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Measurements, Gauges & Jewelry Terms
Wire Gauge (also used for Sheet)
Q: How do you read wire gauge sizes?
A: The main thing to remember with wire gauge is that the larger the gauge, the smaller the size.
Precious metal sheet and wire are sold by the troy ounce (abbreviated ozt). There are 31.1 grams per troy ounce, compared to 28.3 grams per conventional ounce. Why? The troy ounce originated in the Middle Ages, in Troyes, France, and became the traditional unit for weighing precious metals. The majority of our precious metal sheet and wire are cut by hand, so you may receive a bit over or under the number of troy ounces that you order, but rest assured, we do a final verification of the weight, and charge for the actual amount that is shipped to you.
Which crimps fit which beading wire?
Wire Dia. in inches
Wire Dia. (mm)
Crimp Bead Size
Crimp Tube Size
Fits Scrimp
0.010"
0.25mm
0, 1
1
Yes
0.012"
0.30mm
0, 1
1
Yes
0.013"
0.33mm
0, 1
1
Yes
0.014"
0.36mm
1
2
Yes
0.015"
0.38mm
1
2
Yes
0.018"
0.46mm
1
2
Yes
0.019"
0.48mm
2
2
Yes
0.020"
0.51mm
2
2
Yes
0.021"
0.53mm
2
2
Yes
0.024"
0.61mm
2, 3
2, 3
No
0.030"
0.76mm
3
4
No
0.036"
0.91mm
3
4
No
Exception: Most crimp tubes won't hold on 0.010 and 0.012 when closed with crimping pliers. Either flatten with regular pliers, or use size 1 crimp tubes with micro crimping pliers.
Quick References for Round Beads
Typical Number of Round Beads per Strand
Size
16" strand
20" strand
24" strand
36" strand
3mm
136
169
203
305
4mm
102
127
153
229
5mm
81
102
122
183
6mm
67
85
102
152
8mm
50
64
76
114
10mm
40
51
61
92
12mm
33
42
51
76
Findings
Q: What are "findings"?
A: "Findings" is the generic industry term for metal jewelry components: charms, bar pins, ear wires, jump rings, etc.
How do you count all those little bits & pieces?
Most findings are packaged by weight. Although we use very accurate counting scales and trays, small variations in each item mean the actual count might vary slightly over or under the marked quantity. We strive to put the exact amount in each bag, although +/- 5% is the standard in the jewelry supply industry.
At 5%, a 1-gross bag could vary over or under by seven pieces. Smaller quantities will be exact; you can expect a bag marked "1 dozen" to contain exactly 1 dozen pieces.
Weight Conversions
1 ounce (oz)
28.35 grams (gm)
1 troy ounce (ozt)
31.1gm (ozt are used for precious metals)
1 kilo
1,000gm (twenty 50gm bags)
Quantities
Q: What is a gross?
A: A gross (GR) is 144 pieces
Quantity
Pieces
Pairs
Dozen
1 gross (GR)
144
72
12
½ gross (½GR)
72
36
6
Q: What is a mass?
A: A mass is 1,200 beads of a single style and color. It is the standard unit of measure for many glass bead manufacturers. Since little or no repackaging is needed, we can offer a substantial discount for masses of many Czech beads. Partial masses are not available at the mass price. When full masses are backordered, they are generally shipped in 3 to 6 weeks. Mass discounts are available for 1,200 of one color of one bead (not for assortments).
Other Units of Measure
For a complete list and description of all units of measure used in our Showroom, catalog and online store, see: www.rings-things.com/Learn/Units/
