Ask the Experts Stainless Steel Earring Wires Q&A

Can I make earring wires from stainless steel wire?  If so, explain the challenges and what gauge wire to use. Will it harden when hammered?

That is a good question. Yes, you can make earring wires from stainless steel wire, but it comes with some issues, especially if you're used to working with sterling silver or copper. It’s not very beginner-friendly. It takes more strength and control to bend and shape and especially to hammer. 

It will work-harden slightly when hammered but it's already pretty hard, so the change will be minimal and can cause it to become brittle and prone to breaking easily. The main caution, though, is that you also run the risk of putting tool marks into your steel block and hammers, rendering them much less useful or ruining them.

- Patti