How to know what wire is best

GwenR ~ TwelveBeads wrote

on Nov 17, 2009 11:52 AM

I have been making and selling beaded jewelry and prayer beads since 2005.  I am still trying to perfect the quality of my items.  I use accu-flex .014in 49strand beading wire.  It is the easiest for me to work with and I can finish the pieces the way I like.  However I know for certain items I need a heavier wire.  I just purchased .024in 49strand and it is a lot thicker.  So much thicker that when I finish the piece and try to tuck in the remaining wire it won't work.  I have had problems with crystals and some sterling beads cutting through the wire. 

I would love to know the science of choosing the correct wire for certain beads.  I do searches but the results are very vague.  For example it might say... use nylon coated stainless steel and that is all. 

Looking forward to any feedback.

Gwen R~

Cat_P wrote

on Nov 17, 2009 12:10 PM

 Hi Gwen welcome to the forums!

.014 is pretty small and is usually used for beads with very small holes, like pearls. I would use this for pearls or other beads with small holes and if the weight of the necklace will be fairly light.

.018 or .019 (different brands have different numbers ) is a good general purpose size. It works with most beads and is strong enough for most designs. Can usually get the wire doubled at the ends as well, but not always. In this case I try to use a larger hole bead on the ends to support threading the wire back through.

.024 is heavy and should be used for heavier weighted designs. Large stones, chunky necklaces. Again since this is thicker you might want to try using a large hole bead to end your design, something as simple as a metal bead in the specific type you may have used in your design.

I was just looking online for a chart for you but I couldn't find it. If I do I'll repost since I know I've seen one somewhere.

Cat_P wrote

on Nov 17, 2009 12:12 PM

 Gwen here is another thread where someone was having the same problem as you. There's more good info here. http://www.beadingdaily.com/forums/t/4418.aspx

GwenR ~ TwelveBeads wrote

on Nov 18, 2009 1:48 PM

Thank you so much Cat.  That is great information.  Although I just purchased two reels of 100 ft of the smaller wire   I am still going to order the .018/.019 size.  I just made several "little girl" bracelets and chose to use the .024 because children are tough on things.  I was able to do what you said and use beads at the end that have larger holes.  They came out great!

I look forward to learning and sharing more here on beading daily.

Gwen R~

Cat_P wrote

on Nov 18, 2009 2:24 PM

 NO problem Gwen, that's what we are all here for!

I'm sure you can still use the .014 but I highly recommend the .018 or .019. It's a good medium duty and is suitable for most designs.

If you find you don't think you'll use all that .014 there is a section here on the forums called Bead Barter. There you can put up for trade anything  bead related for something you would like to have. Just a thought in case you can't use all that!