Comments on: Is My Wire Necklace Design Practical?

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 23:58:11 +0000

By the way if you use gold filled or Argentium wire you could use half hard which isn’t too hard to work with.
Good Luck, the piece is beautiful.

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 23:50:35 +0000

I also work harden wire creations with a small rubber mallet. Sometimes just hit it in the table, sometimes I’ve used the hammer and steel block to just harden and flatten small areas. Always looks wonderful. Never hit crossed wires, I’ll gently tap tap on the table. When in doubt, I’ll pull on a piece before I sell it. Or add more security wraps. Remember you are the designer after all. Becky

By: Etta Hughes

Etta Hughes — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 19:03:45 +0000

Beautiful piece! I love it

By: Kayjay

Kayjay — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 13:22:25 +0000

I wouldn’t worry. I don’t think people would wear it under circumstances that could damage it. Women usually know whether they are hard on their jewelry or not and when to wear something like this or not. I used to have some very delicate origami earrings that lasted many years of regular wear and I didn’t go to any great lengths to protect them, just common sense. For extra confidence however, you may want to try the Beadsmith Wire Wacker to ensure even hardening
youtube.com/watch?v=yh-AAbeT85I.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 15:49:33 +0000

WOW, these are so pretty and airy! I agree with the rest, making a tag AND maybe the sales person can tell the customer the care and fragility of these. Putting a heavier backing might be a good idea too or maybe even incorporating a couple heavier branches might help. Good luck!!

By: Carol

Carol — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 14:48:19 +0000

Hi, Rose. I think they are beautiful! I, too, have made and sold wire necklaces. They are made with 26ga wire with multiple strands twisted together. They were very popular and I sold a lot of them. The final product is fairly sturdy, but I discovered their weakness when a friend who had bought one brought it back to be reshaped. She and her husband are elderly, and in his attempt to fasten the clasp (which I make as simple as possible, purposely) it was stretched out completely! I also have problems with customers who like to wear my jewelry all the time…the beach in the salt water, in the shower, while cooking and cleaning. Rather than be distressed about it, I’ve tried to step back and take an objective, business-like view. I like the ideas everyone has given you and it is good to make it as sturdy as you can without sacrificing design, but I also think that what you do is art and customers need to be advised of the proper care. You are not responsible for how people treat your jewelry once they purchase it.

By: Judith

Judith — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:02:53 +0000

I really like your art jewelry. It is beautiful. I agree that an upscale buyer would know that this is delicate and should be treated accordingly. Unfortunately, there may be people with the dollars who do not understand the fragile nature of the piece. I really like the idea of including a note of care.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:00:52 +0000

Beautiful,
Work hardening by gentle hammering works, never in places were two pieces cross tho, as it will just weaken it.
You can always use a a 1m gauge for main branch of piece, carefully placing leaves gemstones etc away from main branch gives illusion of it all being dainty.
I think your piece would be worn for more delicate affairs, than everyday rough and tumble.

By: Rose Cooper

Rose Cooper — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 01:51:45 +0000

What a good idea!

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 00:31:49 +0000

In reply to Rose Cooper. That sounds like a good idea, Rose. And wherever the 14 or 18 gauge wire shows, it could be assumed to be a larger branch of the plant, or a separate tree that the main piece is clinging to.

By: Rose Cooper

Rose Cooper — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 00:16:41 +0000

I am thinking of making a 14 or 18 g curved wire brace in the back to wire the artistic piece to like an armature. I may also make the loops and leaves less pronounced?

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 22:50:55 +0000

Gorgeous necklace designs, Rose! I can see why your friend at the art gallery wanted to have them there. Regarding making them sturdier – would you be able to create the same type of designs if you used a heavier gauge of wire – say 20 gauge instead of 22? I also like Honey’s suggestions above, to make sure people understand it’s wearable art and needs proper care. Also a good idea to target the right kind of customer (such as an art gallery visitor) – who will appreciate this type of necklace and be willing to go the extra mile to take care of it.

By: Honey

Honey — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 01:53:18 +0000

Those are beautiful pieces! I know what you mean – I make paper quilled jewelry and while I make it as sturdy as possible, it is not the same as a plain hunk of metal or plastic that can be tugged, sat on, go through the washing machine, etc. on the other hand, people can tell just by looking at it that it is delicate and needs to be taken care of. You can put a tag in with the piece with care instructions – how to store it safely, how to treat it gently, and like you said, mention that it is wearable art. Say that it will stay in gorgeous condition for many years to come as long as it is treated as the precious piece of art that it is. Something to that effect.