Is the wire solid silver?

No. It is a copper core with permanent silver plating. The plating resists tarnish, but it is a coating, not solid silver.

Which gauge should I start with?

For wrapped loops and delicate wirework, start with a finer gauge. For components that must hold their shape, choose a heavier gauge. Many makers keep two or three gauges on hand.

Will the wire tarnish?

The silver plating slows the oxidation that dulls bare copper, but it is not permanent. Stored wire lasts longer; cut ends and sharp bends are the first to show wear.

Can I use it for structural pieces?

Only up to a point. The copper core is softer than steel or brass, so heavy structural work may need a stronger wire.

How is it different from wire on a spool?

The dispenser holds the coil and lets you pull, cut and tuck the end back in. Spools tend to unravel and tangle, and the wire is exposed to dust.

Does it work with beads?

Yes. Finer gauges pass through most bead holes and suit stringing and wirework; check hole size against the gauge before buying.

Beadalon Artistic Wire Copper Craft Wire Assorted Gauges

Q: Where is the Beadalon Artistic Wire Copper Craft Wire Assorted Gauges cheapest?

At Eureka Crystal Beads, for $7.70, 30% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Q: Where can I buy the Beadalon Artistic Wire Copper Craft Wire Assorted Gauges?

13 stores we checked sell it, including The Bead Chest, Eureka Crystal Beads, Texas Art Supply, Walmart, Lima Beads.

Best price now

$7.70at Eureka Crystal BeadsChecked Nov 10

30% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 13 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Eureka Crystal Beads

What reviewers say

Crafters who use it praise the dispenser for ending tangled spools and keeping wire clean, and like that the silver plating stays bright longer than bare copper. Some note the plating can wear at sharp bends and that the softer copper core bends under load.

What people mention

DispenserPraisedUsers say the pull-and-cut container stops coils from unraveling and keeps the workspace tidy.
TarnishPraisedOwners report the silver plating stays bright longer than bare copper wire.
Plating wearCriticisedSome say the silver coating can flake or rub off at sharp bends and cut ends.
FlexibilityMixedFiner gauges wrap easily, but the soft copper core bends under load in heavier work.
Wire lengthCriticisedA few crafters find the fixed length per dispenser short for larger projects.

About the Beadalon Artistic Wire Copper Craft Wire Assorted Gauges

Beadalon Artistic Wire is craft wire sold in a compact dispenser container. Wire is pulled out through the opening, measured and cut, and the end is tucked back inside. The container keeps the wire from tangling and protects it from dust and damage between sessions.

The wire has a copper core with permanent silver plating. The plating resists the oxidation that dulls bare copper. Each dispenser holds one specific length and gauge, so you can stock the gauges your projects need.

Gauge affects how the wire works. Finer gauges wrap and shape easily for delicate wirework. Heavier gauges give structural support to components that need to hold their form. The dispensers fit in storage drawers or portable toolkits, and the wire is ready to use without straightening or cleaning.

Material

Copper core with permanent silver plating

Finish

Tarnish-resistant silver plating

Format

Dispenser pack

Gauges

Assorted; each dispenser holds one length and gauge

Fine gauges

Wrap and shape easily for delicate wirework

Heavy gauges

Provide structural support