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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