ParaWire Jewelry Making Wire Review

What Is ParaWire Jewelry Making Wire

ParaWire is a brand of jewelry making wire used for wire wrapping and handcrafted jewelry. The product line includes enamel coated copper wire in both standard metal tones and colored finishes, as well as bare copper, brass, and sterling silver filled options. ParaWire round wire is available in sizes ranging from 12 gauge to 34 gauge and also comes in specialty shapes such as square, half-round, and twisted wire.

ParaWire is widely used because it provides affordable alternatives to precious metal wire while still offering consistent quality and a broad selection of finishes and profiles.

In this review, I focus on providing details about ParaWire, how it holds up to tools and everyday wear, who should use it and the overall pros and cons to using it.

I used ParaWire extensively for the projects in my book, Wire Wrap Jewelry Making for Beginners. I chose it because it is affordable and perfect for beginners. I wanted readers to know that their projects could turn out the same as mine without needing expensive materials.

Types of ParaWire

ParaWire offers three main categories of wire: enamel coated craft wire, uncoated bare wire, and specialty wire shapes.

Enamel Coated Craft Wire

These wires have a colored or natural metal surface sealed with a clear baked-on protective coating that helps prevent tarnish.

Within this category, ParaWire offers three types:

• Metallic (Copper Base)
• Color is applied over a copper core and then sealed with a protective coating, Results in warm, rich metal tones and muted colors. Commonly used for wire wrapping, rings, and fashion jewelry
• Silver Plated (Silver Base)
• Copper core is plated with fine silver with color applied over the silver layer and then sealed. Colors appear brighter and clearer than copper-based tones. Used for wire wrapping, rings, and fashion jewelry
• Enameled Aluminum
• Solid aluminum core that is colored and sealed with a protective coating. Aluminum wire is lightweight and easy to bend. Suitable for larger pieces where weight matters, but less ideal for durable fine jewelry

Uncoated Bare Wire

These are natural metal wires without color or protective coating. They will oxidize and develop patina over time. They can be polished or intentionally antiqued.

ParaWire offers the following types of uncoated wire:

• Bare Copper
• Traditional wire wrapping metal that is good for practice or oxidized designs

• Brass
• Provides a warm gold tone. Brass wire is good for structured pieces and patina finishes.

• Sterling Silver Filled
• Copper core bonded with a thick outer layer of sterling silver. It has more precious metal content than silver plating and is a strong alternative to sterling silver at lower cost
• Suitable for higher-end jewelry designs at a lower price point.

Specialty Wire Shapes

ParaWire also offers square wire, half-round wire, and twisted square wire in natural metal colors. These shapes are used for structural frames, decorative accents, and more advanced wire wrapping techniques.

Is ParaWire Good Jewelry Making Wire

ParaWire offers many varieties, but the real questions are how easy is it to work with and how well does it perform in finished jewelry.

ParaWire is an affordable and practical option for wire wrapping, fashion jewelry, and practice pieces. It is available in a wide range of gauges, finishes, and shapes, and it costs significantly less than sterling silver or gold-filled wire. The lower cost makes it easier to experiment without worrying about material expense.

Most ParaWire craft wire is soft to medium temper, so it is easy to bend and shape with hand tools. The enamel coated options include a protective layer that helps prevent tarnish. This reduces maintenance and helps maintain shine without frequent polishing.

There are tradeoffs with coated wire. The surface color and protective layer can scratch during forming if tools are not smooth or pressure is too high. Heavy hammering can crack or damage the coating. Over time, the coating can wear down. As it wears off, the finish can become uneven and the underlying copper can oxidize and show through.

In rings, for example, exposed copper can oxidize and turn the finger green. Coated ParaWire requires more careful handling during construction and realistic expectations for long-term wear.

The bare copper and brass wires are different. They will oxidize naturally over time and can be polished or intentionally antiqued. Because there is no surface coating, there is no risk of peeling or cracking.

ParaWire works well for fashion jewelry, learning techniques, and budget-conscious projects. For daily-wear rings or heirloom pieces, sterling silver filled or precious metal wire is a better long-term choice.

Who Should Use ParaWire?

ParaWire is best suited for:

Beginners

• Soft temper and lower cost make it practical for learning wire wrapping techniques.

Fashion and color-driven designs

• Enamel coated options provide consistent color and reduce polishing maintenance.

Budget-conscious makers

• Costs significantly less than sterling silver or gold-filled wire.

Prototyping

• Useful for testing designs and sizing before committing to precious metals.

ParaWire is widely used for wire wrapped jewelry, including findings, jump rings, and components. It also works well for intricate techniques such as wire weaving, wire crochet, kumihimo, and Viking knit.

Pros and Cons of ParaWire

Comparing gold-filled wire to ParaWire 

Pros

• Affordable compared to sterling silver and gold-filled wire
• Wide range of gauges, shapes, and finishes
• Enamel coating helps prevent tarnish and reduces polishing
• Good for beginners, fashion jewelry, and experimentation

Cons

• Coated surface can scratch when bending and shaping
• Hammering can crack or damage the coating
• Coating can wear over time, exposing copper
• Requires care in wear, such as removing before showering, washing hands, or heavy activity

ParaWire is a versatile and budget-friendly jewelry wire with clear strengths and limitations. With proper handling and realistic expectations, it works well for experimentation and many jewelry projects. 

The uncoated copper and brass wires perform like comparable products from other vendors, and the sterling silver filled option provides a durable, lower-cost alternative to solid sterling at a time when metal prices are high.

Frequently Asked Questions about ParaWire

Is ParaWire better than other craft wires?

In my experience, ParaWire performs similarly to other major craft wire brands, including Artistic Wire, in terms of bending and shaping. ParaWire stands out for its wide range of colors, finishes, and product options within one brand. The coated wires hold up well against tarnish, and the bare copper and brass wires compare to bulk wire from other suppliers, just in smaller, more convenient packaging.

Can ParaWire be hardened or hammered?

Yes. The uncoated copper, brass, and sterling silver filled wires can be hammered and work-hardened just like comparable metals from other suppliers. The enamel coated wires can be shaped and lightly hammered, but heavy hammering can damage or crack the surface coating, so they require more care.

Can ParaWire be put in a tumbler?

Bare copper, brass, and sterling silver filled ParaWire can be tumbled for polishing and work hardening, just like similar metals from other suppliers. Enamel coated wires are not ideal for tumbling, as the coating can become scratched or worn. If used at all, tumbling coated wire should be very brief and done with caution.

Where can I buy ParaWire?

ParaWire can be purchased directly from the official website at ParaWire.com, which offers the full range of colors, gauges, and specialty shapes. It is also available on Amazon, which can be convenient for smaller quantities or faster shipping.