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Daily Wire Tip Sept. 18: What`s the Difference Between 21 and 22 Gauge Wire?

By on September 18, 2009
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
September 18, 2009

Question:

I noticed that you offer 21 gauge wire and 22 gauge wire.  Is there that much of a difference and could they be interchanged?

Answer:

In my opinion, the gauge chosen from these two, (21 and 22), depends a lot of what other items are being incorporated and into what type of design the artist is making. For example, when using round wire, 21g is about perfect for making ear wires, while 22g is just `that much` too thin to keep its shape with constant wear. Sometimes the size of the holes in certain beads determines the chosen size of the wire used. When making a Classic Cabochon Ring, 21g makes the piece more suitable for a man, while 22g is looks great on most women. (And yes, often I mix the two gauges.)

Answer contributed by Dale `Cougar` Armstrong

4 Comments

  1. avatar

    Jim Mattson

    September 19, 2009 at 11:03 am

    thank you

  2. avatar

    Deana Rae Higgins

    September 19, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    How do you ask a question now? Anyhow a small tip for you, reguarding anti tarish silver. After you make your design bake it at 350 for 45 minutes to harden the wire> It works really well and didn’t hurt the wire at all. I even tried a ring with a crystal in it and it came out strong and nice…Also they say you don’t need solder, just a torch and the wire will melt to together. So if someone with a torch could try this and let us all know if this works..Deana…ps. love your book, thank you.

  3. avatar

    John Jarman

    September 20, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    Where can I obtain free instructions for a man’s wire sculptured ring with or without incorporating a stone?
    John Jarman

  4. avatar

    Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor

    September 22, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    I get that there could be a difference when it come to bead hole size or even the ability to hold shape, but can you tell the difference between the two gauges just by looking at them or would you need to measure them?