Finishing Delicate Necklaces...

[MadeWithClayAndLove]

I will soon be creating some sterling silver necklaces, using a very delicate chain. So, I will need to wire wrap a little pearl to connect the chain to the clasp. I'm wondering what size pearl would be best for this? (Unfortunately, there are no supply shops where I live, so I am unable to compare bead sizes and see them in person.)

Also, would 22 gauge half-hard wire be best for wire wrapping the pearls?

Thanks so much for any info!! :)

[Former_Member]

I don't use a lot of pearls, but I've found that about half of what I do use won't take 22g wire. So I'd suggest 24g.

[MadeWithClayAndLove]

Oh, really? Okay... thanks for that tip! :)

[Former_Member]

That's consistent with my experience; pearl holes are small and uneven inside. I also have some 26 around, but I feel like that's too delicate for "working" pieces.

[MadeWithClayAndLove]

Thanks for your input, Sundry! :)

I guess I will go with the 24g.

Anyone else know what size pearls I should use for this?

[Former_Member]

Most pearls have very tiny holes. 24g sounds about right. Could even go for a 26g. Or you could try a pearl reamer to enlarge the hole just a tad.

I am stuck with literally hundreds of gemstone beads because I can't get a decent wire through them. A 26g is a little too flimsy for wire wrapping...

[Former_Member]

If the pearl is going to be in the back with the clasp, I'd go with a smaller size, like a 6mm, especially if the chain is very dainty.

[MadeWithClayAndLove]

Thanks, Coco! :)

That's what I was considering... a 5-6mm.

[Former_Member]

I use small 4mm pearls and crystals to attach delicate chain to the clasp. And I also use 24g or even 26g wire depending on how delicate the chain is. I use some extremely delicate chain in some of my pieces (around 1mm chain) so 26g dead soft works best for those.

[MadeWithClayAndLove]

Thanks, girlygirl!

I think I might buy some 4mm as well as some 6mm pearls. I'm sure I will find a use for both sizes!

I love your blue and grey pearl necklace! :)

[vintagecalif]

If it is a small delicate chain as you say, a 6mm will overpower the piece. I would use a 4mm. Delicate chain, delicate size pearl.
Just MHO

24 gauge is the way to go.

[MadeWithClayAndLove]

Thanks, vintagecalif. I was thinking about it last night, and I agree. I think a 4mm would be the perfect size. :)

[TheDangleDiva]

I agree - 4mm is the size that would work best with a dainty chain. I just made a necklace with some 6mm pearls and found that 26 hh wire worked best. I use 26g for most of my gemstone wrapping as well.

[Former_Member]

Be careful with pearls. The holes in pearls are smaller than in the same size glass or other type bead.

[MadeWithClayAndLove]

Thanks, guys!

TheSpeeceCollection, that's why I wasn't sure what wire gauge to purchase. I do have some 6mm gemstone beads, but I know that the holes in those are huge compared to the holes in 6mm pearls! :)

[Former_Member]

Pearl holes are very small. I have some very tiny pearls (2-3mm) and I need my 28g to fit through them. Another option is swarovski pearls. They carry them with a a regular or large hole so if you want to use a bit thicker of wire you can with the larger holed ones. Maybe not good for this project but something good to know.

Personally if your whole project is small and delicate I would go with 4mm pearl with 26g wire.

[MadeWithClayAndLove]

Thanks for your advice, Laura. :)

I have some brass wire in 26 gauge, and it is so thin I would never be able to wire wrap anything with it. It's not much thicker than a strand of my hair! ;) I'm not sure if maybe it's not actually 26g, but I know that this particular wire would never be able to work for these necklaces.

I really wish I could walk into a store and look at the different gauges of wire and the different sizes of pearls! :-O

[Former_Member]

MadeWithClay -
If it helps at all, since you can't go to a store to actually see the different guages of wire, that necklace of mine that you commented on (the blue and gray pearl necklace) has 4mm Swarovski pearls at the clasp and I used 24 gauge wire to wrap them. The chain is pretty delicate, about 2mm or 3mm I think. I have some 4mm freshwater pearls in my stash too and have been able to use 24 gauge wire with those also but its a tight fit on some of the pearls. They don't all have exactly the same size holes.

You'd be surprised at how easy it is to wire wrap with 26 gauge wire and its surprisingly sturdy too!

[MadeWithClayAndLove]

That does help. Thank you! :)

[Former_Member]

MadeWithClayAndLove, 24g wire and 4mm crystals or pearls work best for me.

[MadeWithClayAndLove]

Thanks, Dorothy! :)

It seems that the 24g and 4mm is the most common suggestion.

I have already ordered the wire. :) Now I just need to take a few minutes to order the pearls!

Thanks so much, everyone! :D

[InspiredDesigns4YOU]

MadeWtihClayandLove: Hi in my experience it's always good to use silver plate findings, with rhodium to give extra strength rather than 92.5 silver (as that can be expensive and very soft). I agree with girlybead. You might want to take your pearls with you to your suppliers, so you can match the gauge of wire you need. In that way you are not second guessing and you'll get the advise from the shop owner too. Gauging of wire thicker grade can make it harder to work with, so gear that to your designs accordingly. V