Hammered Wire at Tarma

Tarma Hammer Wire Page

We make our aluminum and silver hammered wire pieces at our Sonoma County workshop. Silver spirals were the first item we made, but have since expanded to work with aluminum wire.  Lightweight and malleable, aluminum is commonly recycled and produces lightweight, bold pieces with beautifully accentuated hammered edges.

Wire thickness varies with the piece we're making.  Usually about 2mm for pendants and 1.5mm for earrings and dainty dangles. Rita is holding a coil of 2mm bright aluminum.

After the design and bending sequence has been perfected, each piece is shaped by hand using jewelers pliers.  In addition to the dragonfly necklace and earrings, we have heart, spiral, and our new flower design.

After shaping, a domed face hammer is used to flatten the round wire.  Hammering not only adds dimension, but also cold works the piece to harden and make the piece stiffer.

We use polyester cord because its durable and dries quickly.  You can wear it in the shower or swimming. If you'd like to wash it, take the necklace off, add some shampoo and rub the cord between your palms in the shower.

We match the dangle with a similar thickness cord - 2mm or 1.5mm - to balance the proportions and match the weight of the pendant.  Too thick a cord and the pendant won't have enough weight to hang.  Too much weight, and you feel tethered.

And, as with all of our cord pendants, the length is easily adjustable. Just slide the button toggle down the cord, tie a loose knot at the spot you like and try it out. After you're satisfied with the length, tighten the knot, trim the excess cord and seal the end with a flame.

Each pieces is a work of art for your enjoyment! See Tarma's complete Hammered Wire Collection at:

Tarma Hammer Wire Page



For more on this and other product information, please visit Tarma Product Info Page