire will harden and become brittle. I highly advise keeping your weaving wire on a small silicone kumihimo bobbin top prevent this wire fatigue. This is not a defective product, but a natural process found when working with wire (as one cannot stop the effects of physics and chemistry). This is a copper wire with a thin coating of sterling silver, so you cannot polish it using anything abrasive. The wire does come with a thin enamel coating that can rub off while worked. I suggest that once you've made a piece you should wash it and dry it carefully with a soft cloth. You can then seal the piece with a rub-on wax or enamel sealer to protect it from tarnish.

I really like working with this wire. It doesn't dull when pulled tightly and feels good in your hands. I am pleasantly surprised.

Love this brand of wire..use it for any craft that requires a good sturdy yet bendable / moveable wire!

Used the wire to make Christmas ornaments and other type of jewelry. The finish was great and the explanation and description were perfect. I would definitely buy this project again and I will be buying this project again.

The wire is okay but looks gray when placed near white!

This wire is nice, however, it seems to have an almost plastic like quality to it, heavy coating, almost looks white in color vs silver metal. When wrapping, the wire doesnt press neatly flat, or seat tightly in a row, it stays more round or looks that way due to the heavy coating. Still a good value for the price, and works well and does not tarnish... Too much coating to tarnish ; )

Ordered same in the past - good and reliable craft wire.

I love the 18g Artistic Wire for Rings and larger pendants and earrings. The wire holds its shape and is a beautiful colour. It makes smooth curves and nice crisp right angles. I use silver and gold often in my YouTube tutorials. Highly recommend.

Wire bends nicely and doesn't break easily

Product used for wire wrapped jewelry. Works excellent.

En general cumplió mis expectativas, muy buena calidad