Wire can be the glue that holds your jewelry together, or it can shine as the focal point of your entire piece. Whether you’re into chainmaille, beading, wire sculpture and jewelry making, or even name writing, we have the perfect wire for you.
Use finer (higher gauge) wire for delicate jewelry with smaller stones, or bundle multiple lengths together for added strength. Use thicker (lower gauge) wire for larger jewelry pieces and bigger stones. Most bracelet patterns can be made using 21- to 22-gauge wire, while a masculine bracelet may use 20-gauge.
For rings and earrings, we recommend 22- to 24-gauge half-hard wire, depending on the size and style of your design. For more details on wire gauges, check out "What Gauge of Wire Should I Use" in our jewelry-making articles section!
Thicker wire is great for wrapping cabochons, crafting ring shanks, creating sturdy wire bundles, and working with jigs. You can also use wire to make your own jump rings, bails, and findings—so don’t be afraid to experiment and explore!
If you're used to buying wire by weight, check out our Wire Conversion Charts for easy reference.
Gauge Size | Diameter (Inches) | Diameter (mm) |
---|---|---|
10 | .1019 | 2.588 |
12 | .0808 | 2.05 |
14 | .0641 | 1.63 |
16 | .0508 | 1.29 |
18 | .0403 | 1.02 |
20 | .0320 | .813 |
21 | .0285 | .723 |
22 | .0253 | .643 |
24 | .0201 | .511 |
26 | .0159 | .404 |
28 | .0125 | .320 |
30 | .0100 | .254 |