Blog posts tagged with 'Jewelry Making'

Simple Loop

Material: Bead, 26 gauge wire

Tools: Chain nose pliers, round nose pliers, cutters

Wire wrapping beads and pearls is a technique every jewelry maker should now. The ability to wire wrap a bead infuses your skillset in such a versatile way. Simply learning a basic wire wrap will allow you to create bracelets, necklaces, earrings, charms, pendants and more. When wire wrapping there are a few different supplies choices to consider. Begin with the bead you are using: is it drilled? How is it drilled? What gauge wire will fit through the drilled hole?

This will demonstrate a basic loop wiring for a bead. The basic loop is a quick and secure way to ensure the bead stays in position, while it does not have too much wrapping. This technique is used in many aspects of jewelry making embellishing earrings, creating pendants, rosary making, adding to a chain and much more.

Steps in a simple wire loop

Step 1: Cut wire, approximately 1.5", depending on bead size. You will need about 3/4 inch space for each loop and then add the bead size.

Step 2: Grip wire with round nose pliers. Ensure wire does not come above jaws as this will distort the loop shape.

Step 3: Twist the wire away from you, using your thumb to press the wire down to the plier jaws. Once twist is complete, slightly loosen and readjust to pliers to perform second twist ( ensure to use the same point on the pliers, if you move up or down it will change the size of the loop). Continue to turn until you hit the wire creating a full loop.

Step 4: Grip inside of loop with round nose pliers, and twist ( away from opening)

NOTE: If using a thick gauge wire like 22 gauge 20 gauge or thicker,use chain nose pliers for your bend because they are stronger and you may have trouble with the round nose.

Step 5: To close loop completely you simply wiggle closed using chain nose pliers

Step 6: String bead onto wire

Step 7: Cut excess wire, leaving 3/4 inch tail to create loop

Step 8: Grip end of wire with round nose pliers and repeat step 3.

Step 9: Grip loop inside with round nose pliers and twist back to round out loop. This will open up the loop.

Step 10: Grip the wire end and twist inward again connecting the tip to the base of the loop

Step 11: If looping the bead onto a chain or another piece of wire loop through the open tail 

Step 12: Close loop with chain nose pliers simply wiggle it as close to base as possible

If loops are not in the right position ie. perpendicular - depending on your design then grip each loop and twist into desired position.

Tips:

• If needed mark a spot on you round nose pliers to remember where to bend and make the same size loops.
• The larger the loop you want, the higher along the round nose pliers you will grip
• Lastly - practice makes perfect - do not expect to have a perfect loop on your first try. Keep at it and you will get a groove going!

Thank you 

Beadunion

Wire wrapped gemstone bar

Material: beads, 2 inches 26 gauge wire, chain

Tools: round nose pliers, bent chain nose pliers, chain nose pliers, measuring tool

The gemstone bar is a trending style that is versatile and just a slight adaptation from basic wire wrapping. You can use any type of fully drilled beads to create the gem bar and combined with other techniques, you can create unique jewelry with securely fastened gemstones. Using basic wire wrapping technique, the gem bar is a simple and elegant way to display those gorgeous gemstones we love so much.

This demonstration will show a 1 inch gemstone bar, however you can make your bar as long or as short as you like simply by adding beads or taking away beads and shortening length of wire.

Step 1: Use chain nose pliers and bend the wire at with a 3/4 inch tail, creating a 90-degree angle

Step 2: Use the round nose pliers and create a loop bringing the tail around the plier tip

Step 3: String the chain through the tail, letting it fall into the loop.

Step 4: Grip the loop with the chain nose pliers, and with the bent chain nose pliers, begin to wind the tail around the base of the loop, making 2-3 coils

Step 5: Secure the end of the tail tightly to the coil

Step 6: Cut the wire leave 1.5 inches for the gem bar and you final loop

Step 7: String your beads onto the wire making a 1 inch bar

Step 8: Grip the tail with the chain nose pliers leaving 3mm beside the last bead

Step 9: With the chain nose pliers, make another 90 degree bend

Step 9: Use the round nose pliers and grip the bend at its angle, take the tail and wrap over the plier tip creating a loop ( make sure you loop in the same area as the first loop to ensure the same size loop)

Step 10: Coil the wire around tightening the beads

Beadunion

It is important to know your wearer. Some people like children or seniors may have trouble with small clasps. Look at your different options before creating something for someone who may have trouble with it.

Spring ring clasps (see above), are easy to use in making jewelry. They are available in all different sizes so if your wearer may have difficultly in opening the tiny clasp, larger sizes such as 8 or 10mm are always available. The average size of spring ring clasp used is 5.5-6mm, which can be too small for some wearers. This is a basic closure, very common and accomadates many different styles.

Lobster clasps (see above) are a basic choice of clasp as well. They are a little stronger than the spring ring clasps and equal in difficulty regarding opening and closing. Lobster clasps do come in a variety of sizes as well to accomadate different styles and closure needs. Used more on heavier chains and beaded pieces because of their strength.

The toggle (see above) it has such a fun look and there are so many option of toggles, they can work with nearly any design! This tiny circle toggle is an easy to use closure and very simple when incorporating in your designs. If you have never worked with toggles before, try it! They are a fun and different way to close up those masterpieces your creating! Toggles are available in many shapes and sizes, keep that in mind with your design. 

Lastly, the huge hook clasp (see above) offers a unique look and it is incredibly easy to use, just loop the ring through the droplet. This sepcific one is quite large, about 27 mm long. This piece not only could make a beautiful closure but you (Jeweler) can also try and create something like this yourself using some 20 or 18 gauge wire. Design your own hook clasp!

Tips on closures:

• If it is for a child- saftey chains can make a huge difference!
• If it is for a senior, have your necklace chain be 30 or 36 inches-just put it over their head, no need for clasps
• Elastic string is ok to use
• Suite the size of your closure to the size of you necklace/bracelet

Thankyou

Beadunion