How to Wire Wrap
Gemstone Pendants
Here are the basics to making your own gemstone pendant necklaces
There’s nothing more fun and fulfilling than creating your own gemstone jewelry and wearing them afterward. You get to customize the design, and you get to add a personal touch to your look. If you haven’t started making one yet but are planning to, then you’ve stumbled upon the right article. This week, we’re giving you the basics on how to wire-wrap gemstone pendants.
Gather your materials.Add subheading
There are so many crystals or semi-precious stones that you can find online or from a local source. They come in different cuts; you can either go with the raw ones or the polished or tumbled stones. But the best ones to work with, especially for beginners, are the double terminated pendants.
Once you’ve picked out the gemstone you’re going to work on, prepare a 20 or 22 gauge craft wire. Although you can opt for thicker ones if your stone is a bit large. These wires are available in brass, copper, or silver as well. You can purchase a roll from a hardware store or online.
As for the tools, you’ll need wire cutters and round-nose pliers.
Start making twists.Add subheading There are so many ways to wire wrap a pendant, but the twist-wrap technique is one of the simplest and easiest methods. Get two wires of the same length, about 25 to 30 cm. Twist the middle of the two wires together and do this about three to five times, depending on your preference. Now pull the two bottom ends out to make a V. Lay the stone in the middle of the V then wrap the two ends at the bottom of the crystal until they cross. Twist the wires again about three to five times. You now should have two sets of twists, one on each side of the stone.
Separate the pairs of wires on each side then cross them over both on the front and back. Make three to five twists on the front, as well as the back side. Remember to push down the wires while twisting to secure the stone. You should now have four sets of twists.Add a little bit of body text
Pull both pairs of wires back on each side and create another set of twists. This should be similar to the side sets at the bottom. There should now be six sets of twists; two on the bottom sides, one in the middle front, one in the middle back, and two on the upper sides of the crystal.
Be creative.Add subheading
Of course, you can let your creative juices flow by adding some designs, like loops and swirls. You can even add more twist sets. Just keep in mind to always push the wires down, so the crystal remains secure.Add a little bit of body text
Finishing off.Add subheading Once you’re done with the creative part and all four wire ends are at the top of the stone, create the bail. Make a double-wrapped loop then tweak the extra wire at the back side of the loop’s neck. Cut the wires and pinch them down at the back. Make sure that no sharp ends are protruding to avoid cutting yourself while wearing it.
Admire your masterpiece (and make some necessary changes). Lastly, admire your gemstone pendant! Insert your chosen necklace chain or cord into the bail. Hang it on a necklace display to check if everything is aligned, or if you want to make some changes to the design. Crimp the wire if you think the crystal is a bit loose.
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