Topics: Head Pin Gauge for Earring Dangles

Q.
What is the best gauge head pin to use for 2'' dangle earrings? I'm looking for something that is thin enough to work with, but thick enough that the earrings won't bend too easily. Thanks.
- Ellen
A.
The best gauge depends on the beads you're designing with. For example, most lightweight pearls require 24- or 26-gauge head pins as their holes are smaller, where handmade lampworked beads can handle 20-gauge or thicker as their hole size is larger. If you're not sure which beads you'll be using and just want to purchase a good catch-all head pin for 2-inch dangle earrings, buy 22-gauge. This gauge fits through most beads and won't bend easily.

Due to your long earring design, you'll also need to consider the head pin length as well as how you're planning to finish and attach it to your finding. If you're making a simple loop to connect the dangle to the earwire or post, a 2-1/2 inch head pin should suffice as you only need about a 1/2 inch of wire to form a simple loop. If you'll be making a wrapped loop or a more elaborate connection, be sure to use a 3-inch head pin as a wrapped loop is made more cleanly and easily if you have at least 1-inch of wire to work with.

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