Which Wire Gauge Is the Best for Earring Hooks

Dec 17
21:00

2013

Sanjana Antony

Sanjana Antony

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It is very important to find the right gauge of wire to be used as earring hooks. There are a variety of gauges available right from 18 to 28 for your needs.

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Earring hooks are also called ear wires,Which Wire Gauge Is the Best for Earring Hooks Articles the part of your earrings that that your insert through your ear holes. There are many types of commercial ear wires, but the most common design is what is termed as the French hook, but jewelry crafters who make their own earring hooks enjoy more flexibility in the ear wire designs. They decide on the wire shape, length and material to use. 

 

If you need to determine the gauges of ear wires that you will make, I tend to assume that you already know that in gauges, the larger the number, the smaller is the size. A 28 gauge wire for earring hooks is much finer than an 18 gauge one.  You can find jewelry wires available at most craft stores   Sterling silver, gold-filled and other higher grade wires may not be always available at your local craft and hobby shops and they might need to be ordered online. Here are some of the wire gauges for your earring hooks.

 

21 gauge wires are by far the most versatile for earring hooks.  This size is thick enough to carry heavier earrings; it is also thin enough to fit most ear holes, especially the smaller ones.  Because the 21gauge is not a standard size of wire, you cannot easily find it in craft stores; you may need to order it online.

 

20 gauge wires for earring hooks is the most common size, so it is easy to find.  This size is very strong and capable of holding a lot of earring weight.  This can also fit most ear holes, including those for larger earrings. Many wearers may not have problem with 20 gauge earring wire, but if you are creating jewelry pieces to sell, it might be better to use the 21 gauge for earrings that are not too heavy.

 

It is just to let you know my thoughts.  I, myself, really prefer using 21 gauge wires for earring hooks.  Besides fitting most ear holes and being pretty strong, this size of wire fits also most beads starting at size 4mm.  The next size down is the 22 gauge wire; this is a bit finer than the 21 gauge. This is a good option if your ear holes are smaller. The 24 gauge wire is very fine; it cannot carry a lot of weight.  This size of wire for earring hooks is ideal for earrings that are close to weightless.

 

18 gauge ear wires are the biggest gauge that you can use for earring hooks.  This size will fit only peoples ear holes that have become a bit stretched or with holes that are bigger than the ordinary. This wire can hold heavy earrings such as those with big gemstones or heavy beads because it is very sturdy and can carry a lot of weight.

 

Earring hooks are one of the jewelry findings that are most often used and they are also the simplest to create.  If you are not the DIY type of a person, you can always buy these ear wires from any local hobby shop and online.