Cords, threads and wire for jewelry making
Which wire to use for making jewelry?
The best wire for making jewelry depends on the type of jewelry you want to make and the technique you are using. Here are a few options and when it's best to use them:
- Nylon wire
Perfect for jewelry you want to finish with a clasp. It is sturdy, falls smoothly and suitable for stringing beads. You finish it neatly with pinch beads and a clasp. This wire is also ideal for necklaces and bracelets that need to carry a bit more weight. - Elastic wire
Super handy for bracelets you want to make without a clasp. The elastic is stretchy and comfortable to wear. You finish it with a double knot and a drop of jewelry glue to prevent the knot from loosening. This is a favorite for beginners and for quick projects. - Steel wire
This wire is thin but very sturdy and suitable for heavier beads or jewelry that is worn a lot. It is can be neatly finished with pinch beads and a clasp. It falls less smoothly than nylon wire and is therefore less suitable for very small or light beads. - Copper wire / metal wire
If you want to make jewelry with wire-wrapping techniques, copper wire or metal wire is an excellent choice. It is pliable and available in different thicknesses, such as 0.4mm for fine details or 0.8mm for sturdier designs. Metal wire is not suitable as a basting wire because it does not fall smoothly and you cannot finish it with pinch beads. - Macramé wire or wax cord
For knotting techniques such as macramé, special macramé wire or wax cord is ideal. It is sturdy and stays in place well while knotting. This wire is also available in a variety of colors, which makes it extra fun for creative designs - S-lon wire
Like macramé wire it is suitable for all kinds of knotting techniques but at 0.5mm it is thinner than most other cords and therefore suitable for stringing small beads, such as miyuki. S-lon wire can be finished well by gently burning and melting it. Another common finish of s-lon wire is the sliding knot. - C-lon thread
Thin thread that resembles sewing thread. This is the thread you use for weaving bracelets, brickstich, peyote and all sorts of other threading techniques that involve using a needle and/or threading multiple times through the same bead. You easily finish it with a knot with a drop of jewelry glue on it. Never burn off c-lon thread, it is too fragile for this.
Already have a specific project in mind? At our jewelry examples you will find all kinds of inspiration with handy shopping lists, videos of the techniques we used and of course also which wire and clasps we used. Have fun creating!