Beading wire
Flexible nylon-coated stainless steel, the go-to for stringing beads. Kink-resistant and available in multiple diameters. From $13.43.
$0.00 USD
Explore the endless possibilities of jewelry wire with Jewelry Universe. Whether you're a professional jewelry maker or a DIY enthusiast, our extensive selection of wires offers something for everyone.
From flexible beading wire to sturdy copper wire, we provide the materials you need to bring your designs to life, starting from $4.93. Discover our collection of 21 wire products, perfect forΒ crafting everything from delicate earrings to bold statement pieces.

Jewelry Universe offers a variety of wire for jewelry making to suit any project. Whether you're looking for something fine and flexible or strong and structural, we have the perfect wire to match your creative needs.
Flexible nylon-coated stainless steel, the go-to for stringing beads. Kink-resistant and available in multiple diameters. From $13.43.
Colored aluminum or copper wire for wrapping, coiling and sculpting. Lightweight, easy to bend and available in dozens of colors. From $8.33.
92.5% pure silver, the premium choice for fine jewelry. Tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic and ideal for wire wrapping stones. From $12.58.
Gold-filled or gold-tone wire for high-end designs without the cost of solid gold. Beautiful for earrings, pendants and wrapped pieces. From $10.03.
Warm, malleable and affordable, the perfect wire for practice, bohemian designs and experimental projects. From $7.48.
Strong, corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic. Ideal for structural components and pieces intended for daily wear. From $6.63.
Pre-twisted wire with a textured, rope-like finish that adds instant dimension to rings, borders and decorative elements. From $10.03.
Tempered steel wire that holds its coil shape permanently. Perfect for creating self-closing bracelets, rings and necklaces without a clasp.
Wire gauge refers to the thickness of the wire, and choosing the right gauge is one of the most important decisions in any wire jewelry project. The wrong gauge can make a design impossible to assemble, or cause it to collapse after the first wear. We offer a full range of gauges, from very fine (28 gauge) to heavy-duty (12 gauge).
| Gauge (AWG) | Diameter (approx.) | Hardness options | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12β14 gauge | 2.0β2.6mm | Half-hard, hard | Bangles, cuffs, heavy structural rings |
| 16β18 gauge | 1.0β1.6mm | Half-hard, dead-soft | Ring shanks, frames, clasps, structural forms |
| 20β22 gauge | 0.6β0.8mm | Dead-soft, half-hard | Earring hooks, jump rings, wrapped loops, most versatile |
| 24β26 gauge | 0.4β0.5mm | Dead-soft | Wire wrapping stones, delicate coiling, weaving |
| 28β30 gauge | 0.25β0.3mm | Dead-soft | Viking knit, intricate weaving, filigree fill wire |
Wire hardness is as important as gauge. Dead-soft wire is the most pliable, easy to bend, shape and wrap with minimal effort, ideal for intricate wire wrapping around stones. Half-hard wire has more spring to it and holds its shape better after forming, making it the right choice for earring hooks, jump rings and anything that needs to maintain a specific structure under wear. When in doubt, dead-soft 20β22 gauge is the best all-round starting point for beginners.
The material of the wire greatly influences the final look, feel and durability of your jewelry. Our jewelry wire collection includes a variety of materials, each offering unique benefits and aesthetics, from everyday affordable options to premium metals for fine jewelry.
| Material | Price range | Best for | Key advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling silver wire | from $11.73 | Fine jewelry, wire wrapping, earrings | Hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, high-end finish |
| Gold wire (gold-filled) | from $10.03 | Premium designs, pendants, wrapped rings | Luxury appearance without solid gold price |
| Copper wire | from $7.48 | Practice, bohemian designs, experimentation | Very affordable, highly malleable, warm color |
| Stainless steel wire | from $6.63 | Structural components, daily wear pieces | Corrosion-proof, hypoallergenic, very durable |
| Craft / colored wire | from $8.33 | Creative designs, kids projects, color accents | Huge color range, lightweight, easy to shape |
| Beading wire (nylon-coated) | from $13.43 | Stringing beads, multi-strand necklaces | Flexible, kink-resistant, won't snap under tension |
Selecting the right material depends on the style, function and longevity of your design. Sterling silver wire is ideal for creating sophisticated pieces intended for regular wear, its 92.5% pure silver composition means it won't discolor skin or cause reactions. Copper wire for jewelry making is the best choice when you're learning a new technique or experimenting with a new design, make your mistakes in copper, then execute the final piece in silver or gold. Consider the properties of each material alongside the aesthetic you're going for before placing your order.
Colored craft wire for jewelry can add a vibrant, creative touch to your designs. Our collection includes a wide range of hues, from classic metallics and antique finishes to bright, bold contemporary colors. Use colored wire to highlight specific elements in your jewelry, add contrast to a wrapped stone, or create striking, modern designs that stand apart from the standard silver-and-gold aesthetic.
Colored wire is particularly popular for kids' jewelry projects and bohemian-style creations where mixed color is part of the design language. Our colored wire starts from $8.33 and is available in multiple gauges and spool sizes.
When working with colored wire, handle it carefully to prevent the coating from scratching. Always use nylon jaw pliers rather than standard steel pliers, they grip the wire without marring the surface color. Cut with sharp, flush wire cutters to avoid crushing the ends. Experiment with contrasting colors for a bold graphic effect, or use tonal gradients to add subtle depth and dimension to your designs.
Non-tarnish wire is a practical option for anyone creating pieces intended for everyday wear or long-term display. Our collection features non-tarnish options in different finishes and gauges, including anti-tarnish coated copper and silver-tone craft wire, making it easy to create stunning designs that retain their beauty without requiring constant polishing.
Non-tarnish wire is particularly valuable for wire-wrapped pieces with gemstones, where re-polishing the wire would risk damaging the stone. It's also the smart choice for any finished piece that will be stored or displayed for an extended period before being worn or sold.
Even non-tarnish wire benefits from basic care. Store your finished pieces in an airtight container or zip bag to limit oxygen and humidity exposure. Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions and hairspray before putting on wire jewelry, chemicals accelerate surface oxidation even on treated wire. For copper wire pieces, a light coat of clear jewelry lacquer applied to the finished piece seals the surface and significantly extends its bright appearance.
For those looking to create truly unique pieces, we offer specialty wires that go beyond round wire basics. These options add texture, dimension and visual interest to your work without requiring advanced metalsmithing techniques.
Twisted and specialty wires are excellent for adding intricate details to your designs without requiring advanced techniques, the visual complexity is built into the wire itself. Use twisted wire to frame a focal stone, create elegant borders on a wrapped pendant, or add a textured band to a simple ring. The contrast between twisted wire and plain round wire in the same piece creates a professional, layered appearance that looks far more complex than it is to execute.
Wire is one of the most versatile materials in jewelry making, and the range of techniques you can apply to it is enormous. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your skill set, here's an overview of the main wire techniques and the wire types that work best for each.
Wrap wire around a stone or bead to create a pendant or ring without soldering. Best with 20β24 gauge dead-soft sterling silver or copper wire.
Wind wire around a mandrel to create tight coils for spacer beads, decorative accents or spring-like connectors. 20β24 gauge works well.
Weave fine gauge wire (26β28 gauge) between structural wires to create intricate patterns, one of the most advanced and impressive wire techniques.
Pull wire through a series of loops to create a flexible, chainmail-like tube, then draw it through a drawplate to compress and refine the weave.
String beads onto nylon-coated beading wire and secure with crimp beads for durable necklaces and bracelets. The most accessible technique for beginners.
Coil 18β20 gauge wire around a mandrel, then saw or cut through the coil to create uniform jump rings for assembly and chain making.
Working with jewelry wire requires specific tools to achieve the best results. The right tools make every technique more precise, more efficient and more enjoyable, and protect your wire from unnecessary damage during shaping.
Find all the tools you need to work with jewelry wire in our jewelry making tools collection.
The versatility of jewelry wire makes it an invaluable material across a huge range of project types. Here are some of the most popular and rewarding ways to use wire in your jewelry making practice, from beginner-friendly to technically ambitious.
Wire jewelry offers endless opportunities for experimentation. Try combining different gauges in a single piece, thick structural wire paired with ultra-fine weaving wire creates a professional, layered look. Incorporate beads, mix metals, or use weaving techniques to explore new styles and textures. Pair your wire work with our crystal beads, gemstone beads and charms for pieces that combine wire structure with colorful accents.
Jewelry Universe is your go-to source for premium jewelry wire in all styles, materials and gauges. With 21 wire products from $4.93 to $70.38, we cover every wire type you need, whether you're stocking a professional studio or buying wire for your first wrapping project.
Need help getting started or looking for fresh ideas? Our jewelry making tutorials and blog cover a wide range of wire techniques, from beginner wire wrapping guides to advanced weaving patterns and Viking knit step-by-steps. Each tutorial is designed to be completed with supplies available directly from our store.
For more structured learning, explore our online jewelry making courses,Β video-based lessons covering wire work, stone setting and complete project builds from start to finish.
Connect with fellow wire jewelry enthusiasts and share your creations. Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok for the latest tutorials, exclusive offers and creative challenges. We love seeing how our customers use our wire to craft stunning, original jewelry.
Browse our full collection of jewelry wire above and find the perfect material for your next project, whether you're wire wrapping a gemstone pendant, weaving a fine cuff bracelet or stringing a multi-strand necklace. With 21 wire products from $4.93, the right wire for your design is here.