Materials
In order to create wire wrapped stone jewelry, you will need the following materials: wire, stones, pliers, and a wire cutter. You will also need a surface to work on, such as a table or desk.
Wire
You will need two things for this project: wire and stones. The type of wire you use is up to you, but we recommend using something that is not too thick or too thin. We also recommend using a wire that is easy to work with, like dead-soft or half-hard sterling silver wire. You can also use gold-filled wire, copper wire, or craft wire. For this project, we are using 20 gauge sterling silver dead-soft wire.
The stones you choose are also up to you. You can use any type of stone you like, as long as it is small enough to fit inside the wire wrap. We are using turquoise stones for our example.
Stone
One of the great things about wire wrapped stone jewelry is that you can use all sorts of different stones, from classic jewels like diamonds and rubies to more eclectic choices like turquoise, jade, and opal. As long as the stone is small enough to be drilled, it can be wrapped in wire. However, some stones are better suited to wire wrapping than others.
In general, gemstones that are hard and have a high Mohs hardness rating are the best choices for wire wrapping. The Mohs hardness scale is used to measure the hardness of minerals on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest. Diamonds, for example, have a Mohs hardness rating of 10, while talc has a Mohs hardness rating of 1. Most gemstones used in jewelry fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes.
Stones with a high Mohs hardness rating will be less likely to scratch or chip when you’re working with them, and they’ll also hold up better over time. Wire wrapped jewelry made with soft stones is more delicate and may require more careful handling. Some popular gemstones and their Mohs hardness ratings are listed below:
-Diamond: 10
-Ruby: 9
-Sapphire: 9
-Topaz: 8
-Emerald: 7.5 – 8
-Opal: 5.5 – 6.5
-Turquoise: 5 – 6
Tools
You will need some basic tools in order to make wire wrapped stone jewelry. Here is a list of what you will need:
Wire cutters
Wire cutters are one of the most important tools you will need to create wire wrapped stone jewelry. They are used to cut the wire to the desired length and can also be used to create various shapes and designs. There are many different types of wire cutters available on the market, so it is important to choose a pair that is comfortable for you to use and that will allow you to create the type of jewelry you want to make.
Round nose pliers
Round nose pliers are one of the most versatile tools in a jeweler’s toolbox and are essential for making wire wrapped stone jewelry. These pliers have a conical tip that tapers to a point, allowing you to grasp and bend wire into a variety of shapes. Look for pliers with smooth jaws to avoid marring your wire or beads.
Flat nose pliers
Flat nose pliers are one of the most versatile tools in jewelry making and can be used for a variety of tasks such as gripping, bending, and cutting wire.
needle nose pliers
Needle nose pliers have long, thin jaws that come to a sharp point, making them ideal for reaching into small spaces and for working with delicate materials.
round nose pliers
Round nose pliers have conical jaws that taper to a point, making them perfect for creating loops and other circular shapes.
wire cutters
Wire cutters are specially designed for cutting jewelry wire and will give you a clean cut without damaging the wire.
Technique
In order to make wire wrapped stone jewelry, you will need a few tools. You will need wire cutters, a hammer, a wire wrapping tool, and pliers. You will also need a variety of stones in different shapes and sizes. You can find these tools and stones at your local craft store.
Cut the wire
You will need to cut the wire to the desired length. You can use a pair of wire cutters or flush cutters to do this. If you are using a memory wire, you will not need to cut it since it is already pre-cut to size.
Next, take the long end of the wire and make a small loop. You can do this by wrapping the wire around itself or using needle nose pliers to make a loop.
Now you are ready to start adding beads!
How to make wire wrapped stone jewelry
Before you get started, you will need the following materials:
– Harding stone or another type of stone
– 26 gauge half-hard round wire
– Needle files
– Chain nose pliers
– Round nose pliers
– Wire cutters
– Polishing cloth
– Jewelry sealant (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut a length of wire that is about 2.5 times the circumference of the stone. For example, if the stone is 20 mm in circumference, you will need a 50 cm long piece of wire.
2. Place the stone in the center of the wire and use your chain nose pliers to make a loop at one end of the wire, wrapping it around the base of the stone about 2-3 times. Pinch the wires together so that they are flush against the stone. This will be the ‘bail’ or ‘loop’ that you use to attach the pendant to a necklace later on.
3. From here on out, you will be working with one side of wire at a time (it doesn’t matter which side). With your round nose pliers, start making small coils around the base of your bail loop – make sure that each coil is touching the one before it. Keep coiling until you have used up about 1/3 of your wire. 4. Next, begin wrapping your wire around the body of your stone – do this as tightly or as loosely as you like, depending on how much wire you want showing later on. Once you’ve wrapped all the way around once, begin coiling again (as in Step 3) until you reach half way up your stone.
Finish the wire wrap
To finish the wire wrap, ue your pliers to twist the wire around itself several times. Trim off any excess wire, and you’re done!
