Making Jewelry - Wire Wrapping 101 (niobium jewelry wire)

(niobium jewelry wire)

Do you know what the one basic wire working technique is, that is so useful when making jewelry that it is well worth taking the time to learn and practice? It is known as the wrapped loop. There are photographs to accompany this article. (niobium jewelry wire) They may be found at SyZyGy Jewelry. A working link to the site can be found at the end of this article. Go to About Us & More. Under that main menu heading you will find Wrapped Loop; click on that. (niobium jewelry wire)

If you do not know how to solder silver and gold, this is the most secure way to attach one design element to another. It will also let you make a pendant out of any bead, make your own chain and produce wonderful earrings that will not come apart.(niobium jewelry wire)

To begin, you will need:

1. chain nose pliers

2. round nose pliers

3. cutters

4. 20 or 22 gauge wire or 3" headpins (the wire should be half hard)

5. an assortment of beads

Chain nose pliers (CNP) are like needle nose pliers without the grooves on the inside of the jaws. This allows you to grip the wire without marring it. Round nose pliers (RNP) have two smooth, conical jaws that get larger toward the joint. The cutters should be semi-flush. Box joints are better than joints like you would find on a pair of scissors.(niobium jewelry wire)

I rarely use headpins. I prefer wire because it is less wasteful, but if you do not like the look of the handmade headpin, then by all means, use commercially made headpins.(niobium jewelry wire) It is best to practice with 3" headpins because it gives you more to work with. So, let's begin.(niobium jewelry wire)

If you are using wire instead of headpins, cut a piece that is about 10" long. Any longer and it gets a little difficult to manage. Straighten the wire. (niobium jewelry wire)To make the headpin, grab the wire at one end with the very tips of the chain nose pliers. Bend the wire back on itself, but not all the way. Pinch the end closed the rest of the way with the CNP. If the hole in your bead is large, make a larger crimp. You do not really want the "head" to be pulled up inside of the bead.(niobium jewelry wire)