Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
October 17, 2009

Question:

I would like to make the clasps for necklace in sterling silver.  What type of wire would be most appropriate?

Answer:

The most often used wire shape to make clasps is round and the temper is determined by the gauge or size of the wire. If the wire is large like 18 gauge, then I recommend using dead soft because most clasps are made using small bends and larger soft wire will work harden quickly. If the wire is smaller like 21 gauge, then I would use a half-hard wire to give this smaller size the necessary strength. The size of the wire used should be decided upon by the size and style of the necklace, larger for a heavy design and smaller for a more delicate piece.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
October 14, 2009

Question:

I bought a green Sapphire 18mm trillion cut.  How can I go about wrapping a stone this large to look nice?  I tried once and what a mess.

Answer:

Wow, that sounds like a gorgeous stone! If it were me, I’d make either a simple frame (using 24g square half-hard as the top/pull over wire so the stone isn’t covered too much, and 22g for the rest, wrapping along the sides with 20g 1/2 round and leaving the two triangular ends open, then use a knife and fold the top wire over the corners) or really celebrate this stone by making it into the ‘Orbit’ Prong Pendant setting in my book. Whatever you decide to do with it, I’m sure it will be lovely!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
October 10, 2009

Question:

How to you figure out how much wire to use when wrapping a Chinese donut?  Is there a formula taking into consideration the size of the donut?

Answer:

To determine the length of wire needed for certain projects, try using a piece of thread first. Just remember to add a couple of inches to the overall length to compensate for the curves the wire will be making.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
September 23, 2009

Question:

Could I use silver-plated and/or gold-plated headpins or eye pins to make french hooks?

Answer:

Although plated wire can be used to make anything, personally I do not recommend using it to make ear wires or any item that will be inserted into or through the skin as plated wire is covering a base metal that a person can be allergic to, and the plating may even crack and/or peel off, making your beautiful product substandard.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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