Wire-wrapping is a step up from a rosary loop. It is more secure, though a more difficult technique. We recommend practicing on craft wire and then graduating to your precious metals.
Project Level: Beginner Time to Complete: Depends on Experience
Ingredients
- Pair of sterling silver ear wires
- 2" sterling silver headpins
- 12mm faceted coin gemstones or equivalent
- 10mm faceted oval gemstones or equivalent
Studio Essentials
- Bent-nose chain pliers
- Needle-nose chain pliers
- Round-nose pliers
- Wire cutters
Side your beads on. Use your needle-nose pliers and grab the pin just above the gems.
a) Use your finger to push the wire over and make a 90 degree angle.
b) Note that the plier legs are side-by-side.
a) Switch to the rosary or round-nose pliers.
b) Place the tips of the pliers above and below the longer wire, at the right angle.
Bend the wire over the top plier tip.
Rotate the bottom plier tip to the top of the loop. One nose should be on the top of your loop and one nose should be in the middle.
Continue bending the wire around the bottom plier tip.
When the loop's circle is complete you have finished the head.
To open the loop, lift it out of its plane. Do not pull the loop open side-ways or you will distort its round shape.
Slide the ear wire into the loop.
Use the needle-nose chain pliers to close the loop.
Use the bent-nose chain pliers to hold the loop (or head) securely. Grip the end of the wire with the needle-nose chain pliers.
Wrap the wire around the neck down to the shoulders of the gemstone. Use your flush cutters to cut the tail close to the wrap. Then press the end down with your needle-nose pliers, being careful not to crack your gem.
