CousinDIY Silver Coated Copper Wire 22 Gauge vs Cousin DIY Silver Coated Copper Wire 16 Gauge

Buy the 22 gauge roll for bead stringing, delicate wire wrapping and small ornaments; buy the 16 gauge for structural pieces like bangles, clasps, chain links and heavy wire-wrapped pendants. The 22 gauge is the more versatile all-rounder and gives you far more length per roll, while the 16 gauge is the stiffer, chunkier wire that holds a shape under load. Both are silver-coated copper from the same brand, so the finish and tarnish behavior are the same; the real decision is thickness. Owners of the 16 gauge rate it well for jewelry work, and the thin 22 gauge is the safer pick if you are unsure.

• Choose the 22 gauge Cousin DIY wire if you string small to medium beads, wrap delicate components or want one roll that covers many light projects.
• Choose the 16 gauge Cousin DIY wire if you need wire that holds a shape on its own for bangles, clasps, chain links or chunky wrapped pendants.