Rectangular Wire
Rectangular Wire for Contemporary Jewellery
Our rectangular wire collection is an essential tool for jewellers aiming to craft sleek, contemporary pieces. The flat, angular profile of the wire allows for bold, modern designs that stand out. Whether you're creating statement rings, elegant bracelets, or unique necklaces, the structural integrity of rectangular wire provides both durability and aesthetic appeal.
Available in Sterling Silver and Solid Gold Alloys
Our rectangular wire comes in sterling silver and solid gold alloys, including 9ct, 14ct and 18ct yellow gold, rose gold, white gold and platinum. These high-quality materials are ideal for creating luxury jewellery with a unique edge. The wire is available in various sizes, allowing you to select the perfect dimensions for your project, whether you’re working on fine detailing or robust structural elements.
Ethical and Recycled Metal Options
We are committed to ethical jewellery making, offering rectangular wire made from ethically sourced precious metals. These options are perfect for jewellers who prioritise sustainability without compromising on quality. Our sterling silver and gold wires ensure that your designs are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.
Versatile Applications in Jewellery Making
Rectangular wire is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of jewellery applications. Use it as a blank canvas for stamping, or incorporate it into custom rings, bracelets, and other statement pieces. The wire’s flat surface is ideal for creating engraved or textured designs, adding a personalised touch to your creations.
Exclusive Soft Edge Rectangular Wire
In addition to our standard rectangular wire, we offer an exclusive soft edge rectangular wire in sterling silver. This unique profile provides a smoother, more comfortable finish, making it ideal for wearables that are in direct contact with the skin, such as rings and bracelets. The soft edge wire combines modern design with everyday comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rectangular wire is a versatile material used in various aspects of jewellery making. Its flat, angular shape makes it ideal for creating structured, modern designs.
It is commonly used in bezel settings for stones, as the flat surface provides a good base for the stone and the edges create a clean, sharp boundary.
Rectangular wire is also excellent for ring blanks and bracelet blanks, as the flat surface provides a perfect canvas for stamping and embossing designs like letters and shapes.
Rectangular wire can also be used for making bracelet and necklace frames, earrings, and decorative elements where a bold, linear look is desired.
Additionally, its unique shape allows for interesting textural contrasts when used alongside other wire shapes in a piece.
The choice between rectangular wire and half round wire depends on the specific requirements of your project and the desired aesthetic.
Rectangular wire is best for designs that require sharp, clean lines and a flat surface. It's suitable for creating frames, settings, and structural elements with a contemporary look.
Half round wire, with its flat bottom and rounded top, is ideal for situations where you need the wire to sit flush against a surface, such as in certain ring bands or bracelet cuff designs, while still providing a smooth, rounded appearance.
Consider the design and functionality of your piece to determine which wire shape would work best.
Yes, rectangular wire can be used to make rings and bracelets.
Its flat, wide surface makes it a unique choice for these types of jewellery, lending a modern and distinctive look. For rings, rectangular wire can provide a bold aesthetic, especially when used for thicker bands or geometric designs.
For bracelets, its structural integrity and unique profile can create statement pieces or serve as a base for more complex designs.
Rectangular wire is used in jewellery making for creating bold, modern designs with flat, angular profiles. It’s ideal for making bracelet and ring blanks, custom necklaces, and adding structural elements to various pieces.
Rectangular wire differs from other wire shapes by its flat, rectangular profile, which provides a broad, stable surface. This makes it perfect for creating modern, geometric designs, in contrast to the more rounded or square profiles of other wires.
Yes, rectangular wire is excellent for making rings. Its flat profile is ideal for creating comfortable ring bands, and it provides a sturdy base for adding additional design elements like gemstones or engravings.
Rectangular wire offers several advantages, including a modern, sleek aesthetic, the ability to create strong structural elements, and a flat surface that’s ideal for stamping, engraving, or texturing. It’s also versatile, making it suitable for various types of jewellery.
Choose the size of rectangular wire based on the scale and purpose of your project. Thicker wires provide strength for structural components like bracelet blanks, while thinner wires are ideal for delicate accents and details.
Yes, rectangular wire can be soldered easily using standard soldering techniques. Its flat surfaces allow for easy visibility, clean, strong joins, making it ideal for creating solid, durable jewellery pieces.
Rectangular wire can be used in wire-wrapping projects to create strong frames or bases for stones and other elements. Its flat profile provides a stable surface, which is particularly useful for creating uniform, structured designs.
Yes, rectangular wire is highly suitable for making bracelets. Its strength and flat surface make it perfect for creating both simple and elaborate bracelet designs, and it can be easily textured or engraved for added detail.
Rectangular wire can be textured using a variety of methods, such as hammering with a texture hammer, rolling through a rolling mill with a texture plate, or applying hand techniques like filing, stamping, or etching.
Sterling silver rectangular wire is durable, versatile, and offers a bright, attractive finish. It’s ideal for creating a wide range of jewellery pieces, from modern, minimalist designs to more intricate, detailed creations.
Polish rectangular wire by using a series of polishing compounds with a buffing wheel or a polishing cloth. Start with a coarser compound to remove any surface imperfections, then progress to finer compounds for a mirror-like finish.
Prevent tarnishing by storing rectangular wire in airtight containers or zip lock bags.
Harden rectangular wire by gently hammering it with a rawhide or nylon mallet. This work-hardening process increases the wire’s strength, making it more durable for structural elements in jewellery.
Form rectangular wire into custom shapes by using mandrels, pliers, or a bench block. Its flat profile makes it easy to bend and shape into precise, angular designs, perfect for modern, geometric jewellery.
Yes, rectangular wire can be used for creating bezels, especially for stones with flat or angular edges. Its flat surface provides a stable base for holding the stone securely, adding a contemporary touch to your designs.
For beginners, a medium-sized rectangular wire (around 1mm thickness) is recommended. It’s easy to work with, yet sturdy enough to create secure, durable designs such as rings and simple bracelets.
Incorporate gemstones by creating frames bases for settings with rectangular wire. The flat surface allows for secure stone settings, and the wire’s sharp edges add a modern, clean look to the overall design.
Choose between sterling silver and gold rectangular wire based on the desired aesthetic, budget, and design requirements. Sterling silver offers a classic, versatile option, while gold adds luxury and higher perceived value to your jewellery.
Store rectangular wire in a cool, dry place, preferably in airtight containers to prevent tarnishing. Keep wires separated by gauge and material to avoid scratches.a
Yes, rectangular wire is ideal for mixed-metal jewellery designs. Its flat, angular profile creates a striking contrast when combined with other metals, adding depth and visual interest to your pieces.
Use rectangular wire for minimalist jewellery by focusing on simple, clean lines and geometric shapes. The wire’s flat profile and sharp edges make it perfect for creating understated yet elegant pieces like rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Essential tools for working with rectangular wire include flat-nose pliers, a jeweller’s saw, a bench block, and a mallet. A polishing cloth and buffing wheel are also necessary for achieving a high-quality finish.
Measure rectangular wire by its width and thickness, typically expressed in millimetres. Use a calliper or micrometre for precise measurements, ensuring the wire fits the intended design specifications.
Yes, rectangular wire is perfect for making earrings. Its structural integrity and flat profile allow for the creation of unique earring designs, from simple studs to elaborate dangles.
Finish the ends of rectangular wire by filing them smooth with a metal file, sand paper or using a buff stick to round off the edges. Polishing the ends with a buffing wheel or polishing cloth will ensure a professional, comfortable finish that won’t snag or irritate the skin.
Common challenges when working with rectangular wire include maintaining its shape during manipulation and ensuring that the flat surfaces remain smooth and scratch-free. Proper tools and techniques, such as careful bending and precise soldering, can help overcome these challenges.
Combine rectangular wire with other wire shapes by using it as a structural base or frame, while incorporating round or square wire for contrast and texture. This combination can create visually appealing designs with added depth and dimension.
Yes, rectangular wire can be used to make custom chains. Its flat surfaces create modern chain links, and the wire’s strength ensures durability, making it ideal for both delicate and bold chain designs.
Achieve a professional finish with rectangular wire by ensuring all cuts are clean and precise, using proper finishing techniques such as filing and polishing, and making sure that all joins are smooth and secure.
Soft edge rectangular wire offers a smoother, more comfortable finish compared to standard rectangular wire. This makes it ideal for jewellery pieces that are in direct contact with the skin, such as rings and bracelets, combining modern design with everyday comfort.
Choose rectangular wire when your design requires flat, angular profiles and a modern aesthetic. opt for other wire shapes like round or square wire if your design requires softer curves or different structural properties. Consider the specific look and functionality you want to achieve in your project.
Ethically made rectangular jewellery wire can be purchased from suppliers like Ore Metals who specialise in recycled metals and sustainable jewellery-making supplies. Look for statements from suppliers that confirm their commitment to ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly practices.
Create engraved designs on rectangular wire using engraving tools, a rotary tool, or by hand with a graver. The flat surface of the wire provides an ideal canvas for engraving, allowing you to add personalized details, textures, or patterns to your jewellery pieces.