Ask the Experts Wire-Working Q&A

I would very much like to start making simple wire ring designs. What shape(s), gauge(s), and tools etc. do you recommend please. Thank you so very much for your time and help!

We recommend starting with 20-gauge half-hard round wire in either copper, silver filled, sterling silver or gold filled. Plated wire isn’t suitable for rings, as the plating will wear off. Filled wire works well—the outer layer of metal is much thicker than the outer metal on plated wire.

The tools that will be most helpful to begin with will be a steel ring mandrel to measure and wrap your ring, good quality flush cutters, chain nose pliers, bent chain nose pliers, and round nose pliers —all with metal jaws. 

- Patti