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M A I S ATO - F L O R E S W I T H J E S S E F L O R E S
Gemstone jewelry inspired by the world around us The beauty of nature is often a source of design inspiration. In Wrapped in Gems, learn to combine precious gemstones and wire-wrapping techniques to create beautiful, wearable works of art.
U.S. $22.95 $25.95 (CAN)
Few people would argue against the beauty and appeal of gemstone jewelry, but some jewelry makers find themselves intimidated by the thought of working with these precious stones. With Wrapped in Gems, even inexperienced jewelry makers can learn to
40 elegant designs for wire-wrapped gemstone jewelry
fashion their own beautiful gemstone creations using Mai Sato-Flores’s preferred techniques of wire wrapping and working with chain. This method allows gems to hang so that light can shine through and show off their natural beauty. For the jewelry maker, inspiration can be found anywhere, but the exquisite beauty of nature is a
MAI SATO-FLORES is a featured designer at Seigo
favorite source. Take a moment to study the leaves of
on Madison Avenue, as well as at EDGEnyNOHO.
a tree or plant—the contours of a leaf suggest a shape
Visit her at maiflores.com
for a pendant, the perfect combination of colors in the leaves and flowers hint at a color pale e of precious
JESSE FLORES provides the marketing and public
gemstones to mimic it. The branches and twigs, the
relations work for Mai Flores New York, the business
pa erns of leaf growth, even the shape of the tree or
he and Mai share.
plant itself can inspire ideas for earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. Wrapped in Gems shows you how to interpret all that you see in nature to create jewelry
POTTER CRAFT NEWSLETTER
New York City–based jewelry designer Mai Sato-
to get information about new books, receive free pa erns, and enter contests to win prizes.
Flores is inspired by nature wherever she goes—be it the supermarket, Central Park, or right outside her
Cover design by LA TRICIA WATFORD
door. In Wrapped in Gems, she shares the secrets of
Cover photography by MARCUS TULLIS
her work and the natural elements that inspire it. A er demonstrating how gemstones and wire can be used
Author photograph by MICHIKA MOCHIZUKIW
to recreate the pa erns and designs of nature, Mai provides instructions for 40 elegant pieces of gemstone jewelry from her own collections. With a comprehensive guide to gemstones and detailed instructions on innovative wire wrapping, New York 12/08 www.crownpublishing.com www.po ercra .com
chain, and other jewelry-making techniques—as well as
U.S. $22.95 / $25.95 (CAN) Crafts & Hobbies—Jewelry
an informative resource guide to buying gemstones—
I S B N 978-0-307-40846-4
52295 9
780307 408464
Wrapped in Gems is a valuable addition to any jewelry
M A I S ATO - F L O R E S W I T H J E S S E F L O R E S
maker’s bookshelf.
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with wire, chains, and beautiful gemstones.
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icicle drop necklace A beautifully cut gem in a classic design that makes a great first piece of handmade jewelry (page 132)
TJ330-6-2008 IMUS 7/CRA0112 Wrapped in Gems W:8.5�xH:10.875� 175L 128g G/A Rhodamine/Magenta(V)
moon ring An elegant ring with the metallic shine of golden wire contrasts with peaceful silky gray moonstone (page 133)
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ICICLE DROP NECKLACE On cold winter mornings after a freezing rain, beautiful icicles can be found hanging from roofs, railings, and tree branches, creating a fantasy-like atmosphere. They capture the sunlight and sparkle and reflect all the colors of their surroundings. This beautifully cut light-pink amethyst gem reflects light like an icicle. This is a simple yet classic and elegant design that is a great first piece of jewelry for a beginner to make.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Insert the 13⁄4" (4.5cm) of 26-gauge wire into the top-drilled briolette pink amethyst gem and make a top-drilled gem loop (page 154). 2. Open a 4mm jump ring, attach the loop of the spring ring clasp and an end link of the 151⁄2" (39.4 cm) of 1.6mm flat cable chain, and then close the jump ring. LEVEL Easy
3. Thread the 1.6mm chain through the loop of the briolette amethyst gem.
LENGTH 16" (40.7cm) to 18" (45.8cm) adjustable
4. Open another 4mm jump ring, attach the opposite end of the 151⁄2" (39.4 cm) of 1.6mm chain and an end link of the
TOOLS
2" (5.1cm) of 4x3mm flat cable chain, and then close the
Ruler
jump ring.
TJ330-6-2008 IMUS 7/CRA0112 Wrapped in Gems W:8.5”xH:10.875” 175L 128g G/A Rhodamine/Magenta(V)
Wire cutters
5. Insert the 11⁄2" (3.8cm) headpin into the 3mm rondelle pink
Chain-nose pliers
amethyst gem, make an open loop (page 152), and then
Round-nose pliers
attach it to the last link of the 2" (5.1cm) 4x3mm flat cable chain.
M AT E R I A L S 13⁄4" (4.5cm) of 26-gauge gold-filled wire (soft) One 13x9mm faceted, top-drilled briolette pink amethyst gem Two 4mm 14k gold-filled jump rings One 14k gold-filled spring ring clasp 151⁄2" (39.4 cm) of 1.6mm 14k gold-filled flat cable chain 2" (5.1cm) of 4x3mm 14k gold-filled flat cable chain One 11⁄2" (3.8cm) 14k gold-filled ball headpin One 3mm faceted rondelle pink amethyst gem
132 • wrapped in gems Wrapped in Gems
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Top-drilled Gem Loop The headpins, eyepins, and wrapped loops described on the previous pages are used to connect gems that have a hole drilled through their center. Top-drilled gems have a hole drilled across the top of the gem, so they require a different technique for making a connection loop. Be aware that top-drilled stones, especially those in a teardrop shape, are fragile because the hole is drilled at the smallest part of the stone, so you must handle them carefully. Most small gems have very small holes, and if you try to force a wire that is too thick, you can end up breaking the stone. If a wire doesn’t fit in a gem, try another gem or a higher gauge of wire. This is one reason why these stones are sold in strands. For this sample we are using a 26gauge wire which should fit easily in the hole of the 9mm stone.
Trim T shorter wire
TJ330-6-2008 IMUS 7/CRA0112 Wrapped in Gems W:8.5”xH:10.875” 175L 128g G/A Rhodamine/Magenta(V)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
Insert a 2" wire into the gem, leaving
It is important that you hold the wire
4. To close the loop, hold the loop with
one side of the wire longer than the
at the correct angle, or the wrap will
the chain-nose pliers and use your
other, approximately 1 ⁄2" (4cm) for the
not be evenly balanced. Also be
fingers or a second pair of pliers to
longer side, then bend and cross the
careful not to twist the wire too tight
wrap the wire at least 3 times around
two wires into an X over the point of
over the gem because that can cause
the stem. Cut off any remaining wire
the gem as shown in the above figure.
the gem to break.
close to the stem and use the tip of
1
Make sure you leave a little space between the gem and the X. 2.
3. Use the wire cutters to cut the short wire, and then make an open loop on
Hold the gem between your index
the wire with the round nosed pliers
finger and your thumb in one hand
(just as you did with the wrapped
and use the tip of the flat-nose pliers
loop). At this point, you can attach
to hold the wire slightly above the X,
the loop wire to a chain, or other
as shown in the above figure, and
jewelry pieces. Once you close the
twist the wire twice.
loop, you can only attach it to other
the chain-nose pliers to make the wire snug against the stem.
components that can be opened.
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Wrapped in Gems
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Wrapped in Gems
visit one of these online retailers: