• Understanding differences in wire gauge allows the jewelry-making process to run smoothly.Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  From beginning hobbyists to expert professionals, jewelry makers of all skill levels need some understanding of wire gauging in order to get the most out of their creative endeavors. Some wire gauges have more uses than others, but some crafting functions can be fulfilled with multiple gauges. Lower gauged wire has a larger diameter, while the smallest diameters have higher gauges.
  
  

14-Gauge

• Wire with a 14 gauge has a diameter of 1.65 millimeters. Jewelry makers typically use this wire to make clasps, thick jump rings, eye pins for beads with relatively large holes, bangle bracelets, solid cuff bracelets, chain mail jewelry and links.
  
  

16-Gauge

• Wire with a 16 gauge has a diameter of 1.3 millimeters. This gauge wire has uses similar to 14-gauge wire, including clasps, thick jump rings, eye pins for beads with slightly smaller holes, wrapped bangle bracelets and chain mail jewelry.
  
  

18-Gauge

• Wire with an 18 gauge has a diameter of 1.02 millimeters. Jewelry makers usually use this wire for delicate clasps, links, eye pins, wire for beads, jump rings and wire wrapping. Some occasionally use this gauge for ear wire, as well.
  
  

20-Gauge

• Wire with a 20 gauge has a diameter of 0.813 millimeters. Jewelry makers use this wire for jump rings, eye pins, head pins, ear wires, wire for beads, split rings and delicate links.
  
  

21-Gauge

• Wire with a 21 gauge has a diameter of 0.724 millimeters. This wire, considered relatively odd or rare, has fewer uses than most others. Most jewelry makers use this gauge for the sole purpose of making ear wire.
  
  

22-Gauge

• Wire with a 22 gauge has a diameter of 0.643 millimeters. Jewelry makers typically use this gauge for wire wrapping, wire for beads, wire-wrapped eye pins and wire-wrapped head pins.
  
  

24-Gauge

• Wire with a 24 gauge has a diameter of 0.511 millimeters. This gauge stands as the standard size for wire-wrapped bead links and head pins. This wire also fits through most bead holes, excluding some semi-precious gemstone beads and pearls with smaller holes.
  
  

26-Gauge

• Wire with a 26 gauge has a diameter of 0.404 millimeters. This wire fits through nearly all bead sizes. Jewelry makers also use this wire for wire wrapping and wire crochet.
  
  

28-Gauge

• Wire with a 28 gauge has a diameter of 0.32 millimeters. This gauge bends and forms nearly as easily as thread, and most jewelry makers use this type of wire for wire wrapping, wire crochet and wire weaving.