GAUGE |
DIAMETER
(INCHES)
|
DIAMETER
(MM)
|
COMMON USES |
30 |
.010 |
.25 |
Extremely-Fine Wire Great for delicate jewelry, typically used for wire weaving, bead crochet and fine coils. It can even be used like sewing thread. |
28 |
.0126 |
.32 |
Extremely-Fine Wire. Not much wider than a human hair. Typically used for wire knitting. Hard to handle, tends to tangle. |
26 |
.0159 |
.40 |
Very-Fine Wire. Good for small hole beads like pearls. Half-hard is good in this size as it adds a bit of body and strength to a very thin wire. |
24 |
.0201 |
.51 |
Fine Wire. Good for small hold beads like pearls. Half-hard is good in this size as it adds a bit of body and strength to a thin wire. |
22 |
.0253 |
.64 |
Medium-Fine Wire. Very versatile size due it's thickness, most beads like crystals and gemstones will fit on it. Good for making ear wires, headpins and wrapped links. Dead soft is a good way to go with this wire. |
20 |
.0320 |
.81 |
Medium Wire. Easy to work with but strong. Good for making heavy-duty ear wires and lightweight clasps. Also good for creating wire-jewelry using wire jigs and other wire sculpturing techniques. Dead soft is best. |
18 |
.0403 |
1.024 |
Medium-Heavy Wire. Good for making clasps, chokers and wire sculptures. |
16 |
.0508 |
1.290 |
Heavy Wire. Commonly used for chokers and heavy-duty clasps. |
14 |
.0641 |
1.628 |
Heavier Wire. Good for chokers, stiff bracelets and wire-sculpted rings. |
12 |
.0808 |
2.052 |
Very-Thick Wire. Hard to bend intricately by hand. Good for chokers, stiff bracelets and wire-sculpted rings. |
10 |
.1019 |
2.588 |
Very-Thick Wire. Good for chokers, stiff bracelets and rings. Commonly used by silver smiths using forging or welding techniques. |