Where can I buy 1.5-2mm gold filled/vermeil/plated wire for jewellery making?

sweetpeagreen

Hello

I've searched what feels like the entire internet! Please help if you can :j

I'm wanting to make a simple bangle from wire, preferably gold (so vermeil/filled/plated - is this the same thing?). I'm new to jewellery making so am slowly building my knowledge and resources. I think I need a wire about 1.5mm-2mm thick, and possibly half hardened, although I will be work hardening it myself to give it texture. The most important thing is that the wire is thick/sturdy enough to hold its shape after it is finished.

Can anyone recommend what mm wire I should be using, and where I can get it from at a decent price?

Thank you so much! :A

kitschkitty

These sites have been recommended by my forum members:

http://www.rashbel.com/

http://www.pearlescence.co.uk/index.php/cPath/93_41_159_171

http://beadservice.net/shop/category_9/Gold-Filled.html?shop_param=cid%3D%26

http://www.alchemyandice.com/stringing-supplies-chain-cord-ribbon-and-wire/gold-filled-wire/

it's worth check if they have/can get you the thicker wire diameters as it will be fairly pricey,. also 2mm is rather thick in general for wire working, quite hard to bend (and very expensive too).

If you are new to jewellery making I have to say working with such expensive materials is very ambitious and could prove very expensive if you damage/mess up your wire!

Oh, and BTW Vermeil is gold on a sterling silver base.

Rolled gold is a thick layer of gold over a base of non precious metal e.g. brass.

Gold plate is a microns thick layer of gold over a base metal (much cheaper material than the above 2).

Fire_Fox

eBay, Etsy.

sweetpeagreen

kitschkitty wrote: »

it's worth check if they have/can get you the thicker wire diameters as it will be fairly pricey,. also 2mm is rather thick in general for wire working, quite hard to bend (and very expensive too).

If you are new to jewellery making I have to say working with such expensive materials is very ambitious and could prove very expensive if you damage/mess up your wire!

Great thank you! Yes it may be a little pricey you're right perhaps I should practice what I have in mind with sterling silver first then. And save the gold for when I have a design created to perfection! :T

So do you think 1.5mm is thick enough for me to work with without too much difficulty and it will hold its shape fine?

Thank you!