Wire glossary

Learn about wire hardness, shape, and gauge

Wire is metal that has been drawn into a long strand of consistent thickness. It comes in a variety of materials and finishes, including brass, gold, gold-filled, gold-plated, fine silver, sterling silver, silver-plated, German wire (sterling over a copper core), anodized niobium (chemically colored wire), copper, and color-coated copper (craft wire). Brass, copper, and craft wire are packaged in 10- to 40-yd. (9-37 m) spools, while gold, silver, and niobium are sold by the foot or ounce. Practice your wire skills using brass or copper, which are soft, easy to manipulate, and inexpensive. For more on the different metals, see the Metal glossary.

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