The History of Wire

Jewelry has been around since ancient times and jewelry-making has evolved over the centuries. Many of the techniques that are used today to make beautiful pieces were once very different and labor-intensive. We explore some of these techniques in the Wire Sculptures art box:

Wire Wrapping Sculpture Art

Ages 12+. Learn ancient metalwork and wire wrapping sculpture techniques to create durable wind chimes. Includes real tools and natural stone beads.

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$75

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For a deeper dive into the history of how wire has been used to create some of the most intricate jewelry in history, check out our video below.

From ancient civilizations to the modern era, wire has remained a fundamental component of jewelry making. By understanding its history, we can appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity that has gone into creating the beautiful pieces we wear today.

Sources and Inspiration

Museum Collections & Object References

Metropolitan Museum of Art

• Gold necklace with coin pendants
• Syrians Bringing an Ingot and a Chariot, tomb of Rekhmire
• Gold Earring with Garnets
• Pendant
• Earring and Earring 2
• Necklace
• Chain
• Cross with Pearls
• Necklace with Pendant Cross
• Sa Amulet
• Hair ribbons
• Scarab ring of Sithathoryunet
• Gold Buckle with Garnets

Penn Museum

• Queen Puabi Funerary Ensemble

Brooklyn Museum

• “Bauble” Necklace

Hallie Ford Museum of Art

• Egyptian Ingots and Metal Rings

Articles, Essays & Academic Sources

• A Succinct History of Metalcasting Knowledge. Stefanescu, Doru. (2023). International Journal of Metalcasting. 17. 1-16. 10.1007/s40962-023-00971-5.
• Bones and Art Narrate the History of Dwarfs in Ancient Egypt. Kozma, Chahira. (2019).
• Classical gold wire: Some aspects of its manufacture and use. Ogden, Jack. (1991). Jewellery Studies. 5. 95-105.

Historical & Cultural Context

• The Melting Scene, Tomb of Mereruka. Figure 7: The Casting Scene.
• Wire Drawing in Antiquity
• Ancient Egyptian Culture
• The artisans who put the luxe in Luxor
• Metalworking
• Sumerian Shakespeare: Queen Pu-abi’s Royal Regalia
• Viking Gold Arm Ring

Techniques and Process

• Draw plate
• Mastering Draw Plates: How to Make Jewelry Wire (Fabrication Guide)
• The Iron Rolling Mill (Modern Cyclopes)

Artist Reference

• Adolph Menzel
• Alexander Calder
• Art Smith