Wire Gauge for Hoop Earrings
Question:
What gauge of wire do I use for hoop earrings? Everything I try seems to be too light.
-Cookie in Atlantic City, New Jerse
What gauge of wire do I use for hoop earrings? Everything I try seems to be too light.
-Cookie in Atlantic City, New Jerse
Instructions
Answer:
The wire size for hoop earrings depends on the style you want to create.
For simple hoops that go straight through the ear, consider the piercing size. Use 18-gauge for larger holes and 21-gauge for smaller ones.
If you want a more substantial hoop, choose any gauge from 18 to 14 and attach the hoop to an ear wire or post for comfort.
With thicker gauges, you can forge the hoops using a chasing hammer and bench block to add interesting texture.
This technique adds a unique, handcrafted look to your hoops.
For a start, check out these Free Patterns for Hoop Earrings.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
The wire size for hoop earrings depends on the style you want to create.
For simple hoops that go straight through the ear, consider the piercing size. Use 18-gauge for larger holes and 21-gauge for smaller ones.
If you want a more substantial hoop, choose any gauge from 18 to 14 and attach the hoop to an ear wire or post for comfort.
With thicker gauges, you can forge the hoops using a chasing hammer and bench block to add interesting texture.
This technique adds a unique, handcrafted look to your hoops.
For a start, check out these Free Patterns for Hoop Earrings.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Materials
21 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-21H
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $1.02
- Gold Club Price: $0.77
18 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-18H
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $2.04
- Gold Club Price: $1.53
14 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-14H
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $5.25
- Gold Club Price: $3.94
16 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-16H
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $3.36
- Gold Club Price: $2.52
Tools
Chasing Hammer with Wooden Handle, 1 1/8 Inch Face
G3-27
- G3-27
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $13.95
- Gold Club Price: $10.46
Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
DAP-500.30
- DAP-500.30
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $29.95
- Gold Club Price: $22.46
Steel Hoop Mandrel
MAN-214.00
- MAN-214.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $28.97
- Gold Club Price: $21.73
C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
- PLR-487.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $16.97
- Gold Club Price: $12.73
Wire Rounder Set, 3 pieces
G14-20
- G14-20
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $13.95
- Gold Club Price: $10.46
Supply Detail
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- Category: Classic
- Technique(s): Making Loops, Wrapping, Design, General Education
Dale Armstrong
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