pugdog
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Oct 5, 2006, 5:17 AM
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Ear wires -- gauge and such.
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I burried this in an announcement, then realized I should probably put a copy of the ear wire suggestions here as well.
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Bulk earwires are another good item to stock up on while prices are down, as the bulk prices can be a huge swing. They should be back to .16-.25 per pair, depending on style and weight. (They have been 21.-.35 ppr.)
Yes, prices vary, between suppliers and manufacturers, and for loads of other reasons. We try to carry a reasonably good quality, and try to balance price/quality, opting ALWAYS for quality over price.
22 ga ear wires can be ok for a few pearls or crystals, but any significant weight of beads can make them uncomfortable, and prone to ripping the ear.
21 ga ear wires are a bit thicker, and can be used for most light to medium weight earrings. This is our standard size.
20 ga ear wires are heavier, and obviously (visually) more substantial. They are better for the larger, and weightier multi strand chandaliers and such. They spread the weight in the ear a little better, and their larger size makes them less prone to ripping. We much prefer these, and use them on our higher-end items (with Swarovski and silver).
19 ga ear wires are harder to find (stock, but you can make your own) and are more comfortable in general, like the 20 ga, and are less prone to ripping. Most people's holes are large enough (simply from time) to use them, and they spread the weight better. We have a limited selection, often they are straight shaft, you put your own loop on the end. They have a weight of their own, which helps balance the jewelry, and often come in shapes such as triangles, or loops to complement the jewelry, rather than the simple French wire straight.
While the above is a guide, the bottom line is that using the thinner, cheaper ear wires is *NOT* a good thing. for a few pennies more per pair, you can offer better quality and more comfort to your customers -- or safer more comfortable wearing to yourself.
We don't normally stock anything under 21 gauge for that reason.
And yes, at 1000 pieces (500 pr) in bulk, each penny is $10, but difference *IS* significant (and FWIW the ball and coil provide a much more secure closure, not only decoration). We do offer "bulk" pricing to customers who purchase 200+ pieces (100 pair and up), so you can cash in on savings without breaking your bank.
Oh, and we usually only carry the flattened ball+coil style. Why? Not only do people seem to like the flattened better, and the ball/coil provide more security, if you don't want the coil and/or flattened, and/or ball, why aren't you making your OWN ear wires?? At that point, all it is a bent round wire.
All you need is wire and a jig. You can even put a ball on it. (You can make your own coils too, but that starts to be more work than purchasing them already made that way.) All you need is an inexpensive (under $10 jig) and some FULL HARD wire. Savings can be significant, and you control the size, shape and quality every time.
(How do you make your coils? Get a thin mandrel, wrap 28 or 30 gauge wire around it, and simply cut short lengths of this long "spring" to slide over the ball on your home made ear wire. You can use colored wires, add gold springs to silver wires, and more creative possibilities.)
PUGDOG's Rock & Bead Shop
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
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