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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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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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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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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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 26, 2010

Question:

A few patterns I have call for 14-gauge “twisted wire,” with no further explanation. Does it mean a 14-gauge square or half round wire, twisted?

I also have one that requires 14-gauge round twisted wire. Does that mean 2 round wires twisted together, since round wire can’t be twisted alone?

And lastly, if the pattern calls for 13 in. of twisted wire, how long would that be before twisting?

-Jeanne in Waukesha, Wisconsin

Answer:

Without knowing exactly what the projects are, it is difficult for me to determine what another designer means by the terms you quote. Often, if you can look at a photo of the finished project, you can figure out what they are referring to. If you cannot determine the details in this manner, I would email the author personally and ask them, as unfortunately sometimes editors cut out what they feel are unnecessary details to save space in a publication.

I will try to clarify some of these for you though, just from personal experience.

I would say that “14-gauge twisted wire” refers to a square wire that has been twisted. I do not think that twisted half round wire would be a regular item, nor have I ever worked with a 14-gauge half round wire in that manner. For the “14g twisted round wire,” I would agree with you that it means 2 round wires twisted together.

Your last question, about how long to cut a square wire before twisting to end up with 13 inches, really depends on how tightly you twist it. I would begin with a 14.5 inch long piece if twisting rather tightly. When the wire is twisted to your desire, measure it and record the results in your designer notebook so you will have a reference for the next time.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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