How to Get Started Making Wire Jewelry

So you want to learn how to make wire Jewelry? To do that you will need to get the proper tools and wire.

I have made a list of the tools that you will need and have broken it down into two groups. Essential Tools and Would like to have tools.

The basic essential tools that I recommend:

1. Wire cutters,— Flush cutter which is very useful to make your own jump rings. Xuron cutters are the best.

2. Chain Nose pliers—each jaw is flat on the inside and rounded on the outside on these types of jewelry pliers. The flat side is for gripping small parts (headpins, earwires, jump rings…etc). They are used to manipulate small items and to make 90 degree bends in the wire. With two pairs of pliers, you can easily twist jump rings apart and closed again for basic assembly work.

3. Flat Nose pliers—have a wider nose that is shaped like a duckbill instead of a narrow tip. Flat nose pliers are usually 3mm-5mm wide for a firm grip or straightening metal strips, plus you can use them for creating sharp bends in your jewelry designs too!

4. Round Nose pliers— the jaws on these pliers are conical or rounded all the way around making them difficult to grip with but perfect for creating loops. Use caution when gripping and refrain from too much force to avoid denting metal parts.

5. Nylon pliers- These are different than standard pliers, as the heads are made of nylon. and come in different shapes. They are primarily used for straightening or flattening the wire ( smooth out the kinks). You are also able to make spirals without damaging the wire.

6. Barrel pliers—- ( bail making pliers) They make different size loops with the wire. can also be used to make jump rings.

7. Ruler. For measuring the length of the wire that you need to use. also for measuring the cord for a necklace if you are making your own.

8. A sharpie pen- for marking the wire when measuring for wire wrapping.

Other tools that I have and use :

Files- for removing sharp edges on the wire

Chasing Hammer- Has two sides, a flat side to flatten out wire or other metal, and a textured side to add texture to flat metal.

Anvil— to use with the hammer to add texture or flatten the wire. You do not need a large one ( Mini Anvil Bench)

Heavy duty wire cutter, for cutting wire that is 20 gauge or smaller.

Coiling Gizmo- Helps to make identical coils for earrings or other components Wire Coils

Rubber mallet– nice to have on hand if you want to hammer the wire without leaving marks.

Many of these can be found at your local hobby store, such as Michaels, Jo-Anns, Hobby Lobby or on Amazon. Other places to look for them would be Fire Mountain Gems https://www.firemountaingems.com/ or ShipWreck Beads https://www.shipwreckbeads.com/.