Jewelry Wire Gauge Selection for Your Polymer Clay Bead Projects

“I have been wanting to start working with wire. My problem is I never know what size to use where.” ~Peggy-B

Recently, several of you have been asking about what size (gauge) of wire should be used for the various types of jewelry making projects. So today’s post will provide you with some suggestions.

Since there are a lot of beginners here, I like to teach with easily accessible and relatively inexpensive wires such as copper, brass and steel. But the same principles pretty much apply for more expensive wires too… like gold, silver and niobium.

Here are some pointers:

• The number for the gauge of the wire gets larger as the wire size gets smaller. For example 10g is much thicker than 30g.
• Many metals come in different hardness’ (tempers) as well, such as Dead Soft, Half Hard, Full Hard and even Spring Hard. Although the hardness rating is not listed on wire materials that I often source from hardware stores like the Home Depot, they appear to be Half Hard. Stiff enough to hold its shape, but still flexible enough to easily bend.
• Copper, Brass, Black (Anodized) Steel and Galvanized are easy to find in most hardware stores. Copper can usually be found in a few different gauges.
• 10g-14g – heavy gauge wire is perfect for making large hooks, chain links, large jump rings and hammered bookmarks.
• 14g-18g – medium gauge wire is good for links and medium clasps.
• 16g-20g – light gauge wire is ideal for making your own jump rings.
• 20g-24g – very light gauge wire is suitable for earwires and wire wrapping projects. Although copper can be worn by some, choose Gold, Silver, Niobium or Surgical Stainless Steel for sensitive ears. In hardware stores, this light gauge wire is often found in the picture hanging department.

I hope this information helps a bit when you’re out there looking for wire for your jewelry making projects. If you have had success finding wire at your local store. please let everyone know where you found it. It will help others make their search a little easier. Thanks!