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Daily Wire Tip Jan. 4: What is Pattern Wire?

January 4th, 2010

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
January 04, 2010

Question:

I’m so new to wire that I don’t even know what “pattern” wire is or what one would use it for. Could you clarify this for me?

Answer:

Pattern wire is made by using a rolling mill to produce thinner and textured metal sheet and/or wire. The metal/wire is inserted into the mill and as it is rolled through two wheels (one or both of which have a pattern on them) the pattern is embossed into the metal/wire. Most studio jewelers use a hand-cranked mill and refineries use an automated one. To view samples of gold-filled pattern wire: http://wire-sculpture.com/gold-pattern-wire-1.html View samples of sterling silver pattern wire: http://wire-sculpture.com/silver-pattern-wire-1.html

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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