How to Wire Wrap a Rounded Stone

Gemstones can make delightful jewelry.

Wire wrapping is a very old technique of jewelry-making that dates back thousands of years. It utilizes wire, metal clasps and jump rings, looped around many times, to create necklaces and other jewelry. The wire is wrapped around a gemstone so that it holds it without the use of glues, soldering or having to drill holes in the stone. Wire wrapped gemstones look beautiful, but the technique can be tricky and takes time to get right.

Things You'll Need

• Jewelry wire (about 25 inches)
• Metal clasps
• Jump rings
• Round-nose pliers
• Flat needle-nose pliers
• File
• Wire cutter
• Tape
• Ruler

Instructions

Wire Wrapping a Stone

1. Choose a round stone that is not too small; anything smaller than the first joint of your thumb will be difficult. A stone that is a slightly irregular in shape will be easier for the wires to adhere to.

2. Cut three pieces of wire of about 8 inches and lay them together. Tape each end. Cut 5 inches of wire and wind it five or six times round the middle of the bundle of wire pieces, keeping it taut. Then trim the edges.

3. Wrap your wires around your stone, the ends crossing at the top and the wound-round center underneath. Then use the pliers to bend both ends up so they lay flat against each other. Remove the stone, as it will get in the way of the next step.

4. Bend two of the long ends forward and, using your round-nose pliers, form a loop. Bend them down so they are flat against the others.

5. Take another long end and wrap around all the wires, from top to bottom. Cut off the bottom ends. Remove the tape, put the stone back and arrange the wires to hold it snugly in place.

References

• Tumbleweed Glass Studio: How to Wire Wrap a Cabochon
• Rockhounds: How To Wire Wrap
• Beads and Things: Wrapping a Stone with Wire