Choose Supplies by Bead Size
This simple guide helps you choose supplies for bracelets and necklaces. Match your wire, crimps, jump rings, clasps, and accents to the size and weight of your beads.
At-a-Glance Size Guide
○ Small beads: delicate and lightweight ● Medium beads: everyday designs ●● Large beads: bold statement designs
| Bead size & type | Beading wire diameter | Crimp bead size | Jump rings & wire gauge | Accessories & accent sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Small beads, 2–4 mm Seed beads, freshwater pearls, and small gemstones |
0.010"–0.013" (0.25–0.33 mm) 26–28 gauge |
1–1.5 mm Micro crimp tubes |
3–4 mm 20–21 gauge |
Clasp: 8–10 mm Spacers: 2–3 mm Bails: 3–5 mm |
|
Medium beads, 6–8 mm Standard gemstones, lampwork and millefiori glass, and metal spacers |
0.018"–0.019" (0.45–0.48 mm) 20–22 gauge |
2 x 2 mm Standard crimp tubes |
5–6 mm 18–20 gauge |
Clasp: 10–12 mm Spacers: 4–6 mm Bails: 6–8 mm |
|
Large beads, 10–12 mm or larger Heavy gemstones, focal glass, tube beads, and statement beads |
0.024"–0.030" (0.60–0.76 mm) 18–20 gauge |
2 x 3 mm to 3 mm Heavy-duty crimp tubes |
7–8 mm or larger 16–18 gauge |
Clasp: 14–16 mm or larger Spacers: 8–10 mm Bails: 9–12 mm or larger |
How to Match Beads and Accessories
- Use smaller beads with delicate wire and smaller clasps, spacers, and jump rings.
- Use medium beads with standard wire and medium-size findings for an everyday bracelet or necklace.
- Use larger or heavier beads with thicker wire, stronger crimps, and larger findings.
- For a matching bracelet and necklace set, use the same bead colors and pattern, then adjust the length and clasp size for each piece.
- Check that the wire fits through the bead holes before starting.
Bracelet Sizing
Measure around the wrist, then add about 1/2 inch for a comfortable fit. Use these as starting points:
| Fit | Finished bracelet length |
|---|---|
| Child | 5–5.5 inches |
| Small adult | 6–6.5 inches |
| Average adult | 7 inches |
| Large adult | 7.5–8 inches |
Necklace Lengths
| Style | Finished length |
|---|---|
| Choker | 14–16 inches |
| Princess | 17–19 inches |
| Matinee | 20–24 inches |
Example Supplies
Use these product examples to help match your design:
- Gold Obsidian Rondelle Beads for a smaller-bead style
- Pink Aventurine Rondelle Beads, 5 x 8 mm for a medium-bead style
- Indian Agate Faceted Barrel Beads, 14 x 10 mm for a larger-bead style
- 18K Gold Filled Round Jump Rings
- 18K Gold Filled Lobster Clasps
Basic Bracelet or Necklace Tutorial
- Measure the finished length. For a bracelet, measure around the wrist and add about 1/2 inch. For a necklace, measure your preferred length and add 6–8 inches for finishing.
- Cut the beading wire.
- Thread one end through a crimp, through one side of the clasp, and back through the crimp.
- Pull the wire snug, leave a small loop, and crimp securely.
- String your beads in your chosen pattern.
- At the other end, add a crimp and jump ring. Thread the wire back through the crimp and the last few beads, then crimp it securely.
- Trim the excess wire and add crimp covers for a neat finish.
These are general recommendations. The best sizes also depend on the bead-hole size, the weight of your design, and how delicate or bold you want the finished piece to look.