Brass/pure copper Round wire (Bare) jewellery/craft Art Models Floristry 0.2~5mm

For fine weaving, coiling, and binding, 0.2–0.5 mm gauges are most commonly used. For structural frame wires and loops that need to hold their shape under tension, 0.8–1.5 mm is a practical range. Heavier structural elements such as bangles or cuffs typically use 2–3 mm. If you are new to wire wrapping, a 0.5 mm or 0.8 mm gauge is a good starting point as it is workable by hand yet holds its form.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, giving it a gold-yellow colour and slightly higher stiffness compared to pure copper. Pure copper wire is softer and more ductile, making it easier to bend repeatedly without work-hardening as quickly. Copper also has higher electrical conductivity. Brass is often preferred for decorative jewellery and floristry where a gold tone is desired; copper suits applications where repeated bending, soldering, or electrical use is required.

Both brass and copper are susceptible to natural oxidation when exposed to air and moisture. Copper will develop a reddish-brown patina that can deepen to green (verdigris) over time. Brass will darken to a deeper gold-brown. This is a natural characteristic of bare metal wire. If you want to preserve the original colour, apply a clear lacquer or jewellery sealant after completing your piece. Alternatively, controlled oxidation can be used intentionally to achieve an antique finish.

Yes. Because the wire is bare and uncoated, it is directly solderable using standard copper-compatible or brass-compatible solder and flux. There is no need to strip any coating before soldering. Pure copper wire solders particularly well with standard electrical or jewellery solder. Brass wire is also solderable but may require a more active flux due to the zinc content in the alloy.

The pure copper variants are electrically conductive and can be used in hobby electronics, educational demonstrations, and low-voltage craft projects where bare wire is acceptable. Brass wire has lower conductivity than pure copper and is less commonly used for electrical applications. Neither wire is insulated, so appropriate precautions should be taken when using near live circuits. For mains voltage or safety-critical applications, consult a qualified electrician.

The 1 m option is ideal for sampling a new gauge or completing a single small piece. The 5 m and 10 m lengths suit regular crafters working on multiple projects. The 25 m and 50 m options offer a lower per-metre cost and are suited to production runs, workshops, or makers who use a particular gauge frequently. Note that heavier gauges (3 mm and above) are denser and a 10 m length will weigh considerably more than the same length in a fine gauge.

Yes. Both brass and copper wire are widely used in floristry for armature construction, stem wrapping, and floral sculpture. The 0.5–1 mm gauges are commonly used for binding and wrapping individual stems, while 1.5–3 mm gauges provide the rigidity needed for structural armatures and branch frameworks. The bare finish means the wire can be painted, wrapped with tape, or left exposed depending on the design intent.