Your advice on 26 gauge wire

[Former_Member]

I am looking for advice on what you think of the durability of using 26 g. sterling and/or gold filled wire for earrings. Many of the stones I have found recently seem to have very small holes and I have been reluctant to use any gauge thinner than 24g.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[Former_Member]

I would not reccomend that size unless you are wire weaving. I am careful to ask the size of the holes in my beads before I order. A 1mm hole will work with as big as 21g wire. I have to use 22g wire for my 4mm Swarovski bicones,that is skinny as I go for wire. I just sold a pile of beads on ebay that I bought before I started wire wrapping,they all had tiny holes,just had no use for them....

[Former_Member]

I just forced my husband into the garage not 10 minutes ago. I'm having him make 26g head pins for me that I use for 2-6mm beads for earrings and rings.

I find it just fine for briolettes too as long as they aren't load bearing.