I'am considering buying two spools of sterling silver.

What two gauges should I invest in first?

I am learning wire wrapping and would like to make ear wires and head pins too.

I'm thinking half hard with both spools right?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

20 is a must in my opinion.

I agree - 20 is a good middle of the road gauge for almost anything. Then for ear wires and head pins 22 would also still work well because it will fit through the smaller holes in just about anything (pearls are hit and miss) and some peoples' ears have small holes.

Half hard will be a good choice and in these gauges you can also do some wrapping techniques with it when you are ready.

Garsh, I guess--since, I was going for the pendants (and wire-wrapping)--I use mostly 18 and 24-26ga. If I had my druthers, I'd druther have 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28!!! Interesting to hear what kinda wires other peeps go for...

elly [swg]

I recently started a project from Sherilyn's book which called for 16 gauge (DS) wire. It was my first time using this size wire but now I'm fixated on it... it's fun to beat with a hammer, it has nice bulk to it for making clasps, and it coils nicely. I'm having so much fun with it that I've ordered 2 oz!

I've always used 20 gauge half hard when making ear wires. A few months ago I tried using 21 gauge for ear wires and discovered that I prefer the feel of it in my ears. 20 ga would sometimes irritate my ears but I don't notice the 21 gauge at all. I now use 21 ga full hard wire (you were right, John [:)]) and it works great for both ear wires and hoops.

Iris

I agree 20g hh for earwires. From there it depends. For basic wire wrapping links I use 22g. But for gemstones and pearls with small holes, I use 26 g. For handmade clasps I use 16g for sturdiness.

Thanks guys.

So I think I will go with 20 & 26 half hard since most of you guys suggest those. Next will be 18. I'm sure I will build my collection of wire eventually.

Personally, I prefer dead soft for 18g and thicker, half-hard for 20g and thinner. If in doubt, get the softer wire - it's MUCH easier to harden wire than anneal it.

Dear dawn,

Hi!

21 or 22g are useful for earring wires and headpins, most small stones and pearls are drilled to take 22g or smaller though many of the ones under 3mm will require 24 or 26g. I use mainly 20g to 24g and I like to keep at least 1/2 oz of each at any time. I use half hard for the smaller wires, if you want to do coiling you way wish to use dead soft for the wrapping as the wrapping will stiffen the wire.

If you want to try making your own clasps like Elly has recently, you may want some 18 or 20g, what I did was buy small amounts different sizes with each order and when I new which ones I used most often I ordered more of those.

Have a look at you current work, ask yourself am I making lots of small, delicate pieces or do I like large, chunky beads? The bigger and heavier your beads are on average, the bigger the wire you need.Hope this helps a bit,

Love, Jan[:)]