JEWELRY DESIGNS USING DIFFERENT SIZED WIRE
When getting started in jewelry making, it can be difficult to know what size wire is suitable for the project you have in mind.
To help you navigate through this process, we have created a visual information page where you can see and compare various designs using different sized wires.
Please keep in mind that this page is meant for guidance only, as the most suitable wire will always depend on your choice of wire, beads, and project.
Why is Wire Size Important in Jewelry Making?
The size of the wire you choose can greatly impact the final look and durability of your jewelry piece.
Thicker wires are more sturdy and suitable for creating structural elements, while thinner wires are ideal for intricate designs and delicate details.
Experimenting with Different Wire Sizes
As a beginner, it is recommended to purchase various sizes of wire to experiment with your designs.
This hands-on approach will help you understand how different wire sizes behave and how they can be used to achieve different effects in your jewelry pieces.
Plated Copper Jewelry Wire for Practice
Plated Copper Jewelry Wire is a great option for practicing your jewelry making skills.
Not only is it affordable, but it also comes in a variety of sizes and colors, allowing you to explore different design possibilities without breaking the bank.
Have Fun and Be Creative!
Remember, the world of jewelry making is all about creativity and self-expression.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different wire sizes, techniques, and materials to create unique and personalized pieces.
Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine through in every jewelry piece you make!
MM VS GAUGE
Wire is measured in either mm - which is the UK's measurement guide, or in gauge - which is America's measurement guide.
Sometimes, when following projects from the internet or books, the American measurement is used.
We recommend taking a look at our handy wire gauge conversion chart showing the AWG (American Wire Gauge) sizes and their equivalents in both inches and millimeters.
We provide up different sizes of Jewelry Making Wire starting at 0.3mm (28 gauge) ranging up to 1.02mm (18 gauge).
View Our Wire Gauge Conversion Chart
SHOP ALL JEWELRY MAKING WIRE WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE
0.2mm - 0.5mm Wire: Great for beginners and working with beads
This sized wire is very easy to manipulate, which makes it great for using with small and fiddly beads.
We tend to reach for this wire for wire wrapping beads which are in need of delicate and intricate designs.
Depending on the size of the bead hole, being able to use the thickest wire possible will ensure your design is secure.
Be careful not to put too much pressure on your beads when wire wrapping, and choose a thinner wire if it's struggling to get through the hole - as this will likely break your bead.
Take a look at some examples of designs using 0.2mm - 0.5mm round wire below.
0.2mm: For Small Intricate Wire Wrapped Beads
For small beads 2-4mm in size, 0.2mm round wire is secure enough and looks lovely and delicate once hung on ear wires.
This sized wire is very easy to bend and manipulate which makes it perfect for earring drops as the wire is less likely to lose its shape, therefore it wouldn't be suitable for designs which may be handled more often such as on rings or bracelets.
0.3mm: For Wire Wrapped Briolette Beads
Briolette beads are one of our favourite beads to work with!
Most briolettes will work best with 0.3mm round wire, however we recommend always checking the hole size in the product description or keep a few different sizes at hand just in case.
You can also see below, where we have used 0.4mm wire on peridot briolettes to add a chunky look.
Wire wrapping a briolette is very similar to wire wrapping any other bead, but with a briolette you can choose whether you would like to continue to wrap the wire down the top part of the bead to form a cap.
0.4mm: For Secure Wire Wrapping
0.4mm round wire is great to use for using alongside thicker wire for adding featured beads like these designs!
Above we have used gold plated round wire to wrap some sparkly crystal glass beads around hoop earrings.
In the middle, a design using 0.8mm square wire and 0.4mm copper wire to weave around the frame with metal beads.
On the right, you can see how using a slightly thicker wire on briolette beads can add a bolder look to your design - just make sure you're not forcing wire through the bead hole or it may break!
0.5mm: Great For Large Hole Focal Beads
0.5mm round wire is also suitable for wire wrapping beads however this works best with larger, focal beads which have large hole sizes.
This size wire is a little harder to wrap compared to 0.2mm wire but with a little practice, you will be a pro in no time!
0.6mm: For Wire Wrapped Rings And Large Beads
0.6mm and 0.8mm round wire is perfect for creating wire wrapped rings featuring your favourite gemstone!
Great to use on suitable large beads, cabochons, crystals and sea glass.
0.7mm: For Structured Pendants
A beautiful wire wrapped pendant, using 0.7mm round wire and 0.3mm silver round wire.
When using such a thin wire helps to prevent breakages and it's so soft which helps to keep the weaving neat.
0.8mm: The Best Size For Earrings
0.8mm is the most suitable sized wire for using for creating your own ear wires and earring designs.
As you can see above, there are numerous earrings in a range of styles including wire wrapped ear studs using crystals and round beads, hammered earrings and beaded hoops.
The possibilities are endless, all you need is to get a little creative!
1mm: Stacking Rings, Pendants And Extras
1mm wire is wonderful for creating stacking rings, pendants and adding dimensions to your jewelry designs!
Featured here are boho amazonite earrings featuring dangling hammered 1mm wire.
1mm wire was also used for the dainty bracelet, it’s fabulous for keeping a beautiful shape and is so malleable, no chance of snapping unlike elastic."
Also featured here, a gorgeous geometric pendant design using 1mm wire.
1.5mm - 2mm wire: Suitable For Rings, Bracelets, Bangles And Creating Frames
1.5mm is a lovely thick wire for creating many jewelry designs.
The top left photo is a stunning wire wrapped rainbow moonstone pendant, created with a mixture of 1.5mm, 1mm and 0.6mm round copper wire made by.
Next up are gorgeous earrings made from 0.8mm wire with 1.5mm hanging posts by.
Bottom left is an eye catching cuff bracelet, with a base of 1.5mm copper wire, wrapped with 0.4mm gold plated wire complete with aquamarine beads!
The bottom right ring is made from 1.5mm wire featuring labradorite cabochons.
2mm is great for those big and bold designs!
On the left is a simple diamond wrapped ring using 2mm silver round wire, with delicately wrapped natural diamond nuggets beads using 0.2mm wire.
The gorgeous necklace is made using 2mm wire and a thinner wire for the round circles.
3mm - 6mm wire: For Statement Designs
If you really want to make a statement, 3mm - 6mm wire will certainly do just that!