Daily Wire Tip: Wire Gauges for Chunky Rings

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip

Question:

What gauge of sterling silver is best for wire wrapping rings? I want my rings to be a little chunky.

-Alice in Denton, Texas

Answer:

Well Alice, the diameter of wire needed for rings, chunky or not, depends on the style of ring you are making. Let’s talk about a couple of design possibilities and how to make them a bit more “chunky.”
If you are making rings similar to the rings below:

I have personally made the Lapis ring (right) using 19-gauge round and a 10mm round bead or a nugget (suitable for larger sizes). I have made the triple bead ring (left) using a single nugget bead and either 19- or 18-gauge round, soft wire. On both, I still use 20-gauge half round half hard to wrap at least the back section of the shank (at least 3/8″) to hold the shank wires together, as well as to make the ring easier to put on and remove.

Both of these styles are quick and easy to make and sell well too!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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9 Comments

1. 

   Joni Stinson

   November 25, 2010 at 9:01 am

   Thanks for this helpful question and answer. I plan to try my hand at making some rings this winter. This is great information. I love both rings used in the illustrations.
   • 

     dalecgr

     November 25, 2010 at 10:59 am

     You are welcome Joni – have fun!
2. 

   Linda B

   November 25, 2010 at 11:37 am

   Wrapping of the shank makes them very elegant. I think I might just have to give ring making a try.
3. 

   BARBARA WOLF

   November 25, 2010 at 3:56 pm

   love the ring designs where can i get the pattern for them.
   thank you
   • 

     dalecgr

     November 26, 2010 at 1:08 am

     Hi Barbara, these designs (along with discussions about variations and a necklace design) can be found on Beginner DVD #5!
4. 

   teresa ruiz

   November 30, 2010 at 8:40 am

   estoy feliz de contar con este muro de preguntas y
   respuestas, es una mano amiga para trabajr
   (Translation: I am happy to have this wall of questions and answers. They are a helping hand!)
5. 

   Paula Hughes

   October 24, 2012 at 8:53 am

   I like incorporating buttons into rings as well. I cant afford the sterling silver wire, but have found that aluminum floral wire works well for most applications and does not cause any allergic reactions.
   • 

     David

     July 14, 2016 at 5:45 pm

     If you are not allergic then nickle silver is good. For chunky look into using square wire. I’ve made over a hundred wire rings and each one is somewhat unique.
   • 

     David

     July 14, 2016 at 5:49 pm

     I get scrap jewelry and button for $1 per ounce. Some buttons work for rings. Look for metal loops that don’t stick out far to keep the ring bottom flatter on the ring.