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Which Wire Should I Use to Make My First Bracelet
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

I'm a little confused about the best gauge to use to make wire sculpted bracelets. Your CDs state 21-24 GA half round half-hard, other books say start with 16 GA half-round, or square half-hard wire. Which should I use as a beginning wire sculptor to make my first bracelet? And which is the best gauge wire to do the wraps? I tried to use silver 21 and 24 gauge, but they are too thin and soft.
Instructions
Answer:

I would love to answer your question with total accuracy, Without additional information for right now, I can answer only according to my personal 'traditional wire wrapping' techniques. I do not believe in using any type of soft or dead soft wire to make bracelets unless you are sculpting, and then only in certain areas. (Bracelets are in a 'high traffic' area and need to be a strong piece of jewelry). My students, faculty members and I use half-hard square wire for 95% of our bracelet designs. (We are also known for taking the designs of other patterns and changing the designer's chosen wire to reflect our preferences, with great results!)

Most bracelet patterns can be made using either 21 or 22 gauge, square half-hard wire, including the all-important, cannot slip or slide, wraps! For a more masculine bracelet 20 gauge is a heavy, strong choice. Most bracelet designs that call for using a half-round wire for the wraps can be altered to use a square half-hard.

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
(Pictured is the All Wire Unisex Bangle on DVD 1 Beginner Series.)
Dale Armstrong's Which Wire Should I Use to Make My First Bracelet - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Bracelet

Materials

22 Gauge Square Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-22SQH
  • Lesson Quantity: 9.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 10FT
  • Price: $22.24
  • Gold Club Price: $16.68
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22 Gauge Square Half Hard 14/20 Gold Filled Wire
H4-22SQH
  • Lesson Quantity: 9.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 10FT
  • Price: $42.26
  • Gold Club Price: $31.70
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18 Gauge Round Dead Soft .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-18D
  • Lesson Quantity: 6.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $4.26
  • Gold Club Price: $3.19
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Tools

Entire Beginner Series with Bonus DVDs
DVD-BEGset
  • DVD-BEGset
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $244.65
  • Gold Club Price: $183.49
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Beginner Series - Part 1
DVD-BEG1
  • DVD-BEG1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $34.95
  • Gold Club Price: $26.21
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Chain Nose Wire Plier
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Flat Nose Wire Plier
G2-506
  • G2-506
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  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
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  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Round Nose Wire Plier
G2-507
  • G2-507
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Premium Steel Bracelet Mandrel - Oval
MAN-217.00
  • MAN-217.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $42.97
  • Gold Club Price: $32.23
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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
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  • Category: Classic
  • Technique(s): Wrapping

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