I have experimented with many economical substitutes for sterling silver wire and this is, in my opinion, the best choice. I have produced chainmaille samples and wirewrapped jewelry samples for my store using this wire and no one could tell the difference. I've seen some selling this as silver-filled wire.

 

The wire has a beautiful sheen, and the silver so closely resembles sterling that there have been times I've had to check for the copper core to be sure exactly what I was using. The sample pictures at the bottom illustrate a couple ways I've used this wire. 

 

Both the gold and the silver have a solid copper core, it is not silver or gold throughout. If you want to make an heirloom piece of jewelry I recommend you use the 'real' thing as eventually, with enough wear, the copper core will show through. There are, however, many applications where this could take years to happen.

 

Available in 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26 gauge. Wire is supplied coiled,  and is half-hard. If you don't see the gauge you need in the drop-down menu it means it is currently out of stock. Please check back.