Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 22, 2010

Question:

I do quite a bit of wire wrap jewelry and have some difficulty when I bring the square wires to the top of the stone and securing it by wrapping. Do you have any suggestions on how to make this easier?

-Melanie in Glenville, New York

Answer:

I am answering this question using an oval or round cabochon as an example.

After you have wrapped the frame bundle, use an item just a bit smaller than the bottom curve of the cab to shape the center of the frame bundle.

Next, use your fingers to slightly round the inside of the frame, so it more closely matches the cab shape. When bringing the wires to the top, make a 90° angle in each end of the bundle, where they meet at the top of the cab. Place a piece of tape about 1/2" above the junction to hold the frame together while you use wire to wrap them together at the junction. By spending a bit more time with the shape of the frame, the stone will be less likely to want to jump out.

Often I wrap the frame together without the stone in it. Beginner Series Disc 2 shows exactly how to shape and formulate frames for about any size or shape item, including cabochons!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 21, 2010

Question:

I’m presently using 20-gauge half hard wire. What type of wire should I use to wrap these wires?

-Bernard in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Answer:

As I am not sure what type of project you are making or the shape of the wire you mention, I’ll share a couple of suggestions.

If the 20-gauge half hard wire is square and you are making a bracelet, I would use the same gauge and temper for the wraps.

However, if you are framing a cabochon, then 20-gauge half round half hard works well for the side or frame wraps, then use 20-gauge square half hard wire for the bail wrap. The reason behind this is, if you do not want a lot of wire between the cab and where the bail opening actually begins, square wire is more powerful than half round, so you only need 4 or 5 full wraps to secure the bail.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 18, 2010

Question:

I have never seen any white gold wire used in wire jewelry. Is it the color of true sterling silver, or is it still yellow? Does it work the same as gold filled wire? I have tried Argentium wire, but was dissatisfied with its dullness. Just tired of tarnish!

-Karen in Tarpon Springs, Florida

Answer:

Ah ha, Florida, like me you fight tarnish like the plague it is!

First let me tell you that there is no such thing as "white" gold naturally. For a full discussion of this fact, I’d like to refer back to this tip from November 2009: What Is White Gold? (read the comments, too!). So no, I don’t think using white gold wire is your answer.

Now on to your other comment. I wonder if you are polishing your Argentium wire with a cloth while you work with it? I have used Argentium for more than 5 years now and I love its bright, white color. To me, when both kinds of wire are polished and clean, lying side-by-side, sterling silver has a gray tint when placed next to Argentium that is a bright white. Anyone else?

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 17, 2010

Question:

I noticed in your article A Few Words about Copper, you mentioned that when heating copper, one should use a respirator.

What specific type of respirator is adequate? I’ve seen many kinds at the home improvement store, but they don’t mention the soldering chemicals.

-Essie in Humble, Texas

Answer:

Thanks so much for asking me to expand upon this subject.

Respirators are extremely important for all of us in many areas of jewelry making. A full-face respirator is not necessary; rather a partial respirator with replaceable filter cartridges will do just fine. You can purchase just the cartridges needed according to which chemicals and materials you are working with at the time. For detailed information regarding the choice and use of respirators, please find your area of interest in this Respirator Fact Sheet from NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).

No, I cannot tell you which one to purchase, folks. Your choice will depend on what you are doing that requires its use, as found in the article linked above. After you have determined which type of respirator will fit your specific needs, it will be easier to do an Internet search for one to purchase. I know that wearing a respirator is not much of a fashion statement in some circles; however, your health should always come first.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 16, 2010

Question:

How do I use snapsets in wire jewelry? I am not sure how they work.

-Donna in Burlington, Connecticut

Answer:

Snapsets are silver or gold prong settings for faceted gemstones. To use a wire worker’s snapset, first set the stone by placing the table of the gemstone (the large flat surface) on a firm surface. Place the snapset over it, and apply moderate pressure to set the stone until you hear a snap. When any snapset is set properly, you should hear a snap when the stone sets.

Gold Filled (l) and Sterling Silver (r) Snapsets for rings and other designs

For use in wire working, you would run your wire between the stone and the prong to attach it to your basic wire structure or just below the bail. The most common sizes for wire workers’ snapsets are 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm in both Sterling Silver and Gold Filled.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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