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Step 1
Choose an online jewelry supplies retailer. Popular retailers include Firemountain Gems, Auntie's Beads and Art Beads (see Resources).
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Step 2
Select the wire and chain category from the list of options. Select sterling silver wire from the list of precious metal wires.
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Step 3
Choose from dead soft, half hard and full hard sterling silver wire. Dead soft wire is flexible and can be bent into any shape you desire, but it will not hold its new shape if subjected to stress. Half hard wire is malleable also and can hold its shape if it is subjected to moderate stress. Full hard wire holds its shape easily and can be used for high-stress jobs, such as for clasps on a necklace.
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Step 4
Select a shape. Precious metal wire is available in round, half round, square and twisted shapes.
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Step 5
Choose a size. Sterling silver wire ranges in size from 14 gauge to 26 gauge; the thicker the wire the smaller the gauge, and the thinner the wire the bigger the gauge. 22 gauge is the popular choice for most projects.
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Step 6
Choose the amount of wire you require. Wire is sold by length (foot) or by weight (ounce).
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Step 7
Add your selection to the cart and proceed to checkout. Enter your name, billing address and payment information to complete the transaction.
