Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
October 24, 2010

Question:

What do you suggest, or do you carry something specific to use to make earrings for someone allergic to metals?

-Ann in Danvers, Massachusetts

Answer:

Most often, I recommend that folks use Argentium and always have a box of my handmade styles with me. I also carry a supply of inexpensive but good quality surgical steel ear wires and posts as well.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here

Sign up to receive Daily Tips by email

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
October 23, 2010

Question:

I am 73 and started wire wrapping agates I find on the beach. I would like to know if you have any books or DVDs on just wire wrapping pendants. I have sold a few, but I want to learn other techniques in wire wrapping.

-Leon in Florence, Oregon

Answer:

Free-form agates and other stones that have been water-polished, as well as a variety of "found" treasures, can be easily made into pendants by following the directions in Part 6 of the Beginner Series, "Caged Crystal Pendant."

I also have a great project/lesson that you can use directly from your computer! Lesson 3, "Lock That Rock" was designed just for items like these! Have fun!!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here

Sign up to receive Daily Tips by email

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
October 20, 2010

Question:

When a pattern calls for 16- or 14-gauge wire, and I have 18-gauge, how do I know the amount and lengths of wire to use? I like working in 18-gauge wire.

-Sandra in Montpelier, Virginia

Answer:

Sometimes one cannot substitute a different gauge for a certain project. For example, if a design calls for 14-gauge square wire, the project probably needs the extra width on all four sides, not just the top and bottom, as well as for strength. Unless you were to stack two bundles of 18-gauge on top of one another (which can be done, but is difficult to keep in place when shaping and wrapping), you cannot substitute 18-gauge for the 14-gauge.

Here is an easy way to find out how many pieces of 18-gauge to use in place of the 16-gauge: three pieces of 18-gauge will about equal one width of 16-gauge, although not the depth. This would probably work for most designs.

The above method uses square wire. When it comes to round, again, if a 14-gauge is called for, an 18-gauge is just too small, but you could probably get by with a 16-gauge. My advice here would be to choose a pattern you like and experiment, making sure to write all of the results in your designer’s notebook for future reference.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here

Sign up to receive Daily Tips by email

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
October 18, 2010

Question:

How do you make a simple compression setting for a sphere? I would like to make a pendant using an antique marble. I don’t want to cage the marble, because that will hide the beautiful glass swirls inside.

-Angela in Dunwoody, Georgia

Answer:

Angela, your antique marble sounds like a lovely treasure. From what you describe, I believe a compression setting is commonly termed a "tension" setting.

The method of tension setting evolved in the 1960s and is basically used to make gemstone rings, and only with certain gemstones. The stone needs to be hard enough to take the pressure of the metal that is on each side of the stone (from 65 to 95 pounds of pressure per square inch), which means a stone with a Mohs hardness of 9-10, specifically corundum (ruby and sapphire) and diamond. With all due respect to the design methods, I do not think that this can be done with wire wrapping.

I do have a suggestion that I feel would be more safe for your antique, and less expensive. Why not try a simple cage, such as the one I teach in the new online class "Lock That Rock!" Looking at the photo, you can see that by following the class directions, but reducing the number of wires used to two for the base, you will end up with a nice four-wire cage. When it has been completed, you can then use round nose pliers to swirl the cage wires, matching or complementing the swirls in the marble. And you will have made an heirloom of your lovely marble, without damaging it.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here

Sign up to receive Daily Tips by email

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
October 17, 2010

Question:

I have a lot of cabs, but they don’t have the girdled edge, and are hard to wire wrap. Do you have any suggestions?

-Kris in Woodinville, Washington

Answer:

To make a frame for cabochons that have no girdle or edge, never use less than four wires for the frame, and make the main curve in the frame shape over a found item that is just a bit smaller than the size desired.

When the frame has been completely shaped, wrap the top/bail section twice with wire and then make the pulls that will go over the top of the cabochon "off-the-stone" first. Then insert the cab and make the needed pulls on the back to lock the stone in. Finish the bail creation and embellish as desired.

Extra tip: This is how I personally frame-wrap delicate and soft stones such as malachite, natural turquoise, and opals!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here

Sign up to receive Daily Tips by email