In jewelry making, wire is often classified based on its hardness or softness, which is measured on a scale called the "hardness scale." The hardness of wire is important because it determines how easy it is to bend and shape the wire. Here are the different hardnesses of wire that are commonly used for making jewelry with sterling silver, gold and other metals:
Dead soft: This is the softest and most pliable type of wire. It is easy to bend and shape, but it is also more prone to denting and scratching. Dead soft wire is good for making intricate wire designs, but it may not be suitable for structural elements or pieces that will be worn frequently.
Half hard: Half hard wire is slightly harder than dead soft wire, but it is still relatively easy to bend and shape. It is less prone to denting and scratching than dead soft wire, but it is not as strong as harder wire. Half-hard wire is a good choice for making wire-wrapped jewelry and for creating structural elements in jewelry designs.
Full hard: Full hard wire is the hardest and strongest type of wire. It is difficult to bend and shape, but it is also very resistant to denting and scratching. Full hard wire is good for making structural elements in jewelry designs and for pieces that will be worn frequently.
It is worth noting that the hardness of wire can be changed by annealing (heating) and hammering the wire. This can be useful if you want to work with a softer wire but still need a piece that is strong and durable.