Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 31, 2010

Question:

I have a large citrine I want to make into a pendant, but it is very deep. I would like to wrap the pendant in a combination of pattern wire and square wire, but do not know how to end the pattern wire to do the bail.

-Merilou in Wildomar, California

Answer:

I often add pattern wire to the frame of a deep stone. Incorporate the pattern wire as you would any square wire and when coming to the bail, you can choose several options, depending on the design you want.

One way is to just cut the pattern wire a bit longer than the bail wrap and then fold it over the wraps and flatten it down. Another way is to leave the pattern wire ends a bit longer, shape them into the flow of your design and use a Dremel to round off the sharp edges as in this example. With some experimentation, you will discover the look you desire. Have fun!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with:gemstones, make a bail, pattern wire, wire wrapping, wrapped pendant

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Project Help • Wire & Wire Wrapping

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 30, 2010

Question:

Hi Dale, is there a stamp available with which to stamp a tag to include in a jewelry piece, which states its quality, such as 14kt Gold Fill? I don’t do shows, I sell in shops and online. I haven’t seen such a stamp yet, this is the problem, or I would have bought one. So how does one use a stamped tag? Do you know where a stamp like this would be available? Many thanks for your helpful answers.

-Patricia in Melbourne, Australia

Answer:

Well, there are a few options. Whenever I do a show, I usually have some of my wire with me. If a customer is curious, I show it to them and explain just what the metal is. You could also print a type of materials guarantee on the reverse of your business card, stating that the materials you use are genuine. I know other wire artists who attach small metal tags, with the metal type and/or karat stamped on them, to their work.

As far as actual jewelry tags, Wire-Sculpture stocks Sterling Silver Quality tags, which work great for your sterling silver jewelry. However, none of our suppliers carry 14kt gf tags, because they are so small to manufacture around the fill metal.

You can have your own stamps made online. The best place I know to go for jewelry stamps is Microstamp Online. These folks can make about any size, metal and wording you might need. They are very friendly and helpful!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with:925 silver tags, jewelry tags, precious metal tags, quality stamps, quality tags

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Sales, Marketing, Shows, & Display

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 29, 2010

Question:

What gauge of wire do I use for hoop ear rings? Everything I try seems to be too light.

-Cookie in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Answer:

The size of the wire used for hoop earrings really depends on the style of hoop you desire to create. If you want to make plain hoops that go through the ear with nothing on them, take the size of a piercing into consideration and use from an 18-gauge for larger holes, down to a 21-gauge for smaller.

If you want to make a more substantial hoop, then my advice would be to use any gauge you want, from an 18- through a 14-gauge, and attach the hoop to an ear wire or post for the customer’s comfort. When using these larger gauges, it is fun to forge the hoops with a chasing hammer and a bench block, to add some cool texture to the metal.

For a start, check out this Free Pattern for Hoop Earrings.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with:earrings, free pattern, how to make jewelry, wire gauge

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Project Help • Wire & Wire Wrapping

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 28, 2010

Question:

Sometimes I’ve noticed that wire is sold by decimal measurement. Is there a conversion chart to establish the gauge?

-Sue in Post Falls, Idaho

Answer:

Hi Sue, the decimal measurement refers to millimeters. Our Wire Conversion Table can help (scroll down to the bottom chart). This chart can also help when purchasing beads and you need a specific sized hole.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with:wire conversion, wire gauge, wire measurement

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Wire & Wire Wrapping

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 27, 2010

Question:

I’m new at wire wrapping, and I use quilter’s tape on my wires. It works great, but it leaves glue on my wires and I don’t know what to use to clean them; I am working with gold and silver wire.

-Gay in Star, Idaho

Answer:

A cotton swab or clean piece of t-shirt that has been dampened with denatured alcohol will easily remove any tape residue as well as unwanted marker from any of your wire jewelry, with no harm to the wire.

After cleaning, wipe the area clean with a dry, clean t-shirt scrap or a polishing cloth. You can find denatured alcohol at any hardware store.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with:glue residue, hardware store, quilters tape, wire bundle

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Jewelry Tool Tips • Wire & Wire Wrapping