Wire wrapping is a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your jewelry. It is also a great way to make use of undrilled stones that might otherwise be difficult to use in jewelry designs. Wire wrapping can be a bit intimidating at first, but with a few tips and tricks, you can easily learn how to wire wrap undrilled stones with ease.
Gather the Necessary Supplies
Before you begin, you will need to make sure you have all of the necessary supplies. You will need the stone you are going to wire wrap, a pair of jewelry pliers, wire cutters, and a spool of wire. The wire should be a thicker gauge, preferably 20 or 22 gauge, as this will help with the stability of the wire wrap. You will also need a pair of round nose pliers and a pair of flat nose pliers.
Cut the Wire to Size
Once you have your supplies gathered, you will need to cut the wire to the correct size. It is important to measure the length of wire you will need before you cut it, as you will want it to be long enough to wrap around the stone several times. Generally, a length of wire between 4 and 6 inches is a good place to start. Once you have cut the wire to the desired length, you will need to make a small hook at one end of the wire.
Loop the Wire Around the Stone
Next, you will need to loop the wire around the stone. Start by placing the stone in the center of the wire. Using your pliers, you will need to twist the wire around the stone several times. Make sure to keep the wire as close to the stone as possible, as this will help keep the wire wrap secure. Once you have looped the wire around the stone several times, you can then use your round nose pliers to create a loop at the end of the wire.
Secure with Wraps
Once you have created the loop at the end of the wire, you will then need to secure it with wraps. This is done by wrapping the wire around itself several times. Start by taking the end of the wire and wrapping it around the base of the loop several times. Make sure to secure the wraps by twisting the wire tightly around itself. Once you have done this, you can then use your flat nose pliers to press down the wraps, making them secure.
Create the Bail
The final step in wire wrapping undrilled stones is to create the bail. This is done by taking the end of the wire and wrapping it around the base of the loop several times. After you have done this, you can then use your round nose pliers to create a loop at the end of the wire. This loop will allow you to attach a jump ring or other finding to the stone, making it easier to attach the stone to jewelry designs.
Conclusion
Wire wrapping undrilled stones can be a bit intimidating at first, but with the help of these tips and tricks, you can easily and quickly learn how to wire wrap undrilled stones with ease. With a few simple tools and supplies, you can easily create beautiful, unique jewelry pieces that will make any outfit shine.