What Gauge of Wire Should I Use to Make Jewelry

In North America, the size of the holes in a wire-drawing die is based on a geometric formula developed in 1855 by the machine-tool company, Brown and Sharpe. This progression of 39 sizes, known as the American Wire Gauge (AWG), helps determine what is the best wire for jewelry making, ensuring precise selection for your projects.

All of the wire stocked by WireJewelry is labeled using the AWG. Other parts of the world may use the British Standard Wire Gauge (SWG), where the sizes are just a hair larger than those of the AWG. (For example: AWG 20-gauge = 0.813mm and SWG 20-gauge = 0.914mm.) For the purpose of this article, all references below relate to the American Wire Gauge (AWG).

We've put together a great reference for those moments when you're caught wondering, 'What is the best wire for jewelry making?' Find the perfect match for your next project with our detailed jewelry wire gauge chart.

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28-34 Gauge Wire

These ultra-fine wires, with diameters ranging from 0.013 to 0.006 inches (0.32 to 0.16 millimeters), can be likened to sewing thread in terms of thickness.

Ideal for coiling, weaving, knitting, and crocheting, these wires are also perfect for working with lightweight, small-holed pearls and seed beads. However, due to their delicate nature, they are prone to breaking if kinked.

Image: Spiral Wire Earrings by Mei Tan - Click to View Pattern

26 Gauge Wire

Measuring .016 inches or .41 millimeters in diameter, this is also a thin wire, but unlike the extremely fine wires (above) it is amazingly strong. In a round shape, one of its most popular uses is to coil it around a larger-gauge wire.

Additionally, its versatility extends to knitting, crocheting, and weaving. It's also ideal for attaching small-hole pearls and beads to various crafts, making it a favorite among artisans for its robustness and adaptability.

Image: Dyer's Mushroom Netted Hoop Pendant by Jennifer Brooks - Click to View Pattern

24 Gauge Wire

The 24-gauge wire is the first gauge on our list suitable for creating both sculpted and traditional wire jewelry designs. The diameter of 24-gauge wire measures 0.020 inches or 0.51 millimeters.

In a round shape, it can be used more aggressively in the same manners as the 26-gauge above, and in a square shape the 24-gauge wire is excellent for crafting frames and wire settings for smaller cabochons and faceted stones.

It is also used to make individual jump rings and head pins, as well as wrapping the tops of briolettes.

Image: Criss Cross Wire Wrap by Karen Meador, Ph.D. - Click to View Pattern

22 Gauge Wire

The 22-gauge wire boasts a diameter of 0.025 inches or 0.64 millimeters. In a square shape, this is the preferred gauge for most traditional wire jewelry designs, such as bracelets, rings, and pendants for women and children.

It is often used to make settings and frames for small-to-medium sized cabochons and cut stones. 22-gauge round wire is excellent for larger coiling projects, and those with experience will also use it for weaving and braiding designs.

As a multi-purpose wire, it makes a nice double wrapped hook, head pins, smaller clasps, and it can be used to make individual jump rings.

Image: Adobe Sun Necklace by Debbie Blair - Click to View Pattern

21 Gauge Wire

The 21-gauge wire, slightly larger than the 22-gauge, measures 0.0285 inches (0.723 millimeters) in diameter. In a square shape, this small difference in size will match 21-gauge wire with the thickness of several pattern wires, so that they may be used together in bracelet and pendant designs.

This wire is versatile and can be used for all the projects that accommodate 22-gauge wire, but in a heavier fashion, meaning anything made with 21-gauge wire is suitable for men. It is the preferred gauge for making most prong projects and rings.

Additionally, round 21-gauge wire is an excellent choice when creating hooks and eyes, individual jump rings and other components that need to handle more stress. It is the preferred choice for making ear wires.

Image: Boho Beaded Ring by Erika Pal - Click to View Pattern

20 Gauge Wire

20-gauge wire measures 0.032 inches or .81 millimeters in diameter. In a round shape, 20-gauge wire is ideal for crafting clasps, double-wrapped hooks, head pins, ear wires, and various other handcrafted jewelry components.

The square 20-gauge wire is most often used to make heavier jewelry such as bracelets and rings for men, as well as to create neck collars for women.

Image: Swirly Teardrop Pendant by Elizabeth Schultz - Click to View Pattern

18 Gauge Wire

18 gauge wire measures 0.040 inches (1.02 millimeters) in diameter and it is a very strong wire. It works well for making all types of hooks and clasps and for wire wrapping beads with large holes.

It is used often when making ornate bracelets and when creating wire collars and heavier neck pieces.

Image: Xs and Os Beaded Wire Bracelet by Erika Pal - Click to View Pattern

16 Gauge Wire

This is a thicker wire that measures 0.051 inches (1.29 millimeters) in diameter. It can be used to make neck wires, freeform rings, bracelets and bracelet bases.

Image: Elegant Pendant by Oksana Truhan - Click to View Pattern

14 Gauge Wire

Probably the heaviest wire most wire artists will use, its diameter measures .0641 inches (1.63 millimeters). Most often used in a dead soft temper, 14-gauge wire is perfect for making neckpieces, arm cuffs and bracelet frames.

Image: Textured Stacked Rings by Judy Larson - Click to View Pattern