What kind of wire do you use to wrap stones?

What kind of wire do you use to wrap stones?

Secret #3: Choose the right gauge This is a bit like Goldilocks. If your wire is too big and chunky, you’ll never be able to manipulate it around your tiny stone. On the other hand, if your wire is too thin, it will never hold. For smaller stones, you probably want to use wire around 20-22ga.

What wire do I use to wrap crystals?

Copper wire is the most common and affordable option, so it is perfect for beginners. When it comes to gauge, the lower the number, the thicker the wire. The 16-18-gauge wire is hard to bend but holds shape well. The 24-26-gauge wire bends easily but is also easy to damage.

What is needed for wire wrapping?

Basic Wire Wrapping Supplies

1. Ruler.
2. Wire Cutters.
3. Permanent Marker.
4. Jewelry Making Pliers: Round, bent nose and chain (use these to tuck in wire ends and shape your wire)
5. Gauge (measures the inside of holes for beads and the width of the wire for gauging)
6. Needle Nose Flat File (for filing the wire ends)

How do you wire wrap stones without holes?

Instructions: How To Wire Wrap Stone Without Holes

1. Hold the wire from its open end and create a small loop using the looping pliers.
2. Bend the wire to 90 degrees halfway through the pebble’s length.
3. When wrapping the wire, keep the wraps even and adjacent, we don’t want too much gaps between the wraps.

Can you wire wrap small stones?

If your wire is too big and chunky, you’ll never be able to manipulate it around your tiny stone. On the other hand, if your wire is too thin, it will never hold. For smaller stones, you probably want to use wire around 20-22ga.

How do you wire wrap a small stone?

The biggest secret to wire-wrapping small stones — the one that hardcore metalworkers often ignore, valuing meticulousness over efficiency — is to use small stones with holes in them. Stick one little wire through that hole, and you’re immediately free to stop worrying about the structure and instead play with the form.

What do you need to start wire-wrapping crystals?

Lastly, you will need gemstones to wrap. You can wrap either tumbled or rough-cut stones, and ones with holes drilled through their centers are the easiest to work with. Rough hammer faceted beads come in several different shapes, and they are ideal for beginners. One of the most important techniques to learn for wire-wrapping crystals is coiling.

What is a wire wrapped gemstone setting?

Rather than using a setting, the gemstones used in wire-wrapped pieces are secured in place using thin wire. One of the great things about this technique is that it’s very simple to learn. It’s also a very affordable option as it only requires a few inexpensive tools and materials.

What kind of wire do you use to wrap jewelry?

Once you feel comfortable with your wire wrapping skills, you might use fine silver, sterling silver, gold plated, or gold filled jewelry wire. Gather your wire wrapping supplies. In this example of wire wrapping, a round, polished stone bead is used as the centerpiece and is wrapped in an inexpensive brass wire.