Gold Sheet Gauges - Which To Use For Your Jewellery Making Projects

The various types of sheet metal used for jewellery making - including brass, copper, sterling silver and gold - are sold in different 'gauges'. Finding out what the correct gauge of metal to use in your jewellery making projects can have a huge impact on how your jewellery design turns out. In this article, you will learn more about the best gauge metal to use for each type of jewellery making project which will assist you with creating some spectacular designs.

The first thing that you will need to consider is the overall weight and thickness of the sheet metal that you want to use, and how the weight and thickness will benefit or hinder the look and design of your handmade jewellery project. You will need to consider this whether you are working with gold sheet material or any other type of metal sheet material such as sterling silver or brass.

Next, you will need to think about how the final product will be used. Thicker gold sheet metal is very sturdy and durable, but it also weighs more than thinner material. Heavy metals are often used to make large bracelets or rings, whilst the lighter or thinner metals are used to make delicate pins, pendants or earrings that do not have a lot of weight to them. You will need to consider the type of jewellery you are making whenever it comes to choosing the thickness of your gold sheet metal or other jewellery making material.

Sometimes it may be difficult to choose the exact thickness of the gold sheet metal that you will need for each specific project. If you are unsure about the gauge that you should use, take a look at this chart. It should help you decide on the correct gold sheet metal to use for your jewellery making project:

• 12 gauge - Works best with heavy rings or forged bracelets
• 14 gauge - Great for heavy rings and bracelets
• 16 gauge - Excellent gold sheet material to use for average-sized rings or pendants
• 18 gauge - Perfect for lightweight or pierced earring designs
• 18 to 26 gauge - The best gold sheet materials to use for beads, bezels, settings, broaches, buttons and earrings

By using this chart, you should not have any problems figuring out which gauge of sheet metal to use in your jewellery making projects. Always keep in mind that the lower the number of the gauge, the heavier the sheet metal is going to be. Once you remember that factor it should be easy for you to choose the right type of gold sheet metal for all of your future handmade jewellery projects. Making your own jewellery can take a lot of dedication and practice but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to create beautiful designs that others will cherish for many years to come.

Silver, bronze and gold sheet is available in a variety of thickness - or 'gauges'. The gauge that jewellery makers will need depends on the type of jewellery making project that they are taking on.

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