Wire Question

[breeknee.livejournal.com]

Hi there, I have been toying with the idea of buying some sterling silver wire so that I can create some of my own pieces more freely than relying on chain and softflex. My birthday is coming up and my mom really wants me to buy more beading supplies with it because she loves my pieces (aren't family our best critics, afterall?) so I have a few questions for you guys.

I have researched on craftster and other crafting sites as to what kind of wire I should get, and so far the general concensus has been 21 gauge round half-hard, does this sound right? I have some floral wire that is 24 gauge and it seems far too thin, so 21 seems like it would be just right. I want to be able to make ring-forms (will I have to go around a couple of times for it to be a sturdy ring?) and also my own eye-pins (i always finish loops by wire wrapping so i wont be making just closed loops, but i want to make sure it won't bend too easily)


So does this sound about right? I'm more worried about the half-hard working with the gauge I've chosen. Also, for making bracelet forms and my own earring hooks, should I get a larger gauge?