Gem Stone Wire Wrapped Jewelry

What is Wire Wrapped Jewelry?

Wire jewelry artists use the technique of wire wrapping jewelry extensively in their designs. The technique allows the jeweler to create unique settings for stones and gemstones of every size and shape can be accommodated. Each piece of wire wrapped jewelry is individually made and the jeweler is able to design a piece of jewelry to complement the features of a beautiful stone. Wire wrapping works particularly well with unusual and irregular shapes, allowing these stones to be set without the need of glue or machine fabricated settings.

The technique of wire wrapping involves taking a stone and intricately wrapping wire in such a way that the stone is securely cocooned within the wire twirls. The wire needs to be thick enough that it holds its shape, yet thin enough for the wire artist to be able to bend and flex. The wire artist will use the twists and turns in the wire as a design feature and the finished result can either by light and airy or more dense and robust.

All types of jewelry can be made using this technique, and wire artists create rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings as well as more unusual items such as tiaras.

Gemstones

There is an abundance of choice found in gemstones. The whole palette of colors is represented from the palest of pastel pink found in rose quartz through to the deep hues of onyx and agates. In between the bright colors of turquoise, amethysts and jades means that there is bound to be a stone to appeal.

Wire wrapping is also used to set the irregular shapes of crystals and this can make a wonderful way to show off a special stone regardless of whether you believe in its healing powers.

Wire Used in Wire Wrap Jewelry

Any wire can be used and individual wire artists have their own preferences. Coated copper wires, which are often referred to as craft wires, are available in a wide range of colors and thicknesses. These can often be found in fashion jewelry and offer a good low cost option. Precious metals such as gold and silver are also widely used. Gold and silver have their own unique qualities and make extremely attractive and special items of jewelry.

Silver is an excellent option and is a popular choice with most wire artists. Silver offers the combination of being reasonably priced and yet also being highly attractive. Most silver wire used in wire wrapped jeweler will be solid silver. Gold is found in different grades. The high cost of solid gold means that alternatives are often an attractive option. Gold wire wrapped jewelry is often available in different types of wire:

• Solid Gold – this is the most expensive option as all of the wire is gold.
• Gold Plated – this is a wire made from a base metal such as copper which is coated with a thin layer of gold. The coating can quickly wear off and may become damaged by scratches exposing the base metal underneath.
• Gold Filled Wire – this wire is a mid way point between the two grades above. It is not solid gold, however the layer of gold is thick and substantial meaning that it should not rub away even with constant wear.

Buying Gem Stone Wire Wrapped Jewelry

Craft markets and galleries are excellent places to find wire wrapped jewelry. Independent wire artists and jewelers often sell their one of a kind pieces in this sort of venue. It is also possible to buy jewelry online and many artists have their own websites, allowing buyers to look at their complete range of items.

• Eni Oken
• Rapt Elegance
• Wire Treasures

Large web portals such as Etsy.com and eBay.com are also worth taking a look at.

Wire artists will be delighted to take commissions and create pieces of jewelry specifically for a client. Designers such as Eni Oken (above) will also take items owned by a client and reform them into unique items of jewelry. These might include items of sentimental value or pieces of broken jewelry and are a lovely way to own something extremely special.

Gem stone wire wrapped jewelry is always highly unique and offers the wearer the opportunity to own a piece of jewelry expressing their own individuality.