Beautiful Wire Wrapped Jewellery - How To Make Your Own Pendant
85Create your own beautiful 14k gold pendant
I have been creating wire wrapped jewellery for approximately five years now, (showcasing it on a small website), and the most common remark I receive, aside from being told how stunning they are, is how difficult they must be to make.
Of course, I don't correct their assumptions, I would rather them think that I am a 'jewellery Guru' and purchase my wares, than have them trundle off and create their own! However, for the sake of this hub, I will, just this once, come clean and explain how to twist your own pendant.
I must admit, seeing my creations like this does make me realise just how beautiful they really are, but when you are the one actually making the piece, you are mostly concerned with making sure you don't mess it up - especially when you are using sterling silver or 14k r.gold. A mistake can prove rather costly, so you do need to keep your concentration.
Stunning One-Of-A-Kind Creations
While a pendant in sterling silver or 14k r.gold does look amazing, it might be a good idea to start with a copper or coloured wire first until you get a bit more comfortable with twisting. The wire comes in various sizes, called gauges, and also different strengths. I personally prefer 18 gauge, dead soft for my work. The 18 gauge gives the pendant a more solid look and feel to it, and the dead soft strength makes it easier to twist the wire - and my fingers appreciate that.
If you use half hard strength, the wire is still very pliable, however, for the smaller details, it is necessary to use pliers to make any of the loops and swirls - dead soft can be twisted with bare fingers. Being that I am (what I call) inherently lazy - something my sister disagrees with - I prefer not to have to use pliers unless necessary.
To be honest, it really isn't laziness that makes me prefer the softer wire, but the fact that I can create my designs quicker and with more control and ease than if forced to use pliers all the time.
Semi-precious gem stones
The pendants in the photograph give you a clear picture of what I mean by semi-precious gem stones. These stones are not faceted, but are a tumbled, rough cut bead that can be purchase from many rock and gem stores by the string.
A very easy and eye catching pendant can be created very simply with a bit of ingenuity and an eye for detail.
Tools of the trade
As with any hobby or craft, you need to have the proper tools to do a good job. For wire wrapping, you should have at least three pairs of pliers - one flat nose, one regular serrated grip, and one smooth, round nose. You also need a good pair of wire cutters. I use two pair, one heavy duty for cutting memory wire, and one for my gold and silver wire.
You need to be very careful when using pliers with sterling silver and 14k gold wire, because they could inadvertently crimp the metal, and leave a nick or mark in the finished product. Not only does that not look professional, it weakens the metal which could cause it to break easily.
Standard wrapping
The spirit stone in the picture above is a good example of standard wrapping. After you make the bail (the loop that holds the pendant on the chain) you simply wrap the wire around the stone, and using your pliers, make twists in the wire to tighten it around the stone, to insure it won't slip out.
If you look closely, you can see the wire through the stone - as you can see, you twist the wire on the back of the piece as well. This makes it impossible for the stone to come loose, unless of course, you drop and break it.
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Wire pattern for caged tumbled gemstone pendant
Here is a complete set of instructions for a beautiful caged pendant.
Supplies Required
- 30 inches of 14kt. r.gold 21 gauge square half hard wire or brass practice wire
- 1 small tumbled stone approx. 1 inch long
Tools Required
- Flat nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
- Round nose pliers
- Wire cutter or flush cutter
- Sharpie metal marking pen
- Ruler
- Knife
Let's get started!
Step 1
Cut four 6 inch lengths of 21 gauge Gold-filled square half hard wire.
Cut one wrap wire 2 inches long and cut another wrap wire 4 inches long, both from 21 gauge Gold-filled square
half hard wire.
Make a flat bundle with the four 6 inch wires and mark the center of the bundle with a Sharpie
pen.
With the 2 inch wrap wire, make three wraps at the center of the bundle and trim
excess wire with the cut edges on the inside of the cage.
Step 2
Working out from the center of the bundle, mark the bundle at 1/4 inch on
each side. Then 1/2 inch and then at 1-1/2 inches. At this point you should
have your wraps in the center with three lines on each side of the center.
NOTE: Mark the inside of the bundle which is the side with the cut ends of
the wrap wire.
Step 3
Using your flat nose pliers, make a 45 degree bend at the pen mark
closest to the center.
Step 4
Repeat the bend on the other side of the bundle.
Step 5
Next use your flat nose pliers to make a second 45 degree bend at the
second pen mark from the center.
Step 6
With your flat nose pliers, grasp one side of the bundle at the pen
mark and bend the wire 45 degrees outward. At the pen mark on the other
side of the bundle bend the wires 45 degrees outward. Your bundle should look like
this.
Step 7
With the 4 inch wrap wire, start wrapping the two section of wire together at
the uppermost pen mark, wrapping upwards. Make about three complete wraps.
NOTE: Do not clip off the wrap wire.
Step 8
Next, using your hands, bend the two rear wires of each side of the bundle backwards. These will be
your bail wires.
Step 9
Bend the remaining three wires down on each side, covering the wraps. Clip the wires even with the bottom of the wrap wire.
Step 10
With your chain nose pliers, press the cut ends of the wire against the wrap wires.
Place your round nose pliers about 3/4 inch up from the top of the
wrap wires and bend the two bail wires back and around.
Step 11
Clip the bail wires even with the uppermost wrap wire and continue wrapping the bail wires to the pendant
using the same wrap wire. Make about 5 more complete wraps and clip the
excess wire on the backside of the pendant.
Step 12
With a knife, carefully separate the pendant wires starting with the
outermost wires on the backside of the pendant cage. Then separate the
next set of wires on the pendant cage.
Step 13
Using your knife, carefully separate the pendant wires on the front side of the pendant leaving a space
between the wires in the front of the pendant in order to slip the stone into the cage.
Step 14
Slip the tumble stone into the cage and bend the remaining two
wires to close the stone into the cage.
You're on your way
Once you have finished creating your pendant, you are on your way to creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewellery anyone will be proud to wear.
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CommentsLoading...
Just love this - and as soon as my daughter is home from college, I'm going to show her this - she's the artistic one in the family. Enelle - you are incredibly talented - I love the step-by-step detailed instructions. And the next time I'm in your part of the world, I'm coming by to order!
Great hobbie, I really liked that Brazilian agate in sterling silver, it looks really beautiful.
Great hub with much detail. Could you write a hub on how to cage the stone without enclosing it like a pendant. I like the wire wrapped stone that seemed to follow the crevices in the stone. If that an easy task that I can figure out myself?
Great instructions, Enelle, I used to do this several years ago and you inspire me to start again with your beautiful work, thank you.
This is so great, well done. I may try this when it gets cold, for me that would be a winter hobby,
dori
Nice step by step photo directions. Great job you did in your presentation. Thumbs up Enelle.
This is a very informative hub. I thought of trying jewelry making before but somehow never got to doing it. I got engrossed in photography instead.
Still this looks fun and easy because of your step by step procedure. Hmm, I might try this one of these days.
Thank you for sharing!
This is so wonderful!
I love the pendants, very beautiful. Easy instructions... I'll have to try it sometime! :)
Great looking jewelry! Thanks for sharing how to make it.
Those are amazing! I always wanted to try but didn't know how. Thanks for posting this.
So pretty and not as hard as I thought it would be. Thanks for the great information.
Thank You for this article -I have put it on my favorites-it answered many questions for me and will truly come in handy!
Lisa
Creative article!! I enjoyed it.
Thanks.
This is wonderful - thanks you! Your photos and are lovely! Kartika
Very nice instructions and very pretty pendants. i am going to try to make one.
Good hub, my daughter makes wire wrapped jewellery too, there is a knack or skill to it and it certainly makes attractive pieces.
Thanks for a great hub on wire wrapped jewelry. Thanks for sharing. I'll bookmark this page. creativeone59
If I ever retire...
Wonderful, I am passing this on to my daughter, she is the artistic one. She will love this!
Wow! Thank you thank you!
I have been collecting crystals and minerals for a few years now and have quite a collection. I recently started dabbling with wrapping them so I could wear them. Thank you for the very helpful information! Great hub!!!
Amazing hub.
Thank you for the good directions on how to make wire wrapped jewelry. I've seen them before but yours ARE stunning. I normally prefer semi-precious stones but your fresh water pearl pendant is gorgeous!
Amazing!! I am so excited to try this!! Hopefully it doesn't take me too long to practice with less expensive metals cause I have bad allergies. Did it take you long to get the hang of it? Bring on the gold!
Good hub, Enelle. As a wire wrapper myself, its nice to see others appreciation of the art. Keep up the good work.
wow.. love this. Very informative. Love the
jewelary.
Amazing!! I am so excited to try this!! Hopefully it doesn't take me too long to practice with less expensive metals cause I have bad allergies. Did it take you long to get the hang of it? Bring on the gold!. You are most welcome my dear - I'm glad the info was helpful for you - enjoy creating! Thanks for stopping by :)
Mindfulness, thank you so much for the lovely compliment on my jewellery - I love using rough cut semi-precious stones as well, but I couldn't resist the pearls lol!
WOW!!! I have some stones that I have been wanting to wrap for quite some time!
Dear Enelle, Thank You for taking the time to share your story. I am thrilled to have landed on yur hubs. I inhereted all this great costume jewlery and vintage buttons. I have been seriously thinking of getting creative. This hub helps a great deal. I look forward to reading more of your fantastic hubs. may God Bless you.
You are a woman of many talents and skills. God uses you in a mighy way. Hugs
Please visit my hubs on occassion. I am a fairly new hubber, love it here.
With Love
Good detailed explaination and illustrations. I bookmarked this hub and will try it later. I also will show it to my daughter when she be home on Thanksgiving. Thanks.
how do you make the wire so straight? Usually the wire comes in spools, so its really curvy and hard to straighten out. Good job. :]
Loved your jewelry and the directions you give make it seem very easy. Can't wait to give it a try
I have always wanted to learn how to do this but was sure it must be very difficult. Your hub has made me want to try my hand! I absolutly love your work! Thanks so much
Hi,
i am in Jewelry trade and written few articles about Jewelry. I appreciate your hub. It is nicely written and understandable by the laymen.
Thanks and thumbs up!
Jyoti Kothari
great hub. Beautiful work. Very imaginative. You are an ARTITSTE.
what a brillant hub; I have wanted to make jewllery for ages and now I can. Thank you.
Great article. I went ahead and plugged it for you at PlugRun.com so others can see it. :)
Wow, beautiful work! My husband has hinted about making jewelry (he is now retired), so I turned him on to this article. Thanks so much for sharing.
Very nice work. I will give this a try. I really like the design and have a nice piece of beryl to wrap. Thanks for sharing this.
How beautiful the Brazilian agate is! You are really good at this! I got to about step 7 and realized that at this point I would begin to have my fingers all tangled up in wires and not know what to do next... Alas, I fear I may not be cut out for this, but I am going to bookmark it and go over the directions again, which I am sure make perfect sense to everyone else but me... I am fascinated by crystals and gem stones and would dearly love to learn to do this. You are a prodigy! :)
These are beautiful! Nice Hub.
Not sure if I want to make my own Jewelry but love the beauty of the handmade Jewelry! Thanks for sharing:)
veryyy nice craft :)
What a great work!! I must say Enelle, you have done a great job. I found the way to make those bold and gorgeous pendants from my own hands. I have joined your fanclub and would like to invite you to join mine!!
Thanks for such a fantastic hub. I love the hubs that give ideas on 'DIY'. I will definitely try it. Best thing about these pendants are that they look very stylish and classy. Best to wear with any dress. Congrats on great work. Looking forward to read more of your writings. I am joining your fan club and would like to invite you to join mine to stay connected. Have a Good Day.
wow! these are stunning!
very informative hub, thanks a bunch for sharing!
Beautiful jewelery.
Nice hub, very detailed. Thanks.
Just stumbled accross your hub. Fantastic writing, really inspiring, and beautiful designs. Thank you. rated and tweeted
I'm so happy I found this hub, I've been wanting to learn how to make jewelry for the longest time, now I can start. Thank you! Great hub! Thumbs up!
I really enjoyed this, I was afraid it was going to look bad but you did a really nice job! Great hub!
Great page love the tutorial on wire warping you make it look so easy as does my wife with her jewellery making.
It must be something that only artistic people can do because my attempts always end up looking more like a tangled mess.
This was so interesting - you do awesome work and thanks for the tips I've been wanting to try this myself.
Very beautiful jewelry! It's certainly one-of-a-kind and gorgeous. Great post!
Beautifully written hub, i have always liked this style of jewelery so i like the insrtuction given here
What beautiful jewelry - thank you for the tutorial! :)
Yum jewelry--just delicious! Your work is beautiful!
This is fantastic! Your creations are WONDERFUL! BEAUTIFUL! I love the natural stones. I love the step by step photos. Do you have instructional videos? If so, I would love to buy them!
If you decide to do them, please let me know!
I like these new design i m waiting from a long time that the author update this hub with some new photos, i like these all
do you sell video tutorials Enelle im interested , not even sure if im aloud to ask this question.
Fantastic tutorial and great work! :)
AWESOME instructions.. learned alot of things I had been wondering about as far as good tools and how to do this stuff. Your pendants are beautiful. Def bookmarking this one. Thanks SO much for sharing!
Beautiful jewelry!!! You are very talented. Nice presentation on this hub. Brava!
Fantastic & so attractive great work.
The ultimate in how to - great step by step photos and instructions.
Beautiful work, I own a piece like this, they just look so delicate and remind me of elves, which sound weird but they do.
Thank you for the step by step tutorial. It will really help in my projects. Thanks once again.
I always wanted to try this and I have bought beads and cord and clasps ans needles several weeks ago because the beads were just so lovely. You have given me an idea how I would like the necklace to look...I have no idea how successful I will be, but I bought cheap wire...so if it doesn't turn out I can always re do my project!
This Hub is inspiring...all the books I looked at had boring design...this is what I love! It will only be this one necklace, but sort of fun to make....hopefully!
Thank you!!!
Well, Enelle, If my project looks half decent, I would love to share the result! I plan to set some time aside in the winter months (don't we all!)
I have charcoal-blue freshwater pearls of odd shapes (the largest of the beads). Also tiny cloisonne beads (blue,brown and green with gold highlights , some very pale green (almost grey)shells cut into facets so they look like stones(very opalescent)
I bought some gold beading wire from Walmart...(.3mm) I doubt it is "gold" from the price.
I like the idea of clustering and adding the other smaller beads around the larger irregular ones like you have shown. I have no idea if these will look good like that, I may have to go and get more beads, once I start!...lol
Great hub Enelle. I run my own online jewellery store - Doll Heart Candy- and just love looking at ideas for designs. I am currently looking at designs for wire wrapped rings. The pendants are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
I completely agree with you. Very nice and informative article!
I am very happy to see this kind of hub. I am always want to make jewellery for my wife. I learn a lot from this hub. Truly speaking, funny enough :)
Thanks Enelle. I'll definitely post the expressions here :)
Wow..Great hub, I like what i saw here. Thanks..
great hub i like this
Some beautiful ideas. I will try them.
Creative and very informative piece of work which fascinated and motivated me about been self employed if i can learn this tips very well.thanks for sharing.
hi sweet,
i love ur work?? umm this may sound rude but is this your tutorial or sumone elses its just i noticed its a mans hand in the pics?? but thanx for posting anyway huni
Very comprehensive and clear - without these sort of tutorials it would be hard to get encouraged - I'm now encouraged to have a go!!
This is great!!!! Easy to follow directions. Thanks for shareing...
Good hub.Very informative.Thanks.
Fantastic hub! I also enjoy making my own jewelry creations. It's something fun my sister showed me and I decided to try myself and quickly it became one of my many hobbies.
Really nice jewelry, and great step by step instructions. :)
a super clear step by step guide..plus beautiful creativity..tks4shearing yr art
What a great piece of an ultimate artistic work. I loved this hub and the tips to create my own pendent.
Enelle Lamb thanks for your great hub. This will inspire many people as they are getting a good idea of starting a bussines :)
Superb use of wires.. I only knew that wires are for elctricity, telephone type of equipments.
Ya.. now I remember my sister used to give good shapes to thin support wire.. almost 25 years back.. can recall a beauiful chariot shape. I think similar activities.
You are right ! she had talent but at that time Internet was not there to share her art with others.. I will tell her to start now and utilize this media :)


























































































RedElf Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago
Another great hub, Enelle - full of information and clear illustrations. Super instructions , very easy to follow - not that I would having seen your work. I'd rather just buy mine from the master! :)