Thread, Cord and Wire
Thread, Cord and Wire.
Silk Bead Cord - is used for beads with smaller holes such as freshwater pearls and beads under 5mm.
Nylon Bead Cord - is used as an all purpose bead cord. You can use Beeswax to coat the cord to keep it from fraying and tangling when it is repeatedly threaded through metal beads with sharp edges.
Tiger Tail - is a commonly used stringing material, and does not require a needle.
Stretch Magic - is a flexible clear elastic cord. It is often used for slip-on crystal bracelets, and is a beader's favorite as it only requires a reef knot to finish.
Memory Wire - is a pre-coiled stainless steel wire that retains it shape. Very popular for wine charm markers, chokers, rings and bracelets.
Rattail - is a round, satin-like cord, often used to show off one large pendant or centerpiece.
Leather Cord - is always a popular stringing material as there is no finishing required. Simply add a pendant or centerpiece, tie a bow and go.
Plating (Standards and Abbreviations)
SC - Silver Color Metal
GC - Gold Color Metal
SP - Silver Plated Finish - over a base metal for a Sterling Silver appearance.
GP - Gold Plated Finish - over a base metal for a 14K Gold appearance.
SS - Sterling Silver - .925 actual silver content.
GF - Gold Filled - a layer of 12K or 14K Gold, milled to a base metal for a long lasting gold appearance.
14K - .585 actual gold content.
18K - .750 actual gold content.
Wire/Sheet Sizing Charts
| B & S Gauge |
Decimal |
Millimeter |
| 12 |
.0811 |
2.06 |
| 14 |
.0630 |
1.60 |
| 16 |
.0512 |
1.30 |
| 18 |
.0394 |
1.0 |
| 20 |
.0323 |
.82 |
| 22 |
.0252 |
.64 |
| 24 |
.0197 |
.50 |
| 26 |
.0157 |
.40 |
| 28 |
.0118 |
.30 |
| B & S Gauge |
Decimal |
Millimeter |
| 16 |
.0512 |
1.30 |
| 18 |
.0394 |
1.00 |
| 20 |
.0323 |
.82 |
| 22 |
.0252 |
.64 |
| 24 |
.0197 |
.50 |
| 26 |
.0157 |
.10 |
| 28 |
.0118 |
.30 |
| 30 |
.0110 |
.25 |
Remember that this is a close approximation. Screen resolution and monitor size will affect how you view our charts.
Wire Size and Temper
Wire Gauges - In reference to wire gauge sizes, the larger the number, the smaller the diameter of the wire.
26g - extra fine - for very small and delicate projects
24g - fine - for pearls & most gemstones - easy to work with
22g - medium - fairly universal for glass beads, fits some pearls and gemstones
20g - medium heavy - great for earwires, clasps or larger beads
18g - heavy - often good for chainmaille or when you want a heavier look
16g - heavy - often used as a base to wrap finer wires around
14g - heavy - often used as a base to wrap finer wire around
12g - very heavy - hard to work with, good for rings and buckles
The most commonly used sizes for wire wrapping are 20 to 24g.
Wire Temper - Measures the amount of spring in the wire.
Soft - Has no spring when you bend it. Good for making wire beads.
Half-Hard - Has some spring, but is still malleable. Good for basic wirework. Hold its shape well.
