The half hard wire is pliable enough to make ear wire construction simple, yet, it holds it shape much better that what I've previously used. Craft wire doesn't come in half hard, so if you're using a craft wire, your ear wires won't hold their shape the way a half hard metal will. You can get half hard wire in sterling, sterling-filled, gold filled, Argentium, brass, and sometimes copper.

I still lightly hammer the ear wires and then put them in the tumbler for a couple of hours to help work harden them. The only thing I've changed in my procedure is the type of wire. Try making a pair with half hard wire and I think you will see the value of it.