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Wire Gauge for Hoop Earrings
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

What gauge of wire do I use for hoop earrings? Everything I try seems to be too light.

-Cookie in Atlantic City, New Jerse
Instructions
Answer:

The size of the wire used for hoop earrings really depends on the style of hoop you desire to create. If you want to make plain hoops that go through the ear with nothing on them, take the size of a piercing into consideration and use from an 18-gauge for larger holes, down to a 21-gauge for smaller.

If you want to make a more substantial hoop, then my advice would be to use any gauge you want, from an 18- through a 14-gauge, and attach the hoop to an ear wire or post for the customer's comfort. When using these larger gauges, it is fun to forge the hoops with a chasing hammer and a bench block, to add some cool texture to the metal.

For a start, check out these Free Patterns for Hoop Earrings.

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Materials

21 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-21H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.69
  • Gold Club Price: $0.52
Add to Bag
18 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-18H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $1.39
  • Gold Club Price: $1.04
Add to Bag
14 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-14H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $3.56
  • Gold Club Price: $2.67
Add to Bag
16 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-16H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $2.28
  • Gold Club Price: $1.71
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

Chasing Hammer with Wooden Handle, 1 1/8 Inch Face
G3-27
  • G3-27
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.97
  • Gold Club Price: $10.48
Add to Bag
Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
DAP-500.30
  • DAP-500.30
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $28.95
  • Gold Club Price: $21.71
Add to Bag
Steel Hoop Mandrel
MAN-214.00
  • MAN-214.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $28.97
  • Gold Club Price: $21.73
Add to Bag
C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
Add to Bag
Wire Rounder Set, 3 pieces
G14-20
  • G14-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.97
  • Gold Club Price: $9.73
Add to Bag
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  • Category: Classic
  • Technique(s): Making Loops, Wrapping, Design, General Education

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