How It's Made
Wire Wrap jewelry is a distinct and easily recognizable genre of jewelry. It is the only metallic jewelry crafted without melting, soldering, casting or gluing. Wire wrapping as decoration and jewelry has been around for thousands of years. Although reports vary as to who were the first to do wire-wrap jewelry, Ancient Sumerian artifacts of wire-wrap jewelry were found dating back to 2000 B.C. Wire wrappers today use designs similar to those used through out history with artists adding their own personal style and flair. Larry focuses mostly on standard wire wrap styles and prides himself on his precision and attention to detail.
Selecting the type of metal wire, pattern and gauge are important in the creation of beautiful, long lasting wire wrapped jewelry. Many wire wrappers use Sterling Silver, 14Kt. Gold, 14Kt. Gold Filled, Brass, and Copper wire. The metal wire comes in various gauges and patterns including square, round, half-round, twisted, and other patterns including wide wire with imbedded designs that require minimal wrapping. Many wire wrappers use wire ranging from 12 to 28 gauge. The lower the gauge number the larger and stronger the wire. For example 16 gauge is larger than 28 gauge. Larry prefers 14Kt. Gold Filled, Sterling Silver and 14Kt. Gold wire with a gauge range from 16-22. He chooses not to use the imbedded pattern wire.
Selecting the type of metal wire, pattern and gauge are important in the creation of beautiful, long lasting wire wrapped jewelry. Many wire wrappers use Sterling Silver, 14Kt. Gold, 14Kt. Gold Filled, Brass, and Copper wire. The metal wire comes in various gauges and patterns including square, round, half-round, twisted, and other patterns including wide wire with imbedded designs that require minimal wrapping. Many wire wrappers use wire ranging from 12 to 28 gauge. The lower the gauge number the larger and stronger the wire. For example 16 gauge is larger than 28 gauge. Larry prefers 14Kt. Gold Filled, Sterling Silver and 14Kt. Gold wire with a gauge range from 16-22. He chooses not to use the imbedded pattern wire.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MAKING A BRACELET WITH A STONE SETTING:
The wire we purchase comes in a coil of several feet.
Steps :
1. straighten and clean the wire
2. cut the wire in predetermined lengths needed for a bracelet
3. form a loop that is needed to fasten the bracelet
4. start the wrapping process using half-round wire
5. form the hook
6. bend the bracelet to fit the shape of a wrist
7. do any additional forming of the bracelet by hand