Have you tried this bead combination, it's also very interesting. You can use any wire size, any beads (have hole) you have. Large diameter wire will be more difficult to manipulate, but will increase ...

I used : abacus crystal : 20 bead 4mm, 20 bead 6mm Soft copper wire 20 gauge ( wire diameter 0.8mm ) : 2 strands, each 45cm ...