How to Make Silver Wire Jewelry
Learning to make silver wire jewelry is relatively simple and inexpensive. The initial investment in tools and materials is very reasonable. Easy-to-learn techniques make handcrafting wire jewelry an excellent project for beginners, and you can increase complexity as you gain experience. Finally, the portable materials and tools make crafting silver wire jewelry a fun project that you can take practically anywhere.
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Things You'll Need
- Wire wrapping jig
- Silver wire between 20 and 24 gauge
- Wire clippers
- Safety glasses
- Chain nosed pliers
- Package 5 mm silver jump rings
- Silver jewelry clasp
Instructions
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1
Purchase or make a wire wrapping jig. Pre-made jigs have removable pegs with a peg board, allowing you to create a variety of wire shapes. Hand-made jigs can be constructed easily by hammering small nails into a piece of wood in whatever shape you want.
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2
Find a reliable jewelry supply store for high-quality silver wire. Look for wire between 20 gauge and 24 gauge in thickness for the best flexibility. (The higher the gauge number, the thinner the wire.)
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3
Cut a length of silver wire with your metal clippers; you can trim the excess if your wire is too long. Use the wire wrapping jig to bend your wire into interesting shapes. Curl and loop the silver wire around the jig pegs to create flower shapes and scrolls. Repeat this process to create several complementary shapes for your piece.
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4
Link your wire design components together. Grip a jump ring with the chain-nosed pliers slightly to one side of the opening, and twist the ring open. Thread the ends of two of your wire components through the jump ring, and twist it shut with the chain-nosed pliers. Repeat the process until all of your wire shapes are linked together in a flexible chain.
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5
Attach a clasp to one end of your linked chain of wire components with a jump ring. Twist open the jump ring carefully to avoid undue stress on the metal. Thread the open ring through the wire component and the small loop on the end of the clasp, and close it with your pliers. Attach a jump ring to the opposite end of the piece for fastening the clasp.
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Tips & Warnings
Create a chain out of extra jump rings, and attach it to the piece opposite the clasp if you want your silver jewelry to be adjustable.
Wear safety glasses whenever you cut wire to protect your eyes.
