ArtFire

Im pleased to be able to offer genuine bronze wire specially packaged in approximately 1 ounce coils for jewelry makers in gauges 14, 16, 18, 20, 24 and 26.
Much of what is sold as bronze is actually brass which is a copper and zinc alloy. This wire is a true phosphor bronze which is a copper and tin alloy. The color is lovely, not as yellow as brass and not as red as copper, more resembling a rosy 18K gold. (See the last picture for a color comparison.) Although new wire has a shiny bright finish, bronze ages beautifully. Since this wire is not treated or coated if you wish to maintain the bright finish, store it as you would sterling silver in airtight plastic bags. Bronze can be cleaned with warm, sudsy water or with a polishing cloth. My favorite product for artificially aging bronze is JAX Brass, Bronze and Copper Darkener.
All of my wire is annealed dead soft temper, making it suitable for most jewelry projects. The malleability is comparable to dead soft sterling silver wire. The 24 gauge makes beautiful Viking knit. If you need to work harden it, use the same methods you would for sterling silver or copper, such as tumbling or a leather mallet. Tip: to harden 20 gauge for ear wires, form a U in each end of a length of wire, secure one end in a drill, hold the other end in pliers and twist in the drill until hard.
Bronze can be soldered and used for balled end head pins without the risk of toxic zinc fumes.
I hope youll enjoy creating beautiful jewelry with this wire and, as always, please contact me with any questions.