Many people do not realize that wire wrapped handmade jewelry has a long and rich history. The fact of the matter is that wire wrapped jewelry has been around for thousands of years, and is considered a great art form in many cultures. The fact that this handmade jewelry is available for everyone in this day and age is amazing in and of itself.

Wire wrapped jewelry has been discovered in places such as the cemetery at Ur, a Sumerian city. This jewelry dates back over two thousand years, and is still in perfect condition. Rome was no exception to the wire wrapped jewelry craze. Roman jewelry has been found that was made by this method.

Wire wrapped handmade jewelry was popular in these ancient times because it didn’t require any type of welding or special tools in order to make it. All one needs is wire cutters and something to bend the wire with, such as pliers. There is no fire involved, nothing that would typically be considered as metal working. However, this method of making jewelry certainly works metal, but in an entirely different way.

Essentially, wire wrapping is a matter of twisting and looping wire on itself in intricate patterns. The patterns themselves are beautiful, but the other purpose of this looping is to attach beads and stones to the jewelry without need of welding or glues. This holds the trinkets together in a beautiful and permanent way.

There are many different types of wire that can be used in making handmade jewelry. Historically, these pieces were created using copper, gold or silver wire. Today, you can choose copper, sterling silver, fine silver, galvanized wire, and gold filled wire. You can also use gold wire, but this can get rather expensive in this day and age. There is also a galvanized wire that is coated to give it a specific color.

The traditions of making jewelry in this manner have been passed down through more than two thousand years. Today many people are learning the art. Those who successfully gain the knowledge of how to perform the task can practice until they perfect their skill at the art. These unique pieces are often sold at online auctions and through other venues on the internet.

As you can see, wire wrapped handmade jewelry has been around for quite some time, and will continue to grow as an art form. Inspiration can be taken from older pieces that are available for viewing at museums such as the Smithsonian. Other designers may go completely on their own in creating their designs with only their creativity to drive them. Whatever the case may be, wire wrapping is alive and well as an art form, and many people enjoy the pastime.