For smaller size rings you can use 20 gauge wire. I would caution against using 20 g for rings larger than a size 8. 20 gauge tends to warp much more easily. With a smaller 20 gauge wire, I would also start almost 2 sizes larger than the intended ring. I started the Azure Monarch on an 8 and it ended up a snug 6 3/4 .

I found this fantastic tip today, and I hope I am allowed to post the link/URL
It's really useful!

Make 'templates' for eye pins / simple loops and stop guessing or eyeballing when making them

It's so simple that I wondered why I didn't have that idea...

Try a double coil around the frame.

Try mixing metals and colors. For example make a long coil bead from copper and gold. Add to the frame.

You can completely change the look of this vase by varying the beads that you add.

For sophisticated elegance add just silver beads, for a statement piece add just one colour or for a colour explosion add two contrasting colours. The effects are quite different.

I get my buttons for this particular bracelet from Tandy Leather (The Leather Factory). They have an online catalog and many styles to choose from.

Using a magnetic board for counted cross stitch can make reading a Peyote Stitch Graph much easier. They are available from most large crafts stores. Try Joanne Fabrics or Hobby Lobby.

You can also find them online here:
http://yarntree.com/cross-stitch/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=481

For this method, you need a plain, unwound steel, guitar or piano string that will fit in a wire gauge at 25g - in guitar strings, that corresponds to a .017 or .018 string. Most of the time those strings are tuned to G on a guitar.
If you aren't near a music store, then here is one place you can get these - the D'Addario musical string site:
http://store.daddario.com/category/152831/Plain_Steel_Singles

look for strings labeled 'plain steel singles' with the numbers 017 or 018 attached to them. Should only cost about a dollar apiece.

I hope this clarifies things.

Perri
Shaktipaj Designs

The hardware store is a treasure trove for jewelry makers - especially when it comes to mandrels, finishing, and polishing tools.
If all you need is a few different rings sizes, or an unusual one, but an inexpensive socket wrench set. The sockets correspond to ring sizes and act like a ring step mandrel. When hammering, just avoid the area that has the stamped size.

Perri