Topics: Wire, Findings
Q.
I would like to make findings using wires. How can I make these? What kind of wire should I use and how can I make a secure finding so that the stone or gem I want to attach will be secure?
A.
There are many types of findings you can make using wire. Instructions for making headpins, jumprings and clasps can be found by clicking on the links in the Resource section below. Instructions for wire wrapping stones is also linked to below.
Wire is available in many types of metal including gold-filled, sterling silver and copper tempers. There are also many gauges ranging from 30-gauge (finest) to 12-gauge in tempers from dead-soft to full-hard. You can also select square, half-round and twisted which are decorative but can also be functional. The type of metal you choose is typically a personal choice and usually dictated by the type of metal in your design or the color and quality of the beads or other materials in your design. The size, or gauge wire is usually based on selecting the heaviest gauge suitable for the bead-hole size or the strength needed for the findings you are making. When making a clasp, 14-guage is usually a good place to start and for earwires 22- or 20-gauge are best so they fit through the pierced ear. The temper you choose is based on the type of finding you are making. The ''Thread, Cord, and Wire Information'' chart outlines when to choose which one.
- Tammy Honaman, Author, Jewelry-Making Expert and Educator
Materials Resources
- ''Making Headpins from Wire'' how-to video
- ''Making Jumprings with Jumpring Mandrels'' how-to video
- ''Forming Basic Wire Shapes'' how-to video
- ''Forming a Hook and Eye Clasp'' illustrated instructions
- ''Wire Jig, How-To'' how-to video and illustrated instructions
- ''Wrapping Stones and Beads with Half-Round wire'' how-to video
