How to Make Wire Rings

Sterling silver with turquoise ring

Making wire rings is simple, dazzling and artistic. A little imagination, wire and a crystal or Venetian glass bead creates a fancy ring. A pearl or turquoise bead inspires a piece more casual and sporty to wear. With a few supplies, you can create a unique sterling silver or a copper ring in an hour or less.

Things You'll Need

• Ring mandrel or thick dowel Bead, rondelle or disc shape Silver or copper wire, one foot (30mm) 18 gauge soft wire Wire cutters Round nose pliers Measuring tape

Instructions

1. 

   Measure ring size with the measuring tape. Alternately, place a ring that fits and determine its size on the mandrel. Cut selected wire to 1 foot in length. Place the wire around the mandrel or dowel. Even up the two ends so they are equal. Wrap it around twice.

2. 

   Take both pieces of wire and pull one strand to the left and the other to the right of the mandrel or dowel. Make certain the wire is taut and straight. Push bead through one of loose wires. Center it on the band. It should be nearly flush with the mandrel or dowel.

3. 

   Starting with one side, tightly wrap one of the two wires in a coil motion with the round nose pliers. Start at the side of the bead and work your way back. Keep it tight. Make certain that the wire does not overlap but lays side-by-side like a spring. Tuck the exposed wire against the band.

4. 

   Repeat Step 3. Wrap the second loose wire, over and around the opposite side of the bead like a coil. Keep the wire tight and move towards the back of the band. Push exposed wire into the coil using the round nose pliers so that it is flush. Your ring is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Rondelle beads are similar in shape to a donut. They are flatter and more compact than a pearl bead. Discs are more oval and two-dimensional. Combine wires. Experiment with wire and beads to create a new effect.

• Keep all exposed wires flush to ring sides or, better still, tuck into the coil. It can cause scratches and cuts if left in the open.

Resources

• Artbeads.com
• Time Out New York Make a Wire Ring
• DIY Network Jewelry making