by Joybelle Malcolm.
(Atlanta, GA, USA)

Please help!
I cannot seem to find the correct gauge of wire to use for memory wire bracelets.
I am looking for something that is not flimsy and that TRULY lives up to the claim that the wire does not loose its shape.
I hope someone in our community will be able to help!
Thanks so much!
Joybelle Malcolm
BelleJoy Jewelry

Hi Joybelle, the main Memory Wire I’ve used is the original Memory Wire – hard round wire that I think is around 20 to 22 gauge – and I’ve never found it flimsy. Nowadays, Memory Wire comes in a few different gauges, and also in a few different shapes (I’ve seen flat as well as round ).
Memory wire vines in a heavier gauge than it used to., and I have read the flat memory wire is stronger. I do think that memory wire doesn’t hold its strength well if the beads are too heavy.
Hi there Joybelle,
When I’ve used Memory wire, I’ve found that the most important things to be aware of are the weight of beads that you use and how many wraps that are in the bracelet. In your photo, you’ve used 1 1/2 times around; when I make bracelets I make sure to use at least 3 coils so that if one of the ends gets caught on something as you move your arm there are still a few complete coils to keep it on your wrist. Another idea is that if you have a heavy charm or focal beads, then place those on an ‘inside’ coil so that the end isn’t pulling away from your wrist (and getting hung up on things).
I once made a glass rondelle & metal spacer bracelet to go with a matching necklace. It was incredibly heavy, but I really wanted the beads to show [which is why I used the Memory wire rather than a more traditional wire & clasp – that would have always slid around so you’d see the clasp, not the beads]. My solution was a bit out-of-the-box: I curled the ends into a loop and attached a very short chain & clasp so that the ends are fastened together.
I hope that you may find something that you can use from this reply to help you with your question! 🙂
I,too, have been challenged with this as I like to use larger beads on memory wire. I purchased some “heavy duty” memory wire from from jtv.com and that has made a big difference- the bracelets hold their form nicely. Here’s the link:
jtv.com/large-bracelet-memory-wire-heavy-duty-.036-g-1-oz-each/1647559.html .
I also found a larger quantity from amazon that is also made by Beadalon :
amazon.com/Beadalon-Remembrance-8-Ounce-Bracelet-036-Inch/dp/B00VTM1I40 .
I’d love to see more of your bracelets!
I’ve found that if you use heavy beads a heavier wire works best. I’ve purchased it from both sources that Kathleen mentioned. It is a bit difficult to make loops at the ends if you don’t have strong hands.
On line suppliers like Rio Grand, Fire Mountain Suppliers offer memory in various metals including Stainless steel, wire choices from ring sizes, bracelet sizes, and necklace sizes on spools. Some suppliers like Lima Beads also carry stainless steel wire in addition to other wire types. Most have stainless steel beads, Headpins, clasps etc available.
This wire seems to be very substantial for most glass, metal, and medium beads of any type. The stainless steel memory wire only comes in the few wire gauges for memory wire that you would normally choose. There are choices of glue on finishing bead ends in round or cone shapes if you don’t have the ability to make a loop. I prefer loops, but you can use the glue-on ends as an alternate.. Wire from craft stores may not match the same strength as the online suppliers that I use., so you may want to research and read reviews.
Alice, thank you for adding this helpful information! 🙂
Does anyone know if the heavy memory wire is too big for 2 mm rubber tubing?
Brenda, to the best of my knowledge, heavy gauge memory wire is 19 gauge (0.9mm) thick, while the regular memory wire is 22 gauge (0.6mm).
2.2mm hollow rubber tubing has an inside diameter of 0.7mm, which would be too small for the heavy gauge memory wire.
However, 2.5mm hollow rubber tubing has an inside diameter of 1.1mm – so it should work with the heavy gauge memory wire.
Before purchasing, you should verify the sizes I listed here by contacting the manufacturers of the wire and the rubber tubing you plan to use. I hope this helps! 🙂