Simple explanations for uses of wire by thickness.

With wire the higher the number the thinner the wire is. Wire is available in non tarnish or economy, but with most jewellery projects non-tarnish wire is recommended.

14 Gauge Wire

1.63mm thickness - Most commonly used for bases in bracelets necklace and jewellery pieces.

16 Gauge Wire

1.30mm thickness - Most commonly used for bases in bracelets necklace and jewellery pieces.

18 Gauge Wire

1.10mm thickness - Most commonly used for bases in bracelets necklace and jewellery pieces.

20 Gauge Wire

.80mm thickness - Used for wire wrapping, rings, bases and much more. Quite thick wire that may not be able to be passed through swarovski crystals and some czech glass beads.

22 Gauge Wire

.61mm thickness - Most common and popular gauge of wire. Used for wire wrapping, wrapping beads between wire, creating eyepins, making pendants and much more. 22 gauge wire should be able to pass freely twice through czech glass and swarovski crystal beads.

24 Gauge Wire

.50mm thickness - Used for wire wrapping and many other techniques. This thickness of wire will pass through freshwater pearls, but sometimes is a little too thin for wire wrapping beads between chain.

26 Gauge Wire

.40 thickness - Used for wire weaving, holding strands together and more wrapping options. Not suitable for chrochet or knitting as its a little too thick.

28 Gauge Wire

.30 thickness - Used for crochet and knitting. Also used for wrapping and holding items together, but this wire doesn't have much strength as a single strand.