Gem Stone Wire Wrapped Jewelry

Wire Wrapped Gem Stones in Jewelry such as Pendants and Earrings are Stunning and Unique

Gem stones can be presented many ways in jewelry. One unique method which has gained popularity recently is to wrap wire around a gemstone to hold it securely.

Handmade jewelry artisans often use this method and the technique can make their pieces look very unique and special.

Coiled Wire

There are many different ways wire is wrapped around the stones. One common method is to wrap the top part of a gem in consecutive circles to make a tight coil, usually covering the top quarter to one third. Glue is required to keep the gem properly secured for un-drilled pieces. If the stone has a hole drilled through the length of it, the wire can be secured to the bottom, then threaded to the top and wrapped without using glue. Both symmetrical and irregular gemstones can be wrapped in this way.

Gems with Attractively Wrapped Wire

Another method does not require glue. The gem is wrapped snugly with wire at various points in an attractive pattern. Enough wire is used to keep the gemstone secure while allowing most of the stone to be viewable.

Some artisans take the method one step further and have some loosely wrapped wire outside of the first layer. The extra wire is decorative and adds an interesting dimension to the jewelry. Some methods make what looks like a frame around the gem, which highlights it and compliments it.

Randomly Wrapped Wire

Some wrapping techniques look completely random. The wire holds the stone in place with no apparent design. The randomness creates an interesting look and works well with contemporary pieces of jewelry.

Just about any type of stone can be used with jewelry wire wrapping techniques. Simple patterns are easy to learn for beginners, and skill and technique can increase with time and practice. Creativity can be used for these pieces since the sky is the limit in designs.

Gemstones

The following gemstones work particularly well wrapped with silver wire:

quartz
amethyst
jade
tigers eye
lapis lazuli
jasper
onyx
turquoise
agate
sodalite

Last Updated ( Friday, 03 April 2009 )

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