Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
March 14, 2010

Question:

Dale, in your book, you show making the bracelet so the hook opening points away from the wrist.  Other bracelet patterns often show the hook pointing toward the wrist.  Does it make a difference?

Answer:

Great question, thanks! In my many years of making and selling hundreds of wire bracelets with a hook and eye clasp, I have only ever had one customer request that I turn the hook around to face ‘in’, toward her wrist (which is simple to do ‘on the spot’). With the hook facing ‘out’, away from the wrist, it is so easy for one to be able to put a bracelet on and take it off, with one hand, eliminating the need for struggle or another person to help (especially for those with arthritis). Also, if you think about it, the majority of folks who purchase bracelets are ‘working’, writing or using a computer, and when the hook faces ‘in’, it can dig into the arm. The next question that I am usually asked about facing the hook ‘out’ is if it won’t catch on clothing. The answer here is; that unless one is wearing something with an extremely loose weave, such as crochet, because the hook is rounded in shape, it most often it just glides over most fabric.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with: bracelet • eye clasp • hook • opening • points • wrist

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Technique Tips • Wire Tips

Hey Wire Sculptors,

I’m so excited to tell you we have just received a huge shipment of high quality Cubic Zirconia stones! These stunning faceted gemstones are cut in a variety of shapes, including round, marquise, oval, and rectangle – check ‘em out on our Cubic Zirconia page!

With this shipment, we quite possibly have the largest quantity of CZs on the internet, and not only that – we have the widest selection, too! We have hundreds of new gems in stock, and in dozens of combinations – huge CZs, tiny CZs, and a whole rainbow of colors!

When I saw the shipment of cubic zirconia gemstones come into our warehouse today, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Box after box of glittering gems! I find cubic zirconia pretty irresistible – they sparkle, they’re versatile, and of course, they’re easy on the wallet!

So what can you make with CZs? Cubic zirconia gemstones aren’t just about diamonds anymore. Our cubic zirconia gems come in a sparkling rainbow of colors, perfect for matching birthstones and favorite colors.

One of the first projects I did with colored cubic zirconium stones was make a family bracelet for my wife.

My grandmother always wore a family ring with all her children and grandchildren on it, and it was a powerful sign of her love for us. I wanted to give my wife a gift with the same meaning, so I grabbed some argentium wire and set to work.

She loves her bracelet of peridot, ruby, and sapphire CZ gems, and wears it whenever we have family gatherings and special occasions.

I bet you can think of some thoughtful ways to use cubic zirconia gems that your friends and clients will love!

Til next time,
Brandon Hutchins

Tagged with: cubic zirconia • cubic zirconium • czs • new cz stock

Filed under: Announcements • Promotions

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
March 13, 2010

Question:

I measure the amount of wire I need for a 7″ bracelet, after it is done it ends up a 5-6″ bracelet. Am I wrapping the bundles to tight?

Answer:

Without knowing exactly what style of bracelet is giving you this challenge, I can only give a general answer. If you are incorporating beads that are large around or very long, these can take up some of the inside dimension. While planning the wire lengths, are you taking into account the length of these wires that will be folded under or curled to finish the ends? Whereas you have already made a bracelet, try using it as a prototype; by measuring the wire lengths used for the above techniques and adding that number to your desired finished size, and then make another one, writing down ‘your own’ new bracelet formula. 

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with: beads • bracelet • bundles • wire • wire lengths

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Wire Tips

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
March 12, 2010

Question:

How can I tell the size of the hole in the bead.  I am working with 18 gauge wire.  Most beads don’t fit.

Answer:

When you are purchasing beads via a catalogue or a website, often the vendor will list the size of the hole in mm. To reference the hole size against the wire size, see the Conversion Table at the bottom of this page, where 18g wire is listed as having a diameter of 1.02mm (or .0508 inch) http://wire-sculpture.com/pages/wire_footage_charts.html When shopping for beads in person, carry a 2-inch piece of each wire you use on a regular basis, in your wallet.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with: beads • gauge wire • hole • wire size

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Wire Tips

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
March 11, 2010

Question:

In some instuctions they recommend horse cutters for 14ga and larger wire. What exactly are they and where would you buy them?

Answer:

The only answer I can give you for this one is that very heavy wire cutters are used to cut barbed and fence wire, which may be what the author means when they refer to the wire cutters as ‘horse’ cutters.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with: barbed • fence wire • heavy wire cutters • horse cutters • large wire

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Jewelry Tool Tips