How to Wire Wrap a Cabachon
Wire wrapping is a popular method practiced in jewelry making. Wire wrapping cabochons helps incorporate these stones into bracelets, necklaces or other jewelry pieces. Even non-standard sized and shaped cabochons--those which do not fit in a standard bezel cup or other setting--can be wire wrapped. Your options are endless for design possibilities when you learn wire wrapping techniques. In only a few easy steps, you can learn the basics of wire wrapping and how to wire wrap a cabochon. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Roll of 20.5 gauge jewelry wire
- Roll of 21 gauge jewelry wire
- Tape
- Chain nose pliers
- Wire nippers
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut your wire. Consider the depth of the cabochon to determine how many pieces of wire you need. Some cabochons require only a single piece of wire and others several. The depth of the stone must coincide with the wire when lined up. Otherwise the cabochon may slide out of place or fall out completely.
-
2
Straighten the wire to prepare for wrapping. Typically, jewelry wire comes on a roll and may be slightly curved or bent when you take it off. By molding it around in a bit in your hands you can make the wire more pliable and help smooth it out.
-
-
3
Cut two pieces of tape, each 1 or 2 inches long.
-
4
Line up the cut pieces of wire evenly and place one piece of tape on each end fully around the wires, to hold the group of wires securely together. For cabochons only requiring a single strand of wire, no tape is required.
-
5
Wrap a piece of 22 gauge wire around the middle of the stack of wires for a permanent hold. As you wrap the wire around, make sure with every rotation you make there are no gaps in between the wraps of wire. This results in the neatest, most professional look.
-
6
Center the cabochon on this bit of 22 gauge wire and start wrapping the group of wires around the cabochon, alternating from one side to the other until you have reached the top of the cabochon and both sides are wrapped with wire.
-
7
Wrap a piece of 22 gauge wire around the middle of the stack of wires where the two sides meet. This ensures a tight hold and the cabochon should now stay securely inside the wires. As you wrap the wire around, make sure every rotation you make there are no gaps in between the wraps of wire.
-
8
Finish the wire wrapping as desired. This depends on how you plan to use the cabochon. To make it into a pendant, simply create a loop with the extra wire on the top of the cabochon and trim the excess with your wire nippers. If you want to keep the cabochon wrapped as is, trim the wires as far down as possible and lightly sand the tops to ensure there are no sharp points sticking out.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The length of 20.5 gauge wire you need depends on the size of the cabochon or other stone you use. The larger stone you use, the longer strands of wire you need to ensure you have enough to work with.
The 20.5 gauge jewelry wire is recommended for this project but you can use a softer or stiffer wire as desired. The higher gauge of wire, the thinner and softer the wire.
References
- Photo Credit pliers image by Jakub Cejpek from Fotolia.com
