43% OFF Round Copper Jewelry Wire, Purple, 26 Gauge, 0.4mm, about 98.42 Feet(30m)/roll

Wire wrapping is a fascinating and popular way among crafters, which can give you more creativity and enjoyment in jewelry making. To get started, you should know a few basic tips, that can help you make the projects you want with the most suitable materials.

Gauge & Usage

Gauge refers to the thickness of jewelry wire. The measurements are counter-intuitive because the smaller the number, the thicker the wire and vice-versa. The thicker wires are often used to create specific shapes or the bases of jewelry, while the thinner wires are used for wrapping.
In the chart below, the gauge is listed to the left followed by the actual size of diameter in millimeters and inches. You can refer to the following recommended usage and choose according to your own needs.

Gauge	MM	Inches	Usage
30	0.254	0.010	Great for delicate jewelry, they can be used for wire weaving, bead crochet and fine coils. It can even be used like sewing thread.
28	0.320	0.013
26	0.406	0.016	Easy to manipulat, these 2 gauges are great for wire wrapping beads with small to medium sized holes. They are usually used for intricate wirework.
24	0.508	0.020
22	0.635	0.025	Medium-gauge wires, good for making jewelry findings, such as ear wires, eye pins, jump rings, etc. They can also be used for stone settings.
20	0.813	0.032
18	1.02	0.040	Great for sturdy clasps and heavy jump rings. Useful for connecting chunkier beads with simple or wrapped loops.
16	1.30	0.051
14	1.63	0.064	Good choice for rings, bracelets, bangles and cuffs. These thicker wires usually be used to create frames and structures.
12	2.05	0.081

Some Other Materials
for Wire Wrapping

• Jewelry Pliers
• Ring Mandrel
• Gemstones

Different Wire Working
Techniques & Tutorials

1. Wire Wrapping

When we talk about wire wrapping, it usually refers to the techniques that involve wrapping stones and components into part of a design. It is also a technique used to make connections and findings.

2. Wire weaving

Wire weaving is a technique to weave a thinner piece of wire between two or thicker pieces of wire. So as to create more delicate and regular textured effect.

3. Coiling

Coiling means wrapping wire around a wire frame. The frame is usually a thicker wire than the wire being used to coil. This technique often be used in finger ring making.