Picking wire

[elektraloaded]

im wondering how you know what size gauge wire to use? for example, im using 6mm crystals with 5mm spacers...so what gauge wire would i use for that? also, should you use clear wire or is "steel" color  alright for clear and crystal beads? thanks all!

[Polly]

Elektra,

5mm - 6mm Swarovski crystal beads have an approx. 0.8mm hole.  This varies a bit, so don't get exactly .8mm cord/beading cable/etc; go for a bit thinner.

.015" (.38mm) 19-strand Beadalon is popular and durable.  The steel color works well for clear crystal beads (but the newer gold-plated color can be nice if you want to make the color a bit warmer).

.018" (.46mm) 49-strand Beadalon is a bit pricey for just starting out ... but is very nice quality, and comes in more colors, including silver plate, which looks very nice with clear crystals.

Also, we're adding Softflex beading wire ... it should be available in the Online store in about 2 weeks, and will come back and add to this posting with info about that as soon as I can.

The clear cord is best for when you want to make an "Illusion" style necklace -- popular for bridal jewelry.  I would only use it when you truly want clear cord, not just for standard stringing.  It simply isn't as durable.  We also have clear stretchy cord, which is great when you want stretchy cord.

--Polly