Jewelry Lovers

Wire wrapping is a jewelry technique which is mainly used for displaying polished or unpolished stones and is another way that wire can be used in conjunction with other materials not only as a means of linking them together but in fact to enhance the appearance of the finished pieces.

To link the stones use wire that will hold them securely, i.e. the larger the stone, the thicker the wire should be. You can use any wire but try to find some that shows off the stones at their best. Rough stones do not need very fine wire but smaller, smoother stones look better in silver wire. You can use brass, copper, silver, silver-plated or even fuse wire.

To make the necklace

The method described here for making the necklace can also be used for a bracelet or ear-rings. The ear-rings will need findings from a jeweler to complete the assembly.

For an average-sized necklace the completed length should be about 56cm (22in).

To wrap the stones you will need about 15cm (6in) of wire to wrap around each stone, depending on its size. The wire should be longer rather than shorter as you can always cut off excess but if it is too short the entire piece of wire will be wasted.

Arrange the stones in the sequence you want to use them, leaving a gap of 2cm (tin) between each one.

Using the round-nosed pliers make a loop at one end of the wire to hold the jump ring.

Hold this to the stone in the position you want it. Bend the length of wire around the stone, working from the looped end and holding it tightly in position. Work towards the other end of the stone, bending the wire to follow the curves of the stone.

Make sure that there are no sharp pieces of wire sticking out as they will catch on clothing or scratch the skin.

Make the jump rings and assemble the stones. Depending on the necklace length you require, use a jump ring between each stone, or three for a longer length, but always use an odd number, otherwise the stone will not hang as planned. Make sure the front of the stone will face the correct way when assembled.

To make the ends, measure the length of the arranged stones and subtract this length from the length of the completed necklace. This will give you the length required for the two ends. For example if it is 16cm (6in), then 8cm (3in) must be the length of each completed end. Add 4cm (11- in) to the end length and cut the wire. File any sharp ends.

Make a large loop at one end of each piece using the round-nosed pliers. These will be attached to jump rings to assemble the necklace. At the other end make a U-shaped bend and turn the ends slightly away from the longer length. Shape the entire length so that the two pieces will hook into each other.

Bracelet and ear-rings

Very little equipment is needed for this simple bracelet. You can use any tumbled stones you like but choose ones that are roughly the same size and shape, with blending colours.

Measure the wrist with a tape measure and to this length add 5cm (2in) to allow for the bulk of the stones and for comfort. If this measurement is over l9cm (7 tin) you will probably need 6 stones, if less, only 5. If there is any doubt lay the stones in a row, allowing 2cm (tin) between each one and 6mm (tin) to spare at each end. For each stone cut 2 pieces of silver wire both 10cm (4in) long. Bend one piece in the middle.

Hold the straight ends in the fingers and the loop with the pliers. Twist^. around in a full circle to make the loop secure. Repeat with the other pieces of wire.

Lay two pieces side by side with the loops at opposite ends and take one straight end and twist it around the base of the loop nearest it. Do the same with the other end. Take care that the wire lies flat and makes a neat twist. Snip off the end after 2 complete turns and press in the end. Do the same to the other ends, thus making a wire cage with a loop at each end. The wires of the cage should be pulled out to form an oval shape so that the tumbled stone will slip inside easily, allowing a small space at both ends.

Holding the stone inside the cage, grip the wire with the pliers and make a zig-zag shape that lies flat on the stone. This will take a little thought and practice so study the stone carefully so you can show off its shape to advantage.

This bending shortens the wires so that the twisted loops sit snugly at each end of the stone. A gentle half twist of the pliers will tighten them further. Repeat all this with each of the stones for the bracelet. To join the stones together, open a jump ring just enough to slide the loop of two stones through it, then press together firmly. Repeat with all the others.

Attach the bolt ring clasp to one end to complete the bracelet. As an alternative to the bolt ring clasp you can make a hook from a piece of wire. Double 4cm (12in) of wire and press the fold as close together as possible. Cut the straight ends even. Using the pliers turn these ends into a loop which goes through the loop at the end of a stone. Bend the loop down to make a hook. The ear-rings are made on the same principle as the bracelet, but the cages are made with a loop at one end only.

Take 2 pieces of wire 9cm (3 tin) long and twist them together with 3 turns in the middle.

Bend all 4 ends upwards and with one end make a loop with the pliers, twisting the wire back on itself to secure. The end of this loop is laid down on the wire and the other ends twisted neatly around it 3 times and then cut off and pressed down.

This makes the cage for the tumbled stone, so proceed to secure the stone as before. This time make sure that the twist at the bottom does not get pulled to one side when the wires are bent into shape. Connect the loops to the findings to complete the ear-rings.

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