Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
October 7, 2009
Question:
What gauge and temper wire could be used to wrap a very small cabochon, to maybe set in a ring?
Answer:
Most wire ring designs incorporate the stone or cabochon within the main construction. Depending on the style of the ring being made, 22g half hard wire is commonly used, however the gauge can be adjusted according to the size of the ring. I have made very small ring sizes in 24g and for that gauge I generally use half hard wire for its’ strength. The best advice is to follow the patterns’ suggestion first, and then experiment with a smaller gauge wire for a smaller stone.
Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
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Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
October 6, 2009
Question:
How do I make chain wire and what gauge of wire should I use?
Answer:
Chain links can be made using both round and square wire, however round is preferred. The size or gauge of wire used really depends on both the maker and the desired design. 16 or 18 gauge works well for a heavy chain; while 24g makes a finer chain that is still strong when small links are created, and most chain maille pieces are made using half-hard jump rings in gauges from 18 to 21.
Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
Have a question? Submit your question here!
Sunday, September 27th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
September 26, 2009
Question:
What is the rule of thumb for uses of gauges, temper of wire? Most projects I see recommend half-hard wire.
Answer:
As the artist and creator, you are the one who will decide which gauge and temper to use for whatever design you are making! There are so many different ‘styles’ of wire jewelry, and each instructor and/or author has their favorite, however to generalize: ‘Sculpting’, is mainly done by hand with few tools involved and most of the wire used is dead soft so it can be easily manipulated, in gauges according to the size of the project from 24g through 18g; ‘Coiling’ utilizes mainly round and half-round wire in soft and half hard tempers from 26g or smaller to 16g; ‘Weaving’ is also done in both dead soft and half hard, in all sizes; while ‘Classic or Traditional’ designs use mainly half hard, often incorporating All tempers, shapes and gauges.
I would suggest that a person follow a few patterns or wire wrapped tutorials, getting the ‘feel’ of different wires as the authors who designed the patterns did so for specific reasons such as why they choose certain tempers and gauges, according to what components and embellishments are involved in the piece being made. Once you feel comfortable with certain techniques, you’ll be able to go off on your own, knowing which wire You want to use for whatever technique.
Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
Sunday, September 20th, 2009 at 1:06 am
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
September 20, 2009
Question:
I am new to wire jewelry. I am interested in “wrapping” odd shaped stones. Would stainless wire be best? If not, what would you use? Which gauge do you suggest? Are there books available that address this idea?
Answer:
Actually any wire material will do, be it stainless, copper or sterling, etc. As a novice, to wrap odd shaped/baroque stones, I recommend using a softer wire and getting the feel of it as you form it close to the shape of the stone. The most important techniques are to use enough wire to insure the stone does not pop out of its’ setting/cage and to make a bail large enough for the clasp end of a chain or the width of the piece of cord or leather used to hang/wear it with.
Sign-up for our free patterns, and be patient as they begin to arrive in your email! You’re sure to find several ideas there!
Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
Friday, September 18th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
September 18, 2009
Question:
I noticed that you offer 21 gauge wire and 22 gauge wire. Is there that much of a difference and could they be interchanged?
Answer:
In my opinion, the gauge chosen from these two, (21 and 22), depends a lot of what other items are being incorporated and into what type of design the artist is making. For example, when using round wire, 21g is about perfect for making ear wires, while 22g is just ‘that much’ too thin to keep its shape with constant wear. Sometimes the size of the holes in certain beads determines the chosen size of the wire used. When making a Classic Cabochon Ring, 21g makes the piece more suitable for a man, while 22g is looks great on most women. (And yes, often I mix the two gauges.)
Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
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