Q: What gauge wire is recommended for making wrapped loops? I've tried the 22 and 24. They are too soft, for me, to work with. Would a lower gauge wire work best? I'm a newbie at this. Also, what would be the equivalent gauge size of a wire diameter of, say, .014 or .015"? I've seen only diameters of wires given, and I have no idea how to determine what the gauge would be.

Q: What is French wire and how do you use it?

Q: What is the best wire for a beginner to use for wire wrapping?

Q: I want to make my own pins using various wire and different gauges of wire, copper, sterling, etc. These pins would be made using one continuous piece of wire. What is the best way to sharpen the pin end?

Q: I'd like to make a very small simple wire chain base for a charm bracelet. Can size 30-34 gauge wire work?

Q: I purchased a string of tourmaline briolettes with the holes cut at the top from Fire Mountain. I want to attach them to a gold filled chain (like a string of fish) for earrings. The problem is the holes are much too small to attach with head pins. I have the 26 gauge gold-filled wire from your catalog--but in a dilemma to get the half-hard or full-hard through to make the twisted loop attachment?

Q: While creating a wire wrap for a very large faceted lemon quartz briolette, I inadvertently caused chipping on each side of the top-drilled hole. I've decided not to use the stone as a briolette since the drill hole is no longer useful. Can I repair the damage and what then can I do with the stone?

Q: I am working with stainless steel wire, knitting a necklace and bracelet. I notice the wire is really dark. What can I do to clean stainless steel wire and make it brighter and more shiny?

Q: Can your new dead soft silver-filled wire be work-hardened?

Q: How do I make a bail for a flat briolette using sterling wire?

Q: I'd like to make a rosary using either wood or glass round beads. What kind of chain do I use? I've never worked with chain before.

Q: What is the most secure way to attach a charm or bead to chain?

Q: Which wire works best when doing a wrapped loop necklace or earrings? Or which gauge? I want it to look delicate.

Q: How do you bend 16- or 18-gauge wire into a neckwire or choker?

Q: I am making a rosary and am looking for the thickest and strongest eye pin. I have had trouble with the loops stretching open under normal stress. Any suggestions?

Q: In general, what is the best gauge and hardness of wire recommended for making earrings?

Q: When working with round and square precious-metal and color-coated wire, how can I make the same size loops so my project has a consistent look?

Q: What gauge of metal wire should I use for making a beaded Christmas tree with size 11/0 seed beads? The wire needs to be strong enough to support the weight of many glass seed beads, plus miniature ornaments of metal and glass, but it also needs to be narrow enough to fit through the seed bead holes. Thanks for your help!

Q: I'm just learning to work with wire. I'm ordering a jig, but have no idea what wire type, gauge, hardness, etc., to use. Can you give me some guidelines please?

Q: I bought some metal beads that go onto the ends of memory wire. The hole doesn't go all the way through. How do I keep that end bead on the memory wire?

Q: Does the color wear off of the niobium jump rings?

Q: Can I make earwires from niobium? Can I melt a ball on the end of this wire with a torch?

Q: Is Zebra Wire tempered as Full/Hard, Half/Hard or Dead Soft? Is Zebra Wire suitable for projects that need to be bent and will it stay wrapped?

Q: Can Zebra wire be polished?