Making jewelry will be a cinch when you use memory wire. What is it? Memory wire is a thin, rigid, tempered stainless steel wire that comes in a coil and is used as a beading medium. It resists corrosion AND tarnish, and the magical part is it’ll snap right back to its original form once expanded and released (hence the name; it remembers its shape).

They come in 3 kinds, allowing you to make necklaces, bracelets and rings that are one-size-fits-all. If you are planning on working with memory wire, you should probably invest in a pair of memory wire shears. They are designed to give your wire a smooth cut. Never ever use regular wire cutters to cut memory wire; I’ve had to learn the hard way that the wire will only be slightly dented and the blades on the wire cutters will be chipped.

You could use your round-nose pliers to bend the ends into loops, but it could be a bit difficult. Often times the wire will slip from your pliers and you’ll end up flinging beads all over the room, as well as a few curses. Another solution is using memory wire end caps to finish off your jewelry. They are tiny metal balls with a hole in one side. Put a dab of super glue or epoxy into the hole and insert your wire after you’re finished adding the beads or making your jewelry. Let dry for an hour and you’re all done!

You can get memory wire at great sites like Fire Mountain Gems.

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