Colorful wire

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi guys, I am trying to locate some 26-28-30 gauge wire (not
silver) possibly colorful, or gather any behind the scene secret,
what kind of chemicals I could use to discolor silver wire. I
have seen some colorful wire, but it was a heavier gauge.

I am aware of being able to “discolor” copper wire, although I
have never attempted to do any of this. Any color would be all
right.

Thanks in advance,

Gabriella

2

Also, sorry, you have rainbow color silver using a small amount
of liver of silphur with 2 drops of ammonia in 2 cups of water…
And just watch the silver change and rinse when you get a rainbow
you like. It will go grey/black, so be careful Joan

3

The coloful wire that you saw may have been niobium. Reactive
Metal Studio in AZ is one supplier for colored niobium.

Rick
Richard D. Hamilton

Fabricated 14k, 18k, and platinum Jewelry
wax carving, modelmaking, jewelry photography

http://www.rick-hamilton.com
@rick_hamilton

4

Hi Gabriella,

I have used lots of colorful wire. You can usually locate it in
hobby shops that make wire trees… The Beadery in Hope Valley RI
and the Rock Haus who I have seen advertised in the Lapidary
Journal have rainbows of 26-28 maybe 30. I called RI and got
their local distributor - they will only sell wholesale. There
is another possibility of MWS in Califor. Luscious colors, but
they are made for industry and often don’t have certain colors-
and there is a $200 min order. And there is always Niobium that
you can color with electricity - see my article in Bead and
Button this month.

If you have any questions;
Joan

5 
The coloful wire that you saw may have been niobium. Reactive
Metal Studio in AZ is one supplier for colored niobium.

Their email is reactive@sedona.net.

Their tel no. is 520-634-3434.

rd

6

Hi, I know Rio Grande has niobium wire but I haven’t checked my
catalog to see what gauge they have. Good luck, Lisa

7

Yes, I knew about Rio’s niubium, Lisa. Thanks. The gauge is
20, 22 and 24. I need 26-28-30.

Gabriella

8

I think Refractory Metals has the smaller gauges.