Gauge of Eyepin for Heavy Jewelry

by Sultana

I recently tried making a necklace using 24-gauge pins and 60 12mm Swarovski pearls, as well as 30 7mm Swarovski bicone crystals, linked together and connected by simple loops.

However, my necklace kept falling apart and coming undone.

My assumption is that this happened because the necklace was too heavy and the pins became detached under its weight.

What gauge of pins do I need to use in order for a necklace, heavy such as this, to stay together?

Answers:

Hi Sultana, thanks for your question!

Yes, your assumption is absolutely correct.

If I were to make a necklace with simple loops,
I would use 18 gauge eyepins in sterling silver or copper.

If you're using regular base metal eyepins, I think you might be able to get away with 20 gauge, but then again maybe not.

If you make your own eyepins I'd suggest using 20 gauge and making wrapped loops rather than simple loops. This is my personal preference. They'll never come undone.

Hope that helps!

Christine