Favorite Wire Gauge
During a wire wrapping classes I took a few years ago at my local rock and gem club, I remember hearing one of the students mention how much she preferred using 21-gauge wire over just about any other size. At the time, I thought, "What's the diff? Can 20 and 22 be that different than 21-gauge wire?"
Eventually, curious about her wire rantings, I bought some 21-gauge, and I saw the light. Here's was so great about this odd sized wire:
- It fits through most holes in most beads (except for pearls, of course).
- It is enough stronger than 22-gauge that it is a good choice for findings, like clasps.
- It is wonderful for ear hooks because, unlike 20-gauge, the fit in most ear holes (mine at least) is much better, not too small but not too large.
- It is a general purpose size, so you can use for a wide range of technique from making wire findings to make bead and wire chains.
Okay, one bummer about this wire is that not all wire vendors sell 21-gauge. But, of course, I know a few who do:
I'm sure there are others, but those are off the top of my head. If you know of any vendors who sell this odd size wire, feel free to add them to the comments below.
jewelry, metal, Chik, wire, gem, gauge, rock, clasps, stone
Tammy,
Our supplier for gold-filled and sterling silver wire tells us that 21 gauge is their best selling gauge. Evidently, you aren't alone.
Personally, I tend to use more 18 and 20 gauge for wire components made on our WigJig tools.
Gary Helwig
http://www.wigjig.com/
That's interesting. I don't hear of a lot of other jewelry folks using 21g. I think most use 20, but sometimes 20 is too thick for beads or even for some people's earing holes.