what difference does it make?

conversion: gauge to
inches to millimeters
The following chain samples with different ARs show how ID and gauge
can help you determine which jump rings to use. Gauge
(AWG/B&S)
Inches Millimeters
Byzantine link
12 0.081 in. 2.052 mm
Inside
÷ Gauge = AR Result Sample 13 0.072 in. 1.829 mm
diameter
14 0.064 in. 1.628 mm
Slightly open;
18 15 0.057 in. 1.45 mm
3.93 holds pattern
(0.040 in.) well
16 0.051 in. 1.291 mm
4 mm
(0.157 in.) 17 0.045 in. 1.15 mm
16 Too tight; no 18 0.040 in. 1.024 mm
3.08 [MM]
(0.051 in.) movement
19 0.036 in. 0.912 mm

20 0.032 in. 0.813 mm

Slightly open;
5 mm 16 21 0.029 in. 0.724 mm
3.86 holds pattern [OO]
(0.197 in.) (0.051 in.) well
22 0.025 in. 0.643 mm

23 0.023 in. 0.574 mm

17 Very open; will 24 0.020 in. 0.511 mm
4.82 [QQ]
(0.045 in.) not hold pattern
25 0.018 in. 0.455 mm
5.5 mm
(0.217 in.) 26 0.016 in. 0.404 mm
16 Very open; 27 0.014 in. 0.361 mm
4.25 [RR]
(0.051 in.) holds pattern
28 0.013 in. 0.320 mm

Full Persian (foxtail) link

resizing rings
Tight weave; What if you want to make chain
18 using 18-gauge instead of 12-gauge
5.43 holds pattern [PP]
(0.040 in.) well jump rings? To find the jump ring
5.5 mm size you need, just multiply rather
(0.217 in.) than divide.

17 4.82 More open, but AR x gauge = ID

(0.045 in.) still holds pattern [BB]
Multiply your AR (2.91) by the
thickness of the 18-gauge wire
(0.040 in.) and get 0.116 in., or
Even more open roughly 3 mm ID jump rings.
6.5 mm 18 6.40 and holding [SS]
(0.256 in.) (0.040 in.) pattern

Tight weave;
7.5 mm 5.80 holds pattern [UU]
(0.296 in.) well
16
(0.051 in.)
10 mm Too open to hold [VV]
7.73
(0.394 in.) pattern