Wirework

Wirework describes the jewellery technique whereby components of the jewellery are held or connected mechanically by the use of wire that may be wrapped in decorative forms. Though metal working technology is necessary to produce wire of sufficient fineness, no soldering or heat is necessary to construct the piece and as such wirework is an extremely early form of jewellery with fine Mesopotamian examples dating to 2000 BC. As well as this, wirework was common in many cultures; where techniques of soldering were established, wirework continued as a commonly favoured technique with very fine designs and wire forming techniques being developed.